Southern Fried Cabbage

There’s something incredibly comforting about Southern Fried Cabbage—maybe it’s the bacon, or perhaps it’s the nostalgia of family dinners around the table. For me, this dish harks back to sunny afternoons spent with relatives in the South, where the smoky aroma of frying bacon and sautéed cabbage promised a delicious meal. This recipe has become a stalwart in my kitchen, perfect for those days when I’m craving something hearty yet uncomplicated.

The beauty of Southern Fried Cabbage lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s truly about maximizing flavor. Picture tender bites of green cabbage mingling harmoniously with crispy bacon and sweet caramelized onions. It’s a rustic dish that brings family and friends together, yielding moments that feel like home no matter where you are.

What makes this recipe special

Why do I keep coming back to this recipe? First off, it’s immensely satisfying. The combination of crispy bacon and sweet cabbage creates a delightful textural contrast. Plus, there’s an alluring balance of flavors here—the hint of sweetness from the sugar cutting through the savory richness of the bacon, and the welcoming aroma that envelopes your kitchen as it cooks. This dish feels like a warm embrace; it comforts without being heavy, and it’s flexible enough to fit any occasion from casual family dinners to a side for your weekend barbecue.

Another standout aspect? It’s nutrient-rich. While cabbage seldom gets the spotlight it deserves, it offers vitamins C and K, fiber, and plenty of antioxidants. And let’s be honest, when was the last time you met someone who could resist a plate of warm, sautéed cabbage? This one’s worth making, trust me.

Gather these ingredients

Let’s dive into what you’ll need:

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon: The heart of this dish. Thick-cut bacon delivers a satisfying crispness and rich flavor. You could switch to turkey bacon for a lighter version, but the depth of flavor won’t quite compare.
• ½ medium yellow onion, sliced: This will add sweetness and depth. You could use a sweet onion if you prefer a milder taste, or even red onion for a splash of color.
• 6 cups chopped green cabbage