Dawn'S German Skillet Supper
A hearty German-inspired skillet dish featuring crispy bacon, tender cabbage, and flavorful spices, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon slices until crisp.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towel.
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Add cabbage wedges, chopped onion, water, sugar, minced garlic, and caraway seed to the skillet.
- Bring the liquid to boiling.
- Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cover and cook the cabbage-onion mixture over medium-low heat for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to the cabbage mixture while it's cooking. If you want a vegetarian option, substitute the bacon with smoked paprika and use a plant-based sausage instead of Polish kielbasa. You can also use other types of cabbage, like savoy or napa, for a different texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty skillet supper with crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with Maw-In-Law Helen'S Fried Squash Dressing for a complete Southern feast. A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also complement the dish nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if the mixture seems dry. You can also microwave it in short intervals until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dawn'S German Skillet Supper contains roughly 402 calories, with 13g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 695mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While Polish kielbasa is traditional, you can substitute with any smoked sausage, such as bratwurst or even a chicken sausage, to suit your taste preferences.
What can I serve with this dish?
This skillet supper is quite filling on its own, but you can enhance the meal with sides like steamed green beans or a fresh cucumber salad. A dollop of sour cream can also add a creamy touch.
How do I make this dish spicier?
For a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes or slices of jalapeño to the skillet along with the cabbage. This will infuse the dish with a kick that balances the sweetness of the sugar and cabbage.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).