Weight Watchers Fried Cabbage with Turkey Bacon (Low-Point Comfort Side)

Introduction

There are certain recipes that feel like home no matter how many times you make them. For me, fried cabbage is one of those comfort foods. The sizzle of cabbage hitting a hot skillet, the aroma of smoky bacon filling the kitchen, and the golden edges of caramelized cabbage remind me of simple family dinners where everyone reached for seconds before the pan even left the stove.

But here’s the twist: I wanted that same cozy, southern-inspired comfort dish in a way that fit into my Weight Watchers lifestyle without breaking my SmartPoints budget. That’s how this Weight Watchers Fried Cabbage with Turkey Bacon recipe was born.

It’s a low-point side dish that feels indulgent, savory, and oh-so-satisfying — yet light enough to enjoy guilt-free. Turkey bacon keeps the smoky flavor we crave, but with a fraction of the fat and points of traditional pork bacon. Add tender, slightly crisp cabbage with a touch of onion and garlic, and you’ve got the perfect balance of hearty flavor and WW-friendly smart eating.

Whether you’re meal-prepping, making a family dinner, or just craving something savory, this dish will win you over. And yes, it only clocks in at 3 SmartPoints per serving — making it one of those recipes you’ll want to keep on repeat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✨ Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot on your weekly menu:

• 🥬 Low-Point Hero – At just 3 SmartPoints per serving, it fits easily into your daily WW plan.
• 🥓 Smoky & Savory Flavor – Turkey bacon gives you that classic fried cabbage taste without the guilt.
• ⏱ Quick & Easy – Ready in about 25 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly – A side dish everyone at the table can enjoy (WW or not).
• 🍴 Versatile – Works as a side dish, a light main, or even a meal-prep option.

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WW SmartPoints Info

• Per serving (1 cup): 3 SmartPoints (Estimated)
• Whole recipe (4 servings): ~12 SmartPoints
• How SmartPoints were calculated: Estimated using WW SmartPoints principles — turkey bacon + oil contribute most points, while cabbage and seasonings are zero-point ingredients.

👉 Note: SmartPoints can vary depending on the brand of turkey bacon or oil you use. Always double-check in your own WW app for precision.

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My Personal Experience

The first time I tried making fried cabbage WW-style, I made a rookie mistake: I didn’t cook the turkey bacon long enough. Instead of getting that crispy, smoky bite, it turned chewy — not exactly the southern comfort I was going for.

The second time, I let the bacon crisp fully before adding the cabbage. Game changer. The rendered turkey bacon gave off just enough flavor to coat the cabbage, and a splash of broth kept everything moist without extra oil. By the time it hit the plate, it tasted indulgent, yet my WW tracker showed it was totally within my daily points.

Now, I keep this dish on rotation. It’s the kind of recipe you can make on autopilot after a long day, and it always tastes like more effort than it actually takes.

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Required Equipment

🥘 Large Skillet (Non-Stick Preferred)

This is where the magic happens. A non-stick skillet lets you crisp the turkey bacon without needing extra oil (keeping SmartPoints low).

🔪 Sharp Knife & Cutting Board

Cabbage needs a clean, sharp cut for even cooking. A dull knife will crush the leaves, leading to uneven texture.

🥄 Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula

For stirring and scraping up those tasty browned bits at the bottom — they’re flavor gold.

🥣 Small Mixing Bowl

Optional, but handy if you want to whisk seasonings together before sprinkling.

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Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 1 medium head green cabbage (about 6 cups, chopped) – Zero SmartPoints. The star of the show: tender, slightly sweet, and filling.
• 6 slices turkey bacon – ~9 SmartPoints total. Smoky and savory without the heaviness of pork bacon.
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced – Zero SmartPoints. Adds natural sweetness and depth.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Zero SmartPoints. A must for that aromatic kick.
• 1 tbsp olive oil – 4 SmartPoints. Helps caramelize the cabbage. (Swap with cooking spray for fewer points.)
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth – Zero SmartPoints. Keeps the cabbage tender and moist.
• ½ tsp smoked paprika – Zero SmartPoints. Boosts that smoky, southern vibe.
• Salt & black pepper, to taste – Zero SmartPoints. Essential seasonings.

