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Today I’m sharing a delicious recipe for braised cabbage with bacon made lighter and more WW friendly. Opting for a cooking spray instead of oil and a small amount of bacon for flavor keeps this version light and tasty.
Cooler weather and the holidays always bring out my need for comforting meals that are often roasted, braised and slow slow cooked. I remember this cabbage dish from my childhood—at least a version of it.
Back then my Grandma used raisins rather than the colorful craisins I use now to braise and slightly sweeten long cooked cabbage. I love it because along with it being really tasty it gets better when you reheat it so I’m happy to make it several days ahead.
Table of Contents
- What Is Braised Cabbage?
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- Calories and WW Points?
- How to Make Braised Cabbage with Bacon and Craisins, Step-by-Step
- Recipe Notes, Substitutions and Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Ways to Use Leftovers
- Braised Cabbage with Bacon and Craisins Recipe
- More Easy Healthy Cabbage Recipes for WW
What Is Braised Cabbage?
To braise basically means to cook something gently in a small amount of liquid. The low and slow cooking transforms this cabbage into a tender and flavorful side dish everyone will love.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Shallot – for a mild onion flavor. Any mild onion will work in a pinch.
- Bacon – I used applewood cured from Trader Joe’s. Center cut bacon or turkey bacon are healthy alternatives with fewer WW Points.
- Green cabbage – Already shredded coleslaw mix is an easy alternative.
- White wine – cider or vegetable or chicken are healthy alternative.
- Salt and pepper – I use Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper but use what you like.
- Dried cranberries – provide a delicious sweet and chewy contrast to this homey dish.
Calories and WW Points?
According to my calculations, each serving has about:
- Calories: 180
- WW Points: 4 To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App! (You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
- Old Points: 4 PointsPlus
How to Make Braised Cabbage with Bacon and Craisins, Step-by-Step
Step 1: Gather and prepare all ingredients.
Step 2: Spray a large frying pan with nonstick spray. Place the chopped shallot and bacon in the pan and cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the bacon has begun to lightly brown.
Step 3: Add the cabbage and stir to mix thoroughly. Add the wine, then season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, or until the cabbage is soft and tender.
Step 5: Add the dried cranberries and cook, uncovered, for another 2 minutes.
Step 6: Preseason with salt and pepper, if necessary, and serve hot.
Recipe Notes, Substitutions and Variations
- I used apple smoked bacon from Trader Joe’s. Turkey bacon will also work although you may have to add a teaspoon of olive or canola oil to the pan as the turkey bacon is extremely lean.
- A food processor (affiliate link) will make short work of the shredding and chopping. Starting with the shallot, finely chop using the blade. Then remove the shallot and WITHOUT washing the bowl, switch to the slicing attachment for the cabbage. The whole process for both will take less than 5 minutes.
- If you’re without a processor, then chop the shallot by hand and consider buying a bag of pre shredded coleslaw mix which will work perfectly. I often do this when convenience is top priority.
- No shallot?
Substitute 1/2 cup finely chopped onion. - No wine?
An equal amount of vegetable broth (affiliate link) or apple juice would also work, as would water with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar. - No Craisins?
Raisins, dried cherries, or dried blueberries would all work. - Along with the cabbage a shredded carrot will give the dish some additional color.
Serving Suggestions
This is a great side dish for grilled sausages or alongside a pork roast. Some applesauce for dessert, or as an additional side dish, would be excellent along with a chilled glass of dry white wine.
Ways to Use Leftovers
This leftover braised cabbage with keep for up to 1 week covered in the fridge. I used the cabbage as a base for chicken breasts. I put a layer on the bottom of a baking dish and then covered it with seasoned chicken breasts. As the chicken cooks, the cabbage becomes meltingly tender and picks up additional chicken flavors. A great second meal!
If you’ve made this Skillet Braised Cabbage with Bacon and Craisins, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Braised Cabbage with Bacon and Craisins
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 small shallot, peeled and chopped
- 2 slices bacon, chopped (I used applewood cured from Trader Joe's),
- 1 medium white cabbage, cored and shredded (about 7 to 8 cups)
- 1/2 cup white wine
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries (craisins)
Instructions
- Spray a large frying pan with nonstick spray.
- Place the chopped shallot and bacon in the pan and cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the bacon has begun to lightly brown.
- Add the cabbage and stir to thoroughly mix. Add the wine, then season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook over medium low heat for 15 minutes, or until the cabbage is soft and tender.
- Add the craisins and cook, uncovered, for another 2 minutes.
- Re-season with salt and pepper if necessary and serve hot.
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 4 SmartPoints (Green plan) 4 SmartPoints (Blue plan) 4 SmartPoints (Purple plan) 4 PointsPlus (Old plan) I used apple smoked bacon from Trader Joe’s. Turkey bacon will also work although you may have to add a teaspoon of olive or canola oil to the pan as the turkey bacon is extremely lean. A food processor will make short work of the shredding and chopping. Starting with the shallot, finely chop using the blade. Then remove the shallot and WITHOUT washing the bowl, switch to the slicing attachment for the cabbage. The whole process for both will take less than 5 minutes. If you’re without a processor, then chop the shallot by hand and consider buying a bag of pre shredded coleslaw mix which will work perfectly. I often do this when convenience is top priority. No shallot? Substitute 1/2 cup finely chopped onion No wine? An equal amount of vegetable broth or apple juice would also work, as would water with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar No Craisins? Raisins, dried cherries, or dried blueberries would all work Along with the cabbage a shredded carrot will give the dish some additional color.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Easy Healthy Cabbage Recipes for WW
If you liked this braised cabbage with bacon and dried cranberries, you’ll love:
- Oven-Roasted Cabbage Wedges – a simple, budget-friendly side dish that pairs beautifully with almost any main.
- Crock Pot Cabbage Soup with Chicken Apple Sausage – a comforting meal in a bowl that’s easy on Points. It’s the kind of wholesome slow cooker recipe you’ll want to make on repeat all winter long.
- Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Kale Pork and Cabbage – healthy cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. The slow cooker does all the work, creating a tender, satisfying meal full of down-home flavor.
- Slow Cooked Cabbage Roll Casserole – All the cozy, comforting taste of traditional cabbage rolls — without the fuss!
