Crispy Savory Fried Cabbage and Sausage for Quick Keto Feasts
Savory fried cabbage and sausage is the ultimate quick keto side dish. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to perfectly crispy cabbage every time. The golden, tender cabbage and juicy sausage will make your family beg for this better-than-takeout dish. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Prosciutto Wrapped Cantaloupe and Easy Pesto Pasta.
Why This Crispy Savory Fried Cabbage and Sausage for Quick Keto Feasts Is Pure Comfort
- Golden, crispy cabbage in every bite
- Juicy sausage for added flavor and protein
- Quick and easy keto side dish
- Better than takeout and freezer-friendly
What You'll Need for Crispy Savory Fried Cabbage and Sausage for Quick Keto Feasts
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage
- 1 small onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Optional: Fresh parsley
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Cabbage: Use a large head for better texture and flavor.
- Sausage: Mild Italian sausage works best, but you can use spicy if you prefer.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Cast iron skillet — Even heat distribution for perfect crispiness. → See on Amazon
- Sharp kitchen knife — Easier and safer slicing for quick prep. → See on Amazon
How to Make Crispy Savory Fried Cabbage and Sausage for Quick Keto Feasts
- Prepare the cabbage: Cut the cabbage into thin strips, removing the core. Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Cook the sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the cabbage: Add the cabbage to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and golden, about 10 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Combine and serve: Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet with the cabbage. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Crispy Savory Fried Cabbage and Sausage for Quick Keto Feasts
- : For even crispier cabbage, cook in batches.
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcrowd the pan. If the cabbage is too crowded, it will steam instead of crisping. Cook in batches if necessary.
- : Add a splash of chicken broth for extra flavor.
- : For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Storing & Reheating Crispy Savory Fried Cabbage and Sausage for Quick Keto Feasts
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: This dish can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
Freezing Crispy Savory Fried Cabbage and Sausage for Quick Keto Feasts
Freeze cooked cabbage and sausage in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Cooking the sausage separately allows it to crisp up and adds extra flavor to the cabbage.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the sausage with ground beef or bacon for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: This dish can be made ahead and reheated before serving. See storage notes for details.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your cabbage is not crisping, try cooking it in batches or adding a bit more oil to the pan.
Want to level up this recipe?
Instant-read meat thermometer — Ensure your sausage is cooked to a safe temperature. → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Savory Fried Cabbage and Sausage for Quick Keto Feasts
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage
- 1 small onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage: Cut the cabbage into thin strips, removing the core. Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Cook the sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the cabbage: Add the cabbage to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and golden, about 10 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Combine and serve: Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet with the cabbage. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Chef tip: Cooking the sausage separately allows it to crisp up and adds extra flavor to the cabbage.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the sausage with ground beef or bacon for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: This dish can be made ahead and reheated before serving. See storage notes for details.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your cabbage is not crisping, try cooking it in batches or adding a bit more oil to the pan.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked cabbage and sausage in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Make ahead: This dish can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 21g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sat. Fat: 7g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Crispy Savory Fried Cabbage and Sausage for Quick Keto Feasts FAQs
Yes, this dish can be made ahead and reheated before serving. See storage notes for details.
If your cabbage is not crisping, try cooking it in batches or adding a bit more oil to the pan. Don't overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the cabbage to steam instead of crisping.
Yes, cooked cabbage and sausage can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
This crispy savory fried cabbage and sausage pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and even as a topping for salads. Get creative and enjoy!
Yes, you can make this dish in the air fryer for an even crispier result. Cook the sausage and cabbage separately at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes each, then combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Crispy Savory Fried Cabbage and Sausage for Quick Keto Feasts and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