Substitution Options:

• Turkey bacon → Chicken or beef bacon (points stay similar).
• Olive oil → Cooking spray (saves ~4 SmartPoints in total).
• Chicken broth → Vegetable broth (no point change, great for vegetarians who use veggie bacon).

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How to Make Weight Watchers Fried Cabbage with Turkey Bacon

Step 1: Crisp the Turkey Bacon

Place turkey bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

💡 Tip: Letting bacon crisp fully adds depth of flavor — don’t rush this step.

Step 2: Sauté Onion & Garlic

In the same skillet (with a touch of bacon drippings + oil), add onion slices. Cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and stir until fragrant (30 seconds).

Step 3: Add Cabbage

Toss in the chopped cabbage. Stir well so it absorbs all the flavors. Let it cook down for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

💡 Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet — give the cabbage space to caramelize.

Step 4: Deglaze & Season

Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Add smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat.

Step 5: Add Bacon Back

Chop the turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces and stir into the cabbage. Let everything cook together for another 3–4 minutes.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Taste, adjust seasonings, and serve hot. Garnish with extra black pepper or parsley if you like.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Undercooking bacon – Soft bacon won’t deliver flavor; crisp it well.
2. Overcrowding the pan – Leads to steaming, not frying. Use a wide skillet.
3. Skipping broth – Without liquid, cabbage may dry out instead of becoming tender.
4. Adding salt too early – Salt too soon draws water, making cabbage mushy.

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Pro Tips for Best Results

• Use high heat at the start to get golden edges on cabbage.
• Add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat (no extra points).
• For meal prep, undercook cabbage slightly so it reheats without turning soggy.

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WW-Specific Nutrition & Strategy

Cabbage is a WW superstar — naturally low in calories and high in fiber, so it fills you up without costing points. Turkey bacon delivers that smoky satisfaction at fewer points than pork, and using broth instead of butter slashes points dramatically.

Pair this dish with a zero-point protein (like grilled chicken breast or fish) and you’ve got a complete, filling WW meal without draining your daily points.

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Variations You Can Try

• Spicy Version – Add hot sauce or chili flakes (no extra points).
• Cheesy Twist – Stir in ¼ cup reduced-fat shredded cheese (+2 SmartPoints per serving).
• Vegetarian Swap – Use vegetarian bacon strips (SmartPoints vary).

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Tips for This Recipe

• Slice cabbage thinly for faster cooking.
• Store leftovers in portion-sized containers to avoid overeating.
• Double the batch for meal prep — it reheats beautifully.

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Optional Additions

• Mushrooms – Add umami with no extra points.
• Bell peppers – Sweetness + color, no extra points.
• Caraway seeds – Traditional cabbage flavor booster, zero points.

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Serving Ideas

• As a side dish with roasted chicken.
• Over brown rice or quinoa (adds points but makes it a full meal).
• In a WW-friendly wrap with grilled turkey for lunch.

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Storage Recommendations

• Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Not ideal (cabbage texture suffers).
• Reheat: Microwave or reheat in skillet. Add a splash of broth to refresh.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I freeze fried cabbage?
Not recommended — cabbage gets mushy. Best eaten fresh or refrigerated.

2. Can I use regular bacon instead?
Yes, but SmartPoints jump (add +3 per serving). Turkey bacon keeps it WW-friendly.

3. Can I make this oil-free?
Yes! Use cooking spray instead of olive oil. This reduces total recipe by ~4 SmartPoints.

4. Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Yes, it works fine, but flavor is slightly earthier. SmartPoints don’t change.

5. How can I make it spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce — zero points add-ons!

6. Does this recipe work in the air fryer?
You can air-fry cabbage + bacon together at 375°F for 15 minutes, tossing halfway. SmartPoints remain the same.

7. What proteins pair best with this dish?
Grilled chicken breast, lean ground turkey, or fish — all zero-point options that balance the smoky cabbage perfectly.

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Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving, ~1 cup)

• Calories: 125
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 6g
• Total Carbs: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Net Carbs: 7g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 430mg
• SmartPoints (Estimated): 3

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Recipe Snapshot

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Course: Side Dish
• Cuisine: American, Southern-Inspired
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 125
• SmartPoints per serving: 3 (Estimated)