Fried Cabbage and Noodles Recipe with Bacon
In this post I’ll be sharing an easy Fried Cabbage and Noodles Recipe with Bacon.
Hey Y’all! Every time I share my Southern fried cabbage recipe, I get the sweetest flood of comments from folks telling me, “You’ve just gotta try fried cabbage with noodles!” And honey, let me tell ya—when that many people are excited about a dish, you just know it’s gonna be good eating!
I tried it y’all, and you know what, you were right! We love it! I have made it for my family several times now.
So today, I’m sharing a simple, comforting recipe that’s inspired by an old Eastern European favorite called haluski. It’s a cozy combo of tender cabbage, buttery noodles, and a touch of love—all fried up in a skillet just the way we like it down South. It’s one of those humble dishes that doesn’t ask for much, but always delivers on flavor.
I always share the leftovers with my mother and she really loves this dish too! I know y’all will too if you haven’t given it a try yet.
Meet me in the kitchen—we’re making Fried Cabbage and Noodles, y’all!
Tips for the Best Flavor
- Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: Cook the cabbage until it’s tender with just a bit of bite. You want it soft, but not mushy
- Toss the Noodles in Butter First: Before mixing the noodles into the cabbage, toss them with a little melted butter. It helps keep them from sticking and adds that rich, comforting flavor we all love.
- Can I use bagged coleslaw mix instead of chopping a whole head of cabbage?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time or just want to make things a little easier, a bag of coleslaw mix will work just fine. Just keep in mind it may cook down a bit faster than fresh-cut cabbage. - What kind of noodles work best for this dish?
Traditionally, wide egg noodles are used for that tender, buttery bite, but you can use whatever pasta you have on hand. - How can I add more flavor to this dish without making it complicated?
A little bacon or smoked sausage added to the skillet goes a long way for extra flavor. You can also add a dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or other seasonings you enjoy to give it a nice little kick without a lot of fuss.
If you love comforting cabbage dishes, don’t miss my Southern Fried Cabbage recipe that started it all!
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Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make my Southern inspired version of haluski:
- Egg Noodles
- Bacon – plus the bacon fat that it renders. We all know bacon grease adds more flavor! You can use olive oil and skip the bacon if you want to keep it vegan friendly. Or, lots of butter is always delicious.
- Green Cabbage
- Kosher Salt
- Cracked Black Pepper
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Ground Ginger
- Butter
- Sliced Green Onion – optional for garnish.
Helpful Tools for this Recipe
Large skillet or sauté pan
Large pot (for boiling noodles)
Colander (to drain the noodles)
Sharp knife (for chopping cabbage and onions)
Cutting board
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Tongs (optional, for tossing everything together)
How to Make Fried Cabbage and Noodles Step-by-Step
Begin by pan frying the bacon over medium low heat to render all of that flavorful fat.
While the bacon cooks is a good time to get the egg noodles going, cook them according to package directions, and do the other prep.
Using a knife, remove the core from the cabbage and slice into thin strips.
Once the bacon has rendered all of its fat and is crispy, transfer it to a paper towel lined plate and set aside.
Add the sliced cabbage to the hot skillet with those flavorful bacon drippings.
Cook until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized the add the seasonings and stir to combine.
Combine a couple of tablespoons of butter with the cooked noodles then add the noodles to the skillet with the tender cabbage. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and stir to combine.
Chop the reserved bacon and add it into the cabbage mixture then transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onion, if desired, and serve.
What to Serve with Cabbage and Noodles?
Fried cabbage and noodles is a hearty and cozy dish. Mr. J. and I enjoy it all on its own as a meal. It also pairs great as a side to other dishes, so here are a few of my suggestions for what to serve with Haluski Cabbage and Noodles.
- Smoked Sausage, Kielbasa, or Fried Weenies
- Pork Chops
- Fried Chicken
- Country Ham
- Meatloaf
Don’t forget the biscuits or cornbread and something to wash it all down…perhaps some sweet tea! I should also mention, while I am thinking of it, that cabbage and noodles would also be a great option for a side to your lucky new year day meal.
The Printable Recipe Card
Fried Cabbage and Noodles Recipe with Bacon
Ingredients
- 8 ounce Egg Noodles – cooked according to package directions
- 6 Slices of Bacon
- 1 Medium Head of Green Cabbage 2-2½ pounds
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon Cracked Black Pepper or to taste
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 3 tablespoons Butter divided
- 1 tablespoon Thinly Sliced Green Onion optional, for garnish
Instructions
Boil the Noodles:
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Toss with 2 tablespoons of butter to keep them from sticking.
Pan Fry the Bacon:
- As the noodles cook, fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium low heat until crispy and all of the fat has rendered.
- While the bacon cooks, prep the cabbage by using a knife to remove the core and slice the cabbage into thin strips.
Cook the Cabbage:
- Remove the bacon from the pan and transfer to a paper towel lined plate; set aside.
- Add the sliced cabbage to the hot skillet with the bacon drippings. Raise the temperature to medium.
- Use a spatula to carefully turn the cabbage as it cooks until tender.
Bring it all Together:
- Reduce the heat under the cabbage to low; add the buttered noodles to the skillet with the cabbage. Next, chop the reserved bacon and add to the cabbage and noodles. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and stir to combine everything together.
- Remove from heat and transfer the cabbage mixture to a serving platter.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with thinly sliced green onion, if desired, and serve hot.
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Notes
Nutrition
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
- Adding Bacon or Smoked Sausage: Fry up a few slices of bacon or some sliced smoked sausage before cooking the cabbage. Use the drippings for extra flavor—yum!
- Add Garlic and Onions: Sauté fresh garlic with the onions for added depth. A little goes a long way in boosting that savory flavor. I didn’t use onion in my recipe, but that would be wonderful. I did garnish with some sliced green onion for that bit of onion flavor.
- Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of kick.
- Toss in more Veggies: Mix in mushrooms, bell peppers, or shredded carrots for extra texture and nutrition.
- Make it a Full Meal: Add cooked ground beef, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even leftover pot roast to turn this into a hearty main dish. Mr. J. and I usually do enjoy the cabbage and noodles as our full meal without any extras.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
To store: allow the dish cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to 4 days.
To Reheat…
Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or a pat of butter to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm. Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to avoid drying out.
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Fried Cabbage and Noodles Recipe with Bacon: Haluski with a Southern Twist
Well friend, there you have it—simple, hearty, and packed with down-home flavor. This Fried Cabbage and Noodles dish is the kind of comfort food that warms your belly and brings folks running to the table. Whether you grew up eating this or it’s your first time trying it, I just know it’s gonna become a favorite in your home, too.
If you give it a try, be sure to let me know! I love hearing your stories and seeing your kitchen creations. Until next time, keep it cozy, keep it simple, and keep cooking with love.
About Julia
Hey Y’all! I’m Julia, the cook and writer behind the recipes here at Julia’s Simply Southern. I began my website so that I could share easy to follow recipes that anyone can use to put a home cooked meal on the dinner table. Thanks so much for stopping by!
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I’ve never thought to add ginger. I’ll be using your recipe the next time I make Cabbage and Noodles. TY
Barbara,
I love that bit of ginger even if I am just making fried cabbage. It is so good. I know you’ll love it too.
~Julia