Contents

The Ultimate Bacon-Wrapped Beer-Braised Cabbage: A Grilling and Oven-Baked Sensation

Prepare to elevate your side dish game with a recipe that is nothing short of glorious: an entire head of cabbage, lovingly wrapped in savory bacon and slow-braised to perfection in beer. Whether you opt for the smoky char of the grill or the consistent heat of your oven, this dish promises a depth of flavor and tender texture that will captivate your taste buds and impress your guests. It’s a surprisingly simple yet profoundly satisfying way to transform humble cabbage into the star of any meal.

whole head of cabbage wrapped in bacon fresh off the grill and partially wrapped in foil.

Why This Bacon-Wrapped Cabbage Will Become Your New Favorite Side

Move over, traditional side dishes! This fabulous recipe takes cabbage from a sometimes-overlooked vegetable to an undeniable crowd-pleaser. Cooked with crispy bacon and infused with the rich notes of beer, the cabbage becomes incredibly soft, deeply flavorful, and wonderfully aromatic. It’s an effortless yet inventive method that makes preparing a sensational side both easy and enjoyable. Imagine the tender, melt-in-your-mouth cabbage leaves, each bite bursting with smoky bacon and a subtle, malty sweetness from the braising liquid. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a culinary experience designed to make your dinner table truly memorable.

The inspiration for this unique bacon-wrapped, beer-braised cabbage recipe first caught my eye on a captivating Facebook video earlier this spring. The visual appeal was instantly tempting, showcasing a simple yet ingenious way to prepare cabbage. I immediately shared it on my page, knowing it was a recipe I had to try. However, there was a catch: my husband, bless his heart, isn’t exactly a connoisseur of cabbage. To avoid any potential “cabbage fatigue,” I decided to patiently wait until our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) boxes delivered their seasonal bounty of fresh, crisp cabbage heads. This way, the arrival of the ingredient would be a special event, maximizing its appeal.

Throughout the summer, we typically receive several heads of cabbage in our weekly produce share, so timing was crucial. I wanted to introduce this innovative recipe at the perfect moment. Meanwhile, an unexpected twist occurred! His aunt, who had seen my Facebook share, decided to try the recipe herself even before our big lasagna cook-off. That evening, their family couldn’t stop raving about how incredibly delicious it was. Their enthusiastic endorsements only fueled my determination not to let this recipe slip from my mind. Fast forward two months, and finally, our first beautiful heads of cabbage arrived in our produce box. The stars had aligned; it was finally time to embark on this bacon-wrapped, beer-braised adventure!

dinner plate with cabbage, corn on the cob and bacon wrapped pork loin

From Cabbage Skeptic to Fan: A Culinary Transformation

Knowing my husband’s lukewarm feelings towards cabbage, I devised a strategy to win him over: we would cook it on the grill. He absolutely loves grilling, and I figured the smoky flavors and outdoor ambiance would provide the perfect environment for a culinary conversion. He looked a little surprised, to say the least, when I informed him that a whole head of cabbage would be occupying a prime spot on the grill for a couple of hours. Despite his initial shock, his love for outdoor cooking prevailed, and he happily set about lighting the charcoal. The anticipation grew as the grill warmed up, and the stage was set for what I hoped would be a monumental shift in his perception of this humble cruciferous vegetable.

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its spectacular flavor but also in its surprisingly straightforward preparation. Even if you’re new to grilling or braising, you’ll find these steps incredibly easy to follow. This dish is designed to minimize fuss while maximizing impact, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.

Mastering the Art of Bacon-Wrapped Beer-Braised Cabbage: Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing Your Cabbage Head for Maximum Flavor

To begin, create a sturdy base by laying out two large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil in an “X” shape. This double layer is crucial for securely holding the cabbage and its delicious braising liquid. Place your whole head of cabbage directly in the center of this foil cross. Next, carefully cut two deep slits, almost all the way through the cabbage head, in each direction. Think of it like slicing a cake into four quarters, but without detaching the pieces from the core. These cuts are not just for aesthetics; they allow the flavors to penetrate deep into the cabbage and create pockets for our next ingredient.

With the cuts made, it’s time to introduce a touch of richness. Gently stuff small pats of butter into each of the openings you’ve created. As the cabbage cooks, this butter will slowly melt and infuse the inner leaves with a luxurious, creamy flavor, complementing the savory bacon and beer perfectly. This step ensures that every layer of cabbage is coated in deliciousness.

head of cabbage cut into squares by cutting two slits each direction

The Bacon Embrace: Wrapping for Flavor and Moisture

Now, for the star of the show: the bacon! Generously wrap the entire cabbage head with slices of bacon, ensuring it’s completely covered. The goal is to create a delightful, savory blanket that will crisp up beautifully on the outside while imparting its smoky, salty essence to the cabbage within. We were lucky enough to have some fantastic homemade thick-cut bacon from my brother, which added an extra layer of gourmet flavor. However, any good quality bacon will work wonderfully. If pork isn’t your preference, feel free to use turkey bacon for a lighter alternative; the key is the wrapping and the flavor it brings to the braising process. The bacon fat will render down, moistening the cabbage and adding incredible depth to the dish.

head of cabbage wrapped in bacon slices with aluminum foil around it

Braising with Beer (or Broth) and Perfect Seasoning

With the cabbage buttered and beautifully bacon-wrapped, it’s time to prepare the braising liquid. Begin by gently folding the edges of the aluminum foil upwards around the cabbage, forming a protective “bowl.” This will contain the liquid and prevent any precious juices from escaping. Next, carefully pour approximately three-quarters of a cup of your chosen beer directly over the bacon-wrapped cabbage. The beer adds a complex, malty depth that complements the bacon and cabbage wonderfully. For those who prefer to avoid alcohol, a cup of chicken broth makes an excellent substitute; consider adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the broth for a touch of bright tanginess, which will help balance the richness of the dish.

