I always thought of cabbage as a fall and winter veggie, perfect for soups and stews, but not much else. Then one early fall day, I spotted some fresh, tender cabbages at the farmer’s market and couldn’t resist grabbing a few. At home, I sautéed them with garlic, extra virgin olive oil, crispy bacon, and sweet corn, and the result was incredible, the crispy bacon, sweet corn, and tender cabbage made such a simple but satisfying dish. Now, fall cabbage is a favorite, and I love finding new ways to cook it. Turns out, it’s way more exciting than I ever imagined!

Recipe

Cabbage Corn Recipe

Growing up in Spain, I never liked cooked cabbage. But everything changed when I moved to the UK. One evening in a cozy pub, I spotted a dish that caught my eye: cabbage cooked with bacon. I was skeptical but decided to give it a try.

When it arrived, the aroma of crispy bacon filled the air, and my first bite was a revelation. The salty, smoky bacon transformed the cabbage into something comforting and delicious. It completely changed my mind about the vegetable!

Inspired, I started experimenting in my kitchen and discovered a simple recipe for Sweet Corn with Cabbage and Bacon. It’s easy to make in one pan: I fry the bacon until crispy, let the onions soak up the flavor, and then add cabbage followed by sweet corn and finishing with crispy bacon.

Now, whenever I share this dish with friends, especially those who think they dislike cooked cabbage, I love seeing their surprised reactions. It’s incredible how a little bacon can change everything!

Jump to:

Cabbage Corn Recipe
⭐Why You'll Love Cabbage with Sweet Corn and Bacon
🧾Cabbage Corn Ingredients
👩🏻‍🍳How to Make Cabbage and Bacon
📖Variations
🍽 What to Serve with Cabbage with Sweet Corn and Bacon
💭Tips for Recipe Success
🍛More Appetizer Recipes!
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

⭐Why You'll Love Cabbage with Sweet Corn and Bacon

Quick and Easy: This dish is super simple to make with just a few ingredients and easy steps. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side at your next gathering.
Texture Contrast: The bacon adds a great crunch that pairs perfectly with the tender cabbage and juicy corn kernels.
Customizable: Feel free to tweak the recipe by adding your favorite veggies, spices, or proteins to make it your own.
Colorful: The vibrant green cabbage, golden corn, and crispy bacon not only taste great but also make your plate look colorful and inviting.

🧾Cabbage Corn Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this Cabbage with Sweet Corn:

Bacon: I love using bacon in this cabbage and corn dish. It adds a rich, smoky flavor that really brings everything together. Plus, the crispy bacon gives a nice crunch that contrasts perfectly with the softer cabbage and corn.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: I like to cook the bacon and sauté the veggies in extra virgin olive oil. It has a mild, fruity taste that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.
Onion and Garlic: Onion and garlic are my go-to for adding extra flavor. The onion gives a sweet and savory base that deepens as it cooks, while the garlic adds a bold, aromatic touch that enhances the dish.
Corn: I usually use frozen corn that’s been thawed. It adds a natural sweetness and a slight crispness that pairs beautifully with the savory bacon and tender cabbage. If you have fresh corn on the cob, that works great too!
Cabbage: I stick with green cabbage for this recipe. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that absorbs all the other tastes in the dish. Its hearty, slightly crunchy texture is a nice contrast to the softer ingredients. But feel free to try red or Napa cabbage if you prefer.
Salt and Black Pepper: A little salt and black pepper go a long way in seasoning this dish. The salt brings out the natural flavors, while the black pepper adds a warm, spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the corn.
Thyme and Parsley: I like to add dried thyme to the dish and finish with fresh parsley. Thyme adds a fragrant, earthy note with a hint of lemon, which brightens up the flavors. Parsley gives a fresh, slightly peppery touch and adds a pop of green that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

👩🏻‍🍳How to Make Cabbage and Bacon

These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.

1. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove it and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.

4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes until it smells good.

5. Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet with the onions and season with salt. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens but stays a little crisp, about 7-8 minutes.

6. Add the thawed corn to the skillet with the cabbage and onion. Season with dried thyme, and pepper.

7. Stir everything together and cook for 3-4 minutes until the corn is hot and the flavors are blended.

8. Add the crispy bacon back to the skillet and mix it with the cabbage and corn. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and stir.

📖Variations

Vegetarian Twist: Skip the bacon and try adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky flavor. Toasted nuts like almonds or pecans also add a nice crunch and extra flavor.
Cheese Lovers: If you love cheese, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or crumbled feta on top before serving for a rich, savory touch.

🍽 What to Serve with Cabbage with Sweet Corn and Bacon

This Cabbage corn dish is versatile and a delicious combination that can be served as a side dish or as a light main course. It pairs well with chicken skewers, honey garlic chicken, BBQ chicken thighs, cast iron chicken breast, pork rolls, baked pork loin chops, and thin pork chops.

I also enjoy serving it with ciabatta slices or garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce.

For drinks, I like a glass of lemonade, and for dessert, chocolate mousse is a perfect finish.

💭Tips for Recipe Success

Control the Heat: When you’re cooking the onions, garlic, and cabbage, keep the heat at medium. This way, nothing burns, and the veggies cook evenly. Take your time with the onions—let them cook slowly until they’re soft and translucent, which brings out their sweetness and boosts the flavor of the dish.

Thinly Slice the Cabbage: Cutting the cabbage into thin slices helps it cook evenly and prevents it from getting too soggy.

Thaw Frozen Corn Properly: If you’re using frozen corn, make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water. This keeps the dish from becoming watery.

Cook in Stages: Start by cooking the bacon, then set it aside to cook the onions and garlic in the bacon fat. Add the cabbage and corn afterward, layering each ingredient to build up the flavors.

Keep an Eye on Salt Levels: Since bacon is salty, be careful with how much extra salt you add. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning at the end if needed.

Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed right after cooking, while the bacon is still crispy and the vegetables are perfectly tender. If you need to reheat it, do so gently in a skillet.

Storage: Store the leftover cabbage with sweet corn and bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator.