Skillet

Bacon And Cabbage Skillet

Name: Bacon And Cabbage Skillet
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 6 slices of thick-cut bacon; 4 pork chops, 1 inch thick; 1 large head of cabbage, shredded; 2 tablespoons of olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon of salt; 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper; 1/4 cup of chicken broth; 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar

By Amara Hartwell · June 19, 2026 · Skillet

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves4

There's something undeniably comforting about a sizzling skillet filled with the savory aromas of bacon and cabbage. As a home cook, I've always been drawn to recipes that combine simple, wholesome ingredients with rich, satisfying flavors. The Bacon And Cabbage Skillet is one such dish that never fails to hit the spot, especially on a chilly evening when all you crave is a warm, comforting meal.

I remember first trying this recipe at a friend's dinner party, where the combination of crispy bacon, tender cabbage, and juicy pork chops left everyone begging for seconds. Since then, I've perfected the recipe to suit my own tastes, experimenting with different cuts of pork and cooking techniques to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

This recipe is special because it's incredibly versatile and forgiving, making it perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend meal, the Bacon And Cabbage Skillet is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, let's dive in and explore the magic behind this mouthwatering dish!

One of the best things about this recipe is its accessibility. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a truly impressive meal that's sure to impress your family and friends. And the best part? It's ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner invitations.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of pork chops, bacon, cabbage, and a few aromatics to create a rich, satisfying flavor profile. We'll start by cooking the bacon and pork chops in a skillet, then add in the cabbage and cook until it's tender and lightly caramelized. The result is a dish that's both comforting and elegant, perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's a great way to use up leftover cabbage and bacon
The dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend meal
It's a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your tastes
It's a comforting and satisfying meal that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen
It's ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner invitations

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe's success lies in its layering of flavors and textures. By cooking the bacon and pork chops separately before adding in the cabbage, we create a rich, savory broth that infuses the entire dish with depth and complexity. The cabbage, with its delicate crunch and subtle sweetness, provides a beautiful contrast to the smoky, meaty flavors of the bacon and pork.

Another important factor is the cooking technique itself. By starting the bacon and pork chops in a cold skillet, we allow the fat to render slowly and evenly, creating a crispy, caramelized crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. This technique, known as 'low and slow' cooking, is essential for achieving the perfect balance of textures and flavors in this dish.

Finally, the resting time is crucial in allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to relax, making it even more tender and juicy. This simple step can make all the difference in the world, and it's a technique that I use in many of my recipes to ensure the best possible results.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to choosing the ingredients for this recipe, it's all about selecting the freshest and highest-quality options available. Look for thick-cut bacon with a good balance of fat and meat, and opt for pork chops that are at least 1 inch thick. The cabbage should be firm and crisp, with a sweet and slightly bitter flavor. By using these simple yet flavorful ingredients, we can create a dish that's both comforting and elegant.

6 slices of thick-cut baconThick-cut bacon is essential for this recipe, as it allows for a crispy exterior and a chewy interior. Look for bacon with a good balance of fat and meat.
4 pork chops, 1 inch thickPork chops should be at least 1 inch thick to ensure they stay juicy and tender during cooking. Opt for boneless chops for easier cooking and serving.
1 large head of cabbage, shreddedFresh cabbage is essential for this recipe, as it provides a sweet and slightly bitter flavor. Look for firm, crisp cabbage with no signs of wilting or browning.
2 tablespoons of olive oilOlive oil is used to cook the pork chops and add flavor to the dish. Opt for a high-quality oil with a mild flavor to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.
1 onion, choppedOnions add a sweet and savory flavor to the dish, and help to balance out the richness of the bacon and pork. Opt for a sweet onion variety, such as Vidalia or Maui, for the best flavor.
3 cloves of garlic, mincedGarlic is used to add depth and complexity to the dish, and helps to balance out the flavors of the bacon and pork. Opt for fresh garlic for the best flavor, and mince it finely to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.
1 teaspoon of saltSalt is used to enhance the flavors of the dish and add depth and complexity. Opt for a high-quality salt, such as kosher or sea salt, for the best flavor.
1/2 teaspoon of black pepperBlack pepper is used to add a subtle kick to the dish, and help to balance out the flavors of the bacon and pork. Opt for freshly ground pepper for the best flavor.
1/4 cup of chicken brothChicken broth is used to add moisture and flavor to the dish, and help to balance out the richness of the bacon and pork. Opt for a low-sodium broth to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.
2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegarApple cider vinegar is used to add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dish, and help to balance out the richness of the bacon and pork. Opt for a high-quality vinegar with a mild flavor to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.

