Delicious Cabbage with Sweet Corn and Bacon Dish

I always thought of cabbage as a fall and winter veggie, something best for soups and stews, but nothing beyond that. But one early autumn morning, a visit to the farmer’s market changed everything. The fresh, tender heads of cabbage looked too good to pass up. At home, I decided to try something new—I sautéed it with garlic, drizzled in extra virgin olive oil, and tossed in crispy bacon and sweet corn. The result was incredible, a perfect balance of flavors that made for a simple, yet deeply satisfying dish.

Since then, this has become my favorite way to cook cabbage, and I absolutely love how exciting and versatile it is. It was nothing like I had imagined before—just a few ingredients, and suddenly, it was no longer just another vegetable for hearty winter meals. Instead, it became a delicious addition to my kitchen, something that worked in ways I had never considered.

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Cabbage Corn Recipe

I never liked cooked cabbage when I was growing up in Spain, but that changed when I moved to the UK. One evening, I stepped into a cozy pub and saw a dish that immediately caught my eye—cabbage with bacon. I was skeptical but decided to try it. When the plate arrived, the aroma of crispy bacon filled the air, and after just one bite, I had a revelation. The salty, smoky flavor completely transformed the vegetable into something comforting and delicious. It stayed on my mind long after that meal.

Feeling inspired, I started experimenting in my kitchen and discovered a simple recipe for Sweet Corn with Cabbage and Bacon. It’s made in one pan—I fry the bacon until it’s crispy, then let the onions soak up all the rich flavor before I add the cabbage and Sweet Corn, finishing it off with extra crispy bacon. Every time I share it with friends, their surprised reactions remind me how something so incredible can come from just a little twist on an old idea. It’s amazing how a small change can make everything taste better!

Why You’ll Love Cabbage with Sweet Corn and Bacon

This dish is super simple to prepare, using just a few ingredients and straightforward steps. It’s the perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a tasty side for a family gathering.
The texture contrast is what makes it special—crispy bacon adds a delicious crunch that pairs beautifully with tender cabbage and juicy corn kernels.
The recipe is customizable, so feel free to tweak it by adding your favorite veggies, spices, or proteins to make it your own.
Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also colorful and visually appealing—the vibrant green cabbage, golden corn, and crispy bacon make your plate look truly inviting.

Cabbage Corn Ingredients

Bacon: Bacon is the key ingredient that I absolutely love in this dish. Its rich, smoky flavor brings everything together, while the crispy texture adds a nice crunch that contrasts perfectly with the softer elements.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: I cook and sauté the veggies in extra virgin olive oil for a mild, fruity taste that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.
Onion and Garlic: Onion and garlic are my go-to for adding that extra sweet and savory base, which deepens as it cooks. The bold, aromatic touch truly enhances the overall taste.
Corn: I prefer using frozen corn, thawed before cooking, as it has a natural sweetness and a slight crispness that pairs beautifully with the savory, tender cabbage. If you have fresh corn on the cob, that works great too!
Cabbage: Green cabbage is my first choice because of its mild flavor that absorbs all the seasonings well. Its hearty, slightly crunchy texture provides a lovely contrast to the softer ingredients. You can also try red or Napa cabbage if you prefer.
Salt and Black Pepper: A little salt and black pepper go a long way in seasoning the dish. The salt brings out the natural flavors, while the warm, spicy kick from the black pepper perfectly balances the sweetness of the corn.
Thyme and Parsley: Thyme and parsley add the finishing touch—dried thyme gives a fragrant, earthy note with a hint of lemon that brightens the flavors, while fresh parsley adds a pop of green that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

Also Read: Homemade Banana Foster Pudding Recipe – Safe for Kids

How to Make Cabbage and Bacon

Follow these step-by-step instructions to easily prepare this delicious recipe. If you prefer, check out the recipe card for a printable version.
Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until it turns crispy, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the crispy bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
In the same skillet, add chopped onion, season with salt and pepper, and let it cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it smells good.
Add sliced cabbage to the skillet, cover, and keep stirring occasionally. Let it soften while staying a little crisp, which takes about 7-8 minutes.
Mix in thawed corn, season with dried thyme, and stir everything together for 3-4 minutes until the corn is hot and the flavors are well blended.
Add the crispy bacon back, mix it with the cabbage and corn, then sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving.

Variations

Vegetarian Twist: For a Vegetarian Twist, you can skip the bacon while still keeping that deep smoky flavor by adding smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke. If you enjoy a bit of texture, toss in toasted nuts like almonds or pecans for a nice crunch and an extra layer of taste.
Cheese Lovers: Cheese Lovers will love this variation—just sprinkle some grated Parmesan or crumbled feta on top before serving. It adds a rich, savory touch that makes every bite more flavorful.

What to Serve with Cabbage with Sweet Corn and Bacon

This versatile dish is both delicious and satisfying, whether served as a side or a light main course. It pairs well with chicken skewers, honey garlic BBQ thighs, or a cast iron breast for a flavorful meal. If you prefer pork, try it with baked loin chops, thin chops, or pork rolls for a hearty combination. A slice of ciabatta or garlic bread is perfect to soak up any leftover sauce. For drinks, a glass of lemonade is refreshing, while a chocolate mousse makes for a perfect dessert finish.

Tips for Recipe Success

Control the heat while cooking the onions, garlic, and cabbage over medium heat to prevent burns and allow the veggies to cook evenly. Take your time, letting the onions cook slowly until they become soft and translucent, which enhances their sweetness and boosts the flavor of the dish.
Thinly slice the cabbage for quick cooking—cutting it thin helps it soften properly and prevents it from getting soggy.
Thaw frozen corn properly by making sure it’s completely defrosted and that you drain any excess water to avoid a watery texture.
Cook in stages—start by frying the bacon, then set aside the pieces and use the fat to sauté the onions and garlic. Afterward, add the cabbage and corn, layering each ingredient to build deep flavors.
Keep an eye on salt levels since bacon is naturally salty. Be careful with adding extra salt—taste as you go and adjust the seasoning at the end if needed.
Serve immediately for the best taste—it’s enjoyed right after cooking, when the bacon is still crispy and the vegetables are perfectly tender. If you need to reheat, do so gently in a skillet.
For storage, store any leftover cabbage with sweet corn and bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.

Ingredients

150 g Bacon

1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 Onion

2 Garlic Cloves

600 g Cabbage

250 g Frozen Corn Kernels

½ teaspoon Salt

¼ teaspoon Black Pepper

½ teaspoon Dried Thyme

3 tablespoon Parsley

Instructions

Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until it turns crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the bacon using a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess fat.
In the same skillet, add chopped onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
Add thinly sliced cabbage to the pan, cover with a lid, and continue stirring occasionally. Let it soften but stay slightly crisp, about 7-8 minutes.
Mix in thawed corn kernels, dried thyme leaves, and black pepper, then sprinkle over the mixture.
Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until the corn is heated through and the flavors are well combined.
Return the crispy bacon, toss it with the cabbage and corn mixture, and sprinkle chopped parsley on top.
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve warm as a side or a light main course.