Bacon & Apple Braised Red Cabbage

Love cabbage recipes? This British classic braised red cabbage with bacon & apple is a total winner! Sweet, salty, & oh-so-comforting. Get the easy recipe!

June 6, 2025
By Jordan Kim.

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Right, let's get stuck in! ever wondered what to do with that giant cabbage staring at you from the fridge? honestly, it can be a bit intimidating! but trust me, forget those bland, boiled cabbage recipes your nan used to make.

This bacon & apple braised red cabbage is a total game-changer, a proper british classic with a twist.

Bacon & Apple Braised Red Cabbage: More Than Just a Side

It’s essentially Christmas dinner meets your local pub lunch. Think warm, comforting flavours that’ll have you scraping the bottom of the pot. This recipe isn’t some old-fashioned, dreary side. It's a star!

This braised red cabbage recipe is inspired by classic pub fare but with a chefy spin. it brings together sweet apples, salty bacon, and a tangy balsamic kick.

Did you know that red cabbage has been a staple in european cooking for centuries, often braised with fruits and spices to balance its natural bitterness? i bet your nan didn’t know that.

This simple recipe takes about 1 hour 50 minutes from start to finish. it will yield about 6-8 portions. this will be perfect for your next family roast.

Bacon & Apple Braised Red Cabbage Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:01 Hrs 30 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil (30 ml)
• 4 oz (115g) smoked bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced (approx. 150g)
• 2 medium apples (e.g., Bramley, Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced (approx. 300g total)
• 1 red cabbage, about 2 lbs (900g) quartered, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1 tsp caraway seeds (5ml) - Optional
• 1/2 cup (120ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp salt (5ml)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (2.5ml)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken or vegetable broth

Instructions:

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
• Add the sliced onion to the pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the sliced apples and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened.
• Add the sliced red cabbage and caraway seeds (if using) to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onions and apples.
• Pour in the apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and broth. Stir to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the liquid has reduced, stirring occasionally (every 20-30 minutes) to prevent sticking.
• Stir in the cooked bacon during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:200 calories

Fat:8g

Fiber:5g

Recipe Info

Category:Side Dish

Cuisine:British

Why You'll Love This Cabbage Recipe (Honestly!)

Cabbage recipes healthy can be delicious! cabbage is packed with vitamins and fibre, making this dish surprisingly good for you.

This beef dinner side is hearty, warming and complements rich dishes perfectly. it's the perfect excuse to try out some new beef dishes .

This recipe transforms humble cabbage into something special. the crispy bacon, sweet apples, and tangy vinegar create a flavor explosion you won't forget.

Honestly, it's a real crowd-pleaser!

Ready to get cooking? Let's gather our ingredients! Next thing you know, we'll be making fantastic cabbage stir fry , beef recipes for dinner or even some easy chinese recipes .

Right then, let's talk about what you'll need for this absolutely banging bacon & apple braised red cabbage . honestly, it’s easier than you think, promise! this isn't just one of those cabbage recipes , it's a proper side dish that'll make your sunday roast sing.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Ok, first things first. for that base flavour, grab 2 tbsp (30 ml) of olive oil. next, you need 4 oz (115g) of smoked bacon, chopped – get good quality stuff, it makes a difference.

Then 1 large onion , thinly sliced – about 150g. you'll also need 2 medium apples , like a bramley or granny smith, peeled, cored and sliced (roughly 300g total).

And of course, the star – 1 red cabbage , around 2 lbs (900g), quartered, cored, and sliced thinly. i sometimes add 1 tsp (5ml) of caraway seeds – totally optional but adds a little something special!

For the braising liquid: 1/2 cup (120ml) apple cider vinegar – the good stuff! then 1/4 cup (60ml) balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup (60ml) brown sugar (packed), 1 tsp (5ml) salt, 1/2 tsp (2.

5ml) black pepper, and 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken or veg broth.

Honestly, the quality of your ingredients really shines through, especially with the bacon and vinegar. Don't skimp!

Seasoning Notes

Right, essential spice combos? well, the bacon, balsamic, and brown sugar are your flavour superheroes here. they all work together like a proper british band.

For aromatics, the apple cider vinegar and those cheeky caraway seeds are your best mates. don't be afraid to experiment a bit, you know? smoked paprika is great or even adding a bay leaf can give it a proper kick.

Oh, and quick substitution options? if you haven't got apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar works a treat. brown sugar? maple syrup or honey's your pal.

We can call these easy chinese recipes adjacent.

Equipment Needed

Right, you only need a few bits and bobs. a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a dutch oven – essential . why? because it needs to simmer low and slow .

Don't use a flimsy pan, it'll just burn. then a sharp knife and a cutting board. job done. for alternatives? a large, deep frying pan with a lid could work in a pinch but honestly, splash out on a decent pot – you won't regret it.

