If you want a cozy, flavorful dish that comes together with just a handful of ingredients, this instant pot cabbage with bacon checks every box. It is easy, budget-friendly, and loaded with smoky, savory flavor that tastes like it simmered for hours, even though it is ready in under 30 minutes. This is the kind of humble recipe that quietly becomes a family favorite.
Tender, sweet cabbage meets crispy, salty bacon and sweet sauteed onions, all cooked together in one pot so the flavors melt into each other. Whether you serve it as a side next to your favorite protein or enjoy a big bowl as a light main on its own, it delivers serious comfort with minimal effort and even less cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is proof that simple ingredients can taste incredible. The smoky, salty bacon pairs perfectly with the tender, naturally sweet cabbage, and the Instant Pot pulls it all together in a fraction of the time it would take on the stove. From start to finish, you are looking at under 30 minutes.
It is also endlessly practical. You most likely already have these ingredients on hand, it costs very little to make, and it works as either a hearty side or a light dinner. One pot means fewer dishes, which is always a win on a busy night.
Best of all, it is easy to customize. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, toss in carrots for color, or sprinkle cheese on top. However you serve it, this cabbage and bacon combo is warm, nourishing, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
The base of this recipe is 1 medium green cabbage, quartered and sliced into thick strips, which wilts down beautifully under pressure into tender, silky ribbons. For that signature smoky flavor, use 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces. Thick-cut gives you the best chewy, savory texture, though turkey bacon works as a lighter option.
You will also need 1 medium diced onion for gentle sweetness and 3 minced garlic cloves for savory depth. A full cup of chicken broth adds moisture and infuses the cabbage with flavor as it cooks, and you can swap in vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version. Finish with salt and pepper to taste, plus optional crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
That short list is all it takes. If you want to stretch it into a fuller meal, a handful of sliced carrots or a sprinkle of Parmesan or sharp cheddar at the end are easy, delicious additions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by prepping your ingredients. Slice the cabbage into thick strips, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces, and dice the onion and garlic. Having everything ready makes the rest of the process quick and smooth.
Set your Instant Pot to Saute mode and add the chopped bacon. Cook it until crispy, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so it browns evenly and renders its smoky fat into the pot. That rendered fat becomes the flavor foundation for everything else.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the crispy bacon and saute for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Then pour in a splash of the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This deglazing step adds so much depth and keeps the pot from triggering a burn warning.
Layer the sliced cabbage on top of the onion-bacon mixture, but do not stir it in just yet. Pour the remaining chicken broth over the cabbage, then secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
Once the timer beeps, do a quick release. Open the lid carefully, then gently stir everything together so the bacon and aromatics distribute through the tender cabbage. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes as desired, then serve warm as a side or a light main.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Cabbage
Do not skip the deglazing step. Scraping up the browned bits left behind by the bacon gives the whole dish a rich, savory backbone and helps everything cook cleanly. If you prefer your cabbage extra soft, let it sit on the Keep Warm setting for a few extra minutes after releasing the pressure.
Want to make it vegetarian? Swap the bacon for a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke to get that savory, smoky note without the meat. This dish rounds out a comforting plate alongside my Instant Pot herb butter potatoes, and it is a natural match for another smoky favorite, Instant Pot Brussels sprouts with bacon.
To make it a full meal, serve the cabbage and bacon over fluffy white rice or mashed potatoes, or pair it with roasted chicken, pork chops, or seared salmon. Leftovers reheat gently and taste just as good the next day.
Kitchen Gear for This Recipe
- Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart
- Tempered Glass Instant Pot Lid
- Steamer Basket & Trivet Set
- Instant-Read Meat Thermometer
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Absolutely. Red cabbage is slightly sweeter and the color is gorgeous, so it is a fun swap. The cook time stays the same.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Can I freeze this dish?
You can. The cabbage may lose a little texture once frozen, but the flavor stays delicious. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Skip the bacon and use smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke plus vegetable broth to keep that savory, smoky flavor.
Why did I get a burn warning?
It usually means browned bits stuck to the bottom or not enough liquid. Be sure to deglaze thoroughly with broth after sauteing the bacon and aromatics before adding the cabbage.
This easy cabbage and bacon is comfort food at its most effortless. If you are rounding out a menu and want some lighter options too, take a look at these healthy eating ideas, and when you make your own pot, tag @thekitchensaid on Instagram so I can see your delicious spin.
Easy Instant Pot Cabbage with Bacon
American · Side Dish
Smoky, savory Instant Pot cabbage with crispy bacon, sweet onions, and garlic, cooked in one pot in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 medium green cabbage, sliced into thick strips
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to Saute and cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5 minutes.
- Add onion and garlic and saute 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in a splash of broth and deglaze, scraping up the browned bits.
- Layer the cabbage on top, pour the remaining broth over it, seal, and cook on high pressure 5 minutes.
- Quick release, stir everything together, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, and serve warm.
Nutrition: 170 calories