Ingredients for Bacon And Cabbage Skillet

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardInstant-read thermometerTongs or spatulaMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Bacon And Cabbage Skillet

1
Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
2
Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
3
Add the olive oil to the skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom, then add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
5
Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
6
Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside to rest, then add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and cook until tender and lightly caramelized, about 10-12 minutes.
7
Add the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar to the skillet and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
8
Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon some of the cabbage and sauce over the top of each chop.
9
Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and the cabbage is tender.
10
Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to relax.
11
Slice the pork chops and serve with the cabbage and sauce spooned over the top, garnished with crispy bacon and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Expert Tips

Use thick-cut bacon for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the pork chops, as they can become dry and tough.
Let the dish rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to relax.
Use a high-quality apple cider vinegar for the best flavor.
Don't overcrowd the skillet, as this can prevent the cabbage from cooking evenly.
Stir the cabbage occasionally to prevent burning and promote even cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork chops are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pork chops, which can make them dry and tough.
Not letting the dish rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving, which can prevent the flavors from melding together and the meat from relaxing.
Using low-quality ingredients, such as thin-cut bacon or low-sodium chicken broth, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not stirring the cabbage occasionally, which can cause it to burn or cook unevenly.
Not using a meat thermometer to ensure the pork chops are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Overcrowding the skillet, which can prevent the cabbage from cooking evenly and affect the overall texture of the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced apples or carrots to the skillet with the cabbage for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of vinegar, such as balsamic or white wine vinegar, for a unique flavor profile.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the dish for added flavor and freshness.
Use different types of pork, such as pork tenderloin or pork belly, for a unique texture and flavor.
Add some spicy elements, such as red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos, to the dish for added heat and flavor.
Use different types of cabbage, such as napa or savoy, for a unique texture and flavor.
Add some nuts or seeds, such as chopped pecans or sesame seeds, to the dish for added crunch and nutrition.

What to Serve With Bacon And Cabbage Skillet

This dish is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as roasted potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with some crusty bread or over egg noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal. Whatever you choose, I hope you enjoy this delicious and comforting Bacon And Cabbage Skillet recipe!

Some other ideas for serving this dish include serving it with a side of sauerkraut or braised red cabbage, or using it as a filling for tacos or sandwiches. You could also serve it with a fried egg on top, or use it as a topping for a baked potato or salad. The possibilities are endless, and I'm sure you'll find a way to make this dish your own!

Serve with roasted potatoes and steamed broccoliServe with a simple green salad and crusty breadServe over egg noodles or riceUse as a filling for tacos or sandwichesServe with a side of sauerkraut or braised red cabbageTop with a fried egg and serve with toast or hash browns

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To store, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze. To reheat, simply microwave or oven-heat the dish until warmed through, or serve cold as a salad or sandwich filling.

When reheating, be sure to stir the dish occasionally to prevent burning and promote even heating. You can also add a splash of chicken broth or water to the dish if it becomes too thick or dry. Additionally, you can use this dish as a starting point for other meals, such as using the leftover pork and cabbage as a filling for tacos or sandwiches, or serving it over rice or noodles for a quick and easy meal.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility, and the fact that it can be made ahead of time and reheated as needed. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, and it's also a great option for special occasions or holidays. Whatever your needs, I hope you find this recipe to be a valuable addition to your kitchen arsenal!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of bacon is best for this recipe?

Thick-cut bacon is best for this recipe, as it provides a crispy exterior and a chewy interior. Look for bacon with a good balance of fat and meat.

Can I use different types of pork for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of pork for this recipe, such as pork tenderloin or pork belly. However, keep in mind that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the type of pork you use.

How do I prevent the cabbage from burning?

To prevent the cabbage from burning, be sure to stir it occasionally and cook it over medium heat. You can also add a splash of chicken broth or water to the skillet if the cabbage becomes too dry or starts to burn.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it as needed. Simply let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze.

What are some good sides to serve with this dish?

Can I use different types of vinegar for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of vinegar for this recipe, such as balsamic or white wine vinegar. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile may vary depending on the type of vinegar you use.

How do I reheat this dish?

To reheat this dish, simply microwave or oven-heat it until warmed through. You can also add a splash of chicken broth or water to the dish if it becomes too thick or dry.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze.

The Full Recipe

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