Bacon-Wrapped Cabbage Bites on the Griddle

Ingredients:
1 head of green cabbage
1 lb bacon (thin or regular slice works best)
Olive oil (optional, for the griddle if needed)
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder (optional)
Onion powder (optional)
Your favorite BBQ rub or seasoning (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Cabbage:
Remove any loose or damaged outer leaves from the cabbage.
Cut the cabbage into wedges or thick slices, about 1-inch to 1.5-inches thick. Try to keep some of the core on each piece to help hold the leaves together.
Blanch the cabbage (optional, but recommended for tender cabbage): Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cabbage wedges and cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender but still firm. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking, then pat very dry with paper towels. Alternatively, you can skip blanching, but the cabbage will be firmer.
Season the Cabbage:
Lightly season both sides of the blanched and dried cabbage wedges with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or your preferred BBQ rub.
Wrap with Bacon:
Take one slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around a seasoned cabbage wedge. You might need to use two slices of bacon for larger wedges, overlapping them slightly.
Secure the bacon with a toothpick if necessary, especially if it’s struggling to stay put.
Preheat the Griddle:
Preheat your griddle to medium heat (around 350-375°F or 175-190°C). If using a stove-top griddle or large pan, use medium heat.
Cook on the Griddle:
Lightly oil the griddle if your bacon isn’t particularly fatty, but usually, the bacon grease will be sufficient.
Place the bacon-wrapped cabbage bites on the hot griddle, seam-side down first if possible to help seal the bacon.
Cook for about 5-8 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown on all sides and the cabbage is tender. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your cabbage and bacon, and your desired crispiness.
If the bacon is cooking too fast before the cabbage is tender, you can reduce the heat slightly or move them to a cooler part of the griddle.
Remove toothpicks before serving if you used them.
Serve:
Serve hot! These are great as a side dish or appetizer.
Enjoy your bacon-wrapped cabbage!