Variations & Tips
If you have picky eaters who aren’t sure about cabbage, chop it a bit smaller so it softens more and feels less “leafy”—almost like noodles. You can also pull out a small portion of cabbage before adding all the salt and bacon, and season that part very lightly for little ones. For a slightly milder flavor, cook the cabbage a bit longer over lower heat until very soft and sweet. If you prefer it with more texture, shorten the cook time so the cabbage stays a little firmer. To cut back on richness, drain off a couple of tablespoons of bacon grease before adding the cabbage, but keep enough in the skillet so the cabbage still glistens and soaks up that classic southern flavor. And if your family likes a bit of heat, you can offer crushed red pepper at the table so each person can sprinkle their own without changing the basic 3-ingredient recipe.
