Southern Fried Cabbage

Name: Southern Fried Cabbage
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 head of cabbage, chopped; 4 slices of bacon, diced; 1 onion, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: red pepper flakes for spice

Author: Emily

Published: 12 February 2025

Updated: 11 February 2026

Cooking Southern Fried Cabbage is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket at the end of a long day. It’s simple, comforting, and oh so delicious. This dish brings together the heartiness of cabbage with crispy bacon and sweet onions. It’s a classic side that can elevate any meal. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up. Let’s dive into this cozy recipe!

why make this recipe

Why should you make Southern Fried Cabbage? Well, it’s rich in flavor and really budget-friendly. Cabbage is often undervalued, but it can transform into a delightful dish with just a few ingredients. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side for your weekend get-togethers. And frankly, who doesn’t love crispy bacon?

how to make Southern Fried Cabbage

Ingredients:

1 head of cabbage, chopped
4 slices of bacon, diced
1 onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: red pepper flakes for spice

First, gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking.

Directions:

In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. The smell will be amazing!
Once the bacon is nice and crispy, remove it from the pan and set it aside. But don’t throw away that tasty bacon fat! Leave it in the skillet for flavor.
Next, add the chopped onions to the skillet. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant. This should only take a few minutes.
Now it’s time to add the chopped cabbage. Stir it into the skillet and let it cook. You’ll want to stir occasionally and let it soften up for about 10-15 minutes.
Once the cabbage has softened a bit, stir in the crispy bacon. Season everything with salt, pepper, and add some red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous.
Cook for an additional 5 minutes, mixing everything well. Serve it hot and watch it disappear!

how to serve Southern Fried Cabbage

Southern Fried Cabbage shines as a side dish but can also steal the spotlight on its own. I love serving this with some flavorful cornbread or alongside my famous slow cooker pulled pork. The combination is just unbeatable.

how to store Southern Fried Cabbage

Got leftovers? No problem! Store any remaining cabbage in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay good for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist and juicy.

tips to make Southern Fried Cabbage

Want to make this dish your own? Try adding some garlic while the onions are sautéing for an extra flavor kick.
If you love a bit more crunch, you can toss in some sliced carrots or bell peppers with the cabbage. They add a nice texture and hint of sweetness.
Serve it alongside my buttermilk fried chicken for the ultimate Southern feast!

variation

Feeling adventurous? Swap out the bacon for smoked sausage or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. It’ll give you a whole new flavor profile without losing that comfort food essence.

FAQs

Can I use green cabbage instead?
Absolutely! Green cabbage works perfectly in this recipe.

Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes! Southern Fried Cabbage is low in carbs, making it a great choice for those following a keto diet.

What can I pair this cabbage with?
You can enjoy it with just about anything — from grilled meats to hearty stews. It complements many flavors nicely.

Enjoy your Southern Fried Cabbage, and remember, cooking is all about joy and sharing. So gather your friends and family around and dig in!

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