So there you have it! that's everything you need. get these ingredients sorted, and you're on your way to creating cabbage recipes fit for a king (or queen!).

This beef dinner side dish will wow your friends. next, we'll get down to cooking this cabbage stir fry style cabbage dish.

Trust me, it's going to be epic .

Alright, let's dive into this bacon & apple braised red cabbage recipe . it's an absolute british classic, and honestly, it's way easier than you think.

Forget those boring cabbage recipes your nan used to make! this is a game-changer. i remember the first time i had it at a pub, the sweet and sour flavours just blew me away.

Let's make some magic happen!

Cabbage Stir Fry: Getting Ready for Awesome

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Your Mate

First things first: mise en place . it's a fancy french term. it means "everything in its place". chop your 4 oz (115g) smoked bacon, slice your 1 large onion , core and slice 2 medium apples .

And the star of the show, 1 red cabbage, about 2 lbs (900g) , quartered, cored, and thinly sliced. you know, thin enough that it cooks evenly.

Also, get your 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional), 1/2 cup (120ml) apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup (60ml) balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup (60ml) brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken or vegetable broth ready.

Organization is your friend!

Time-Saving Ninja Moves

Honestly, pre-chopping everything saves so much time. if you are into easy chinese recipes , you know what i'm talking about.

Batch cooking is the way to go. chop the veg the night before, if you like.

Bacon & Apple Braised Red Cabbage: Step-by-Step Magic

This is where the magic happens, people. Get ready for some seriously tasty Asian cooking !

1. Bacon Time : Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside. Keep that lovely bacon fat.
2. Onion & Apple Dance : Add sliced onion. Cook until soft, about 5- 7 minutes . Add sliced apples, cook for 3- 5 minutes more.
3. Cabbage Enters the Stage : Add sliced red cabbage and 1 tsp caraway seeds (if using). Stir it all together.
4. Braising Liquid Bomb : Pour in 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 cup broth . Stir well.
5. Low and Slow : Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour 30 minutes . Stir every 20- 30 minutes .
6. Stir in Bacon: Stir in the cooked bacon during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
7. Taste Test : Taste. Add salt and pepper if needed.

Pro Tips for Cabbage Perfection

• Thin Slices Win : Thin cabbage slices cook faster and get super tender. Remember that!
• Bacon Fat = Flavour : Don't skip the bacon fat. It adds so much flavour to this whole beef dinner or even beef recipes for dinner .
• Make Ahead Hero : This cabbage recipes healthy dish is even better the next day! Make it in advance.

Alright, so you’ve got the basics for this bacon & apple braised red cabbage . i'm telling you, this isn't just any side dish.

It's a hug in a bowl! but before you dive in, let's chat about making it your own .

Recipe Notes for Cabbage Recipes

Serving Suggestions: Make it Pop!

Honestly, presentation is half the battle. Plating matters, you know?

• Plating and Presentation Ideas: Think rustic chic. Serve this piled high alongside roast pork, making it the star of your Beef Recipes For Dinner . A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top works wonders. Or, get fancy and use a ring mould for a more formal presentation.
• Complementary Sides or Beverages: This stuff is screaming for creamy mashed potatoes! Roast root vegetables, like parsnips and carrots, are amazing too. And to drink? A crisp apple cider or a nice, light red wine is a match made in heaven.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

No one wants soggy cabbage recipes . Here’s the lowdown on storage.

• Refrigeration Guidelines: Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Freezing Options (if applicable): Yep, you can freeze it! Let it cool completely first, then pop it into a freezer-safe container. It'll last for up to 2 months. I've done it loads of times, no worries!
• Reheating Instructions: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts. Add a splash of broth if it seems a little dry.

Variations: Your Cabbage, Your Way

Let's tweak things! The best cabbage recipes are the ones you adapt.

• Dietary Adaptations: Going vegan? No problem. Skip the bacon and use olive oil. A little smoked paprika adds that lovely smoky flavour. Boom!
• Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In autumn, use seasonal apples like Cox or Russet. In winter, add a handful of cranberries for a festive twist. Swapping it up is totally doable!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Let's keep things simple. No science lectures here!

• Simplified Nutrition Information: Roughly 200 calories per serving. Good source of fibre and Vitamin C.
• Key Health Benefits: Cabbage Recipes Healthy are packed with antioxidants and may help with digestion. Plus, it's darn tasty.

This bacon & apple braised red cabbage recipe is a winner. it's a fantastic alternative to your go-to chinese cooking recipes .

So, go on, give it a bash and let me know how it goes! it's easier than you think, honestly.

You’ll be whipping up delicious beef dishes and amazing cabbage recipes in no time.