Once the liquid is added, generously sprinkle your “bad boy” cabbage with a foundational blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Remember, these seasonings are a starting point – feel free to adjust them to your personal taste. If you love a bit more heat, add extra red pepper flakes. Prefer more garlic? Go for it! This is your opportunity to customize the flavor profile to perfection, ensuring your cabbage is seasoned exactly how you like it.

pouring beer over bacon wrapped head of cabbage in foil bowl.

Grill or Oven: Cooking to Perfection

The final step before cooking is to fully enclose the cabbage. Bring the remaining aluminum foil edges up and over the cabbage, sealing it tightly to form a compact, steamy packet. This creates a miniature oven effect, allowing the cabbage to slow-braise in its flavorful liquid, ensuring it becomes incredibly tender and juicy. Now, you’re ready to cook! You have two excellent options:

Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the foil-wrapped cabbage directly on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips and bake for at least 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the cabbage is fork-tender. The longer, slower bake allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Grill Method: If you’re a fan of outdoor cooking like us, set your grill to a steady medium heat. This means you should be able to hold your hand about 5 inches above the grates for 5-7 seconds. Place the foil packet on the cooler side of the grill, allowing it to cook indirectly for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The beauty of grilling is the subtle smoky undertones that permeate the dish, adding an extra layer of deliciousness.

Regardless of your chosen method, the key is low and slow cooking to achieve that perfect tender, braised texture. Once cooked, let the cabbage rest in its foil packet for about 10-15 minutes before unwrapping. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in an even more succulent dish.

foil ball with head of bacon wrapped cabbage inside.

A Complete Summer Meal: Pairing Your Braised Cabbage

On the day we finally made this incredible bacon-wrapped beer-braised cabbage, our grill was running at a steady medium heat, perfectly suited for a longer cook. To complete our summer feast, I utilized the remaining bacon to prepare a delicious smoked bacon-wrapped pork loin, which cooked alongside the cabbage. For the last half hour of cooking, we soaked some fresh corn on the cob and tossed it on the grill too. The result? A whole, delightful summer meal, entirely prepared outdoors, without ever needing to heat up the kitchen!

Let me tell you, everything tasted absolutely phenomenal! The smoky flavors from the grill permeated the pork, the corn was perfectly sweet, and the cabbage… oh, the cabbage was a revelation. It was truly wonderful to enjoy such a fantastic meal and still have the entire afternoon to spend outside, watching the boys play and soaking up the summer air. Usually, preparing a dinner of this caliber means spending a significant portion of the afternoon indoors, missing out on the fun. But this time, apart from a few quick trips inside to grab the next item for the grill, the entire process was an enjoyable outdoor experience. The ease and deliciousness of this meal made it an instant favorite.

plate full of chunks of cabbage and bacon

I was particularly eager to see what my non-cabbage-loving husband would think of this creation. To my genuine delight and surprise, he thoroughly enjoyed it! While I’m not sure he’d request it for his last meal, he definitely went back for seconds and made enthusiastic comments about how flavorful and good it was. Converting a self-proclaimed cabbage hater into someone who happily eats a whole head of cabbage is, in my book, a massive culinary victory!

dinner plate with pork, bacon wrapped cabbage and corn on the cob all done on the grill.

Beyond the Braise: Exploring More Cabbage Recipes

With more fresh cabbage already making its way into our next produce box, and only so much coleslaw one family can eat, I’m constantly on the lookout for exciting new ways to prepare this versatile vegetable. I’m planning to whip up some more of Carlee’s Cabbage (my personal recipe featuring cabbage with tender potatoes and savory Parmesan cheese), and perhaps a comforting cheesy cabbage casserole. Cabbage is truly a chameleon in the kitchen, adapting beautifully to a wide array of flavors and cooking methods, from crisp salads to hearty stews. Its robust texture holds up well to both quick cooking and long braises, and it pairs wonderfully with rich meats like bacon or bright, tangy dressings.

But the culinary journey with cabbage is endless, and I’m always eager to discover new favorites. What are your most cherished ways to eat cabbage? Do you have a family recipe passed down through generations, or a modern twist that always gets rave reviews? Share your ideas and help us all explore the delicious potential of this amazing vegetable!

4.93 from 14 ratings

Bacon Wrapped Beer Braised Cabbage

Author:
Carlee

Servings:
8 Servings

A whole head of cabbage wrapped in bacon and braised in beer is a thing of glory. Make it on the grill or in the oven for a flavorful side dish.

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Prep:
15 mins

Cook:
2 hrs 30 mins

Total:
2 hrs 45 mins

Ingredients

1 head cabbage
6 slices bacon
2 Tablespoons butter
¾ cup beer
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper optional

Instructions

Make an x out of two large pieces of aluminum foil.
Place the head of cabbage in the middle and cut two slits most of the way through each direction.

1 head cabbage
Place little bits of butter in each of the slits. Then arrange the bacon over the cabbage.

2 Tablespoons butter, 6 slices bacon
Start to wrap the foil around the cabbage forming a bowl and holding the bacon on. Pour the beer over the cabbage.

¾ cup beer
Season with salt, pepper, garlic and crushed red pepper.

1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Finish wrapping the foil around the cabbage and seal.
Place on the grill over medium heat for about 2½ or 3 hours. Or bake at 350 F for at least 2 hours.
Let rest for about 10 minutes then unwrap. Remove the core from the cabbage. Dice the bacon and sprinkle over the remaining cabbage. Enjoy!

Show Nutrition Information

Nutrition Information

“Cooking With Carlee” is not a dietitian or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Did you try this recipe?

Don’t forget to leave a rating below and make sure to follow on Pinterest and Instagram for more!