Bacon Wrapped Cabbage: A Flavorful Low-Carb Side Dish

Bacon wrapped cabbage is a delicious, low-carb side dish or appetizer that brings out the best in both cabbage and bacon. The savory and crispy bacon contrasts perfectly with the mild and tender cabbage, making it a hit at barbecues, family dinners, and even as a keto-friendly snack. Whether you bake it in the oven or grill it, this dish is easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

For more mouth-watering low-carb dishes, check out The Ultimate Comfort Food: Crockpot Potato Soup with Hashbrowns and Slow Cooker Magic: Crock-Pot Baked Ziti for hearty meals that everyone will love.

Why Bacon Wrapped Cabbage is a Must-Try Recipe

There are many reasons to love bacon wrapped cabbage. For one, it’s incredibly simple to make, requiring only a few ingredients, but delivers maximum flavor. The smokiness of the bacon seeps into the cabbage, giving the dish an irresistible taste. Plus, it’s keto-friendly and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of diets.

Cabbage is also highly nutritious. It’s packed with fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants, making it a healthy complement to the more indulgent bacon. Additionally, this dish is a fun way to elevate the humble cabbage into something special. For more creative ways to enjoy vegetables, be sure to explore the recipe for No-Peek Beef Tips to round out your meal.

Ingredients for Bacon Wrapped Cabbage

To make bacon wrapped cabbage, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients:

• Cabbage: Green cabbage works best for this recipe, but you can also try savoy or napa cabbage.
• Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for a crispier texture and better wrapping.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Optional Add-ons: You can experiment with Parmesan cheese, ranch dressing, or BBQ sauce for dipping.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bacon Wrapped Cabbage

1. Preheat the Oven or Grill: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (or heat the grill to medium-high if grilling).
2. Prepare the Cabbage: Cut the cabbage into wedges or quarters. Season each wedge generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Wrap the Cabbage in Bacon: Take slices of bacon and wrap them tightly around each cabbage wedge. If needed, secure the bacon with toothpicks to keep it in place.
4. Bake or Grill: If baking, place the bacon-wrapped cabbage wedges on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cabbage is tender. If grilling, place the wedges directly on the grill and cook for the same amount of time, flipping halfway through.
5. Serve with Dipping Sauces: You can serve bacon wrapped cabbage with ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or even a garlic aioli for an extra layer of flavor.

For another bacon-infused recipe, try Juicy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Chicken, which is perfect for spicy food lovers.

Variations of Bacon Wrapped Cabbage

Here are some tasty variations you can try to make the dish your own:

• Grilled Bacon Wrapped Cabbage: Grill the bacon-wrapped cabbage wedges for a smoky flavor. Just be sure to turn them regularly so the bacon crisps up evenly.
• Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Cabbage: Before wrapping the cabbage in bacon, sprinkle some shredded cheese like cheddar or Parmesan on top for a cheesy twist.
• Spicy Bacon Wrapped Cabbage: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or wrap the cabbage wedges with bacon and a slice of jalapeño for extra heat.
• Keto-Friendly Bacon Wrapped Cabbage: Keep it simple by just using bacon, cabbage, and keto-friendly spices for a low-carb, high-fat meal that’s perfect for those on a ketogenic diet.

Looking for more keto-friendly dishes? Check out Chicken Bacon Ranch Potatoes for another hearty and satisfying option.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Bacon wrapped cabbage is not just delicious, but also provides a balance of important nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional benefits:

• Cabbage: Low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K, cabbage is a nutrient-dense vegetable that supports digestive health and boosts immunity.
• Bacon: While higher in fat, bacon provides a good source of protein. For a healthier version, you can use turkey bacon or reduce the amount of bacon used.
• Customizable for Dietary Needs: This dish is keto, gluten-free, and can easily be made dairy-free depending on the add-ins and seasonings you use.

For a lighter version, consider using turkey bacon or reducing the amount of bacon in the recipe. For more healthy and comforting recipes, explore Slow Cooker Ham & Green Beans.

Tips for Making the Best Bacon Wrapped Cabbage

• Choose the Right Bacon: Thick-cut bacon works best because it holds up well during cooking and gets crispy without burning before the cabbage is fully cooked.
• Cook at the Right Temperature: Whether you’re baking or grilling, maintain a medium to high heat to ensure the bacon becomes crispy while the cabbage softens.
• Season Generously: Cabbage has a mild flavor, so don’t skimp on seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of cayenne for a bit of heat.
• Secure with Toothpicks: If the bacon isn’t sticking well to the cabbage wedges, use toothpicks to keep it secure during cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Bacon wrapped cabbage can be served in several ways:

• As a Side Dish: Pair it with grilled meats like steak, chicken, or pork chops. It’s especially good at barbecues or alongside a hearty roast.
• As an Appetizer: Serve smaller wedges as an appetizer at parties with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch or BBQ.
• With a Salad: Combine this savory dish with a simple green salad for a light, balanced meal.

For more side dish ideas, take a look at Garlic Bacon Kale, another great way to use bacon in a vegetable dish.

FAQs About Bacon Wrapped Cabbage

Can I make bacon wrapped cabbage in the air fryer?

Yes, you can! To make bacon wrapped cabbage in the air fryer, preheat it to 375°F. Cook the bacon-wrapped cabbage for 15-20 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure the bacon is crisping up evenly.

Is bacon wrapped cabbage keto-friendly?

Yes, bacon wrapped cabbage is perfect for keto diets. Both cabbage and bacon are low in carbs, making this a great dish for those following a low-carb lifestyle.

Can I use turkey bacon for this recipe?

Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a leaner alternative to regular bacon. Keep in mind that turkey bacon may not get as crispy as traditional bacon, but it’s a great way to cut back on fat and calories.

How do I prevent the bacon from unwrapping during cooking?

To prevent the bacon from unwrapping, use toothpicks to secure the bacon around the cabbage wedges while they bake or grill. Remove the toothpicks before serving.

Conclusion

Bacon wrapped cabbage is an easy, versatile, and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed by all. With its crispy bacon exterior and tender cabbage center, it’s a perfect side dish for barbecues, family dinners, or even as a keto-friendly snack. This dish also lends itself to endless variations—whether you want to make it cheesy, spicy, or grilled, there’s a version for every taste.

Try this recipe the next time you’re looking for a simple yet impressive dish, and don’t forget to serve it with your favorite dips or sides!

For more comforting recipes, be sure to check out Crockpot Ham & Green Beans and Juicy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Chicken.