When it comes to backyard barbecues, having a delicious side dish like smoked cabbage can truly enhance the dining experience. But why stop there? Take that smoked cabbage to the next level by wrapping it in bacon for a feast that will leave everyone in awe.
I wanted to go beyond simply draping the bacon over the cabbage—I wanted to create a culinary masterpiece. A centerpiece that would steal the show on any dinner table. So, I came up with the idea of giving my cabbage a bacon blanket. The process may seem impressive and challenging, but it’s surprisingly easy and takes less than 5 minutes.
To create this bacon-wrapped smoked cabbage, you’ll need just a few ingredients: cabbage, bacon, olive oil, and your favorite BBQ seasoning. I used my Homemade Sweet Rub to add a delectable sweet and savory flavor to the cabbage. Since the seasoning only coats the outside, I like to apply it generously to ensure maximum flavor.
How Long to Smoke Cabbage?
I conducted several tests with different cooking temperatures and times, and I found that the best results were achieved by smoking the cabbage low and slow. I set my smoker to 275 degrees F and smoked the cabbage for about 3 hours. The bacon turned out perfectly rendered and crispy, while the cabbage became tender with a slight crunch. Feel free to use any wood you prefer, but I recommend options like pecan or maple. You can even smoke the cabbage alongside your main protein to maximize your smoker’s usage.
Now, let’s take a look at the list of ingredients you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium green cabbage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Homemade Sweet Rub
- 12 slices of bacon
Instructions:
Preheat your smoker to 275 degrees F with your preferred hardwood for smoking.
Use a sharp knife to remove the stem and part of the core from the cabbage.
Drizzle the cabbage head with olive oil, ensuring an even coating. Season the cabbage on all sides with the sweet rub, applying it generously.
Assemble your bacon weave on a large piece of parchment paper. Lay 6 slices of bacon side by side, then alternate the remaining 6 slices in the opposite direction, weaving them over and under the other strips. Roll up the parchment paper around the bacon weave.
Unroll the bacon weave over the top of the cabbage. Use toothpicks to secure the loose ends of the bacon to the cabbage, ensuring it is fully covered.
Place the wrapped cabbage on the smoker, close the lid, and let it smoke for approximately 3 hours.
Once the smoking time is complete, remove the cabbage from the smoker and carefully remove all of the toothpicks. Slice the cabbage into wedges and serve.
Prepare to impress your guests with this extraordinary bacon-wrapped smoked cabbage. The combination of smoky bacon and tender cabbage will tantalize their taste buds and leave them craving more. Enjoy the flavor-packed goodness that this dish brings to your BBQ spread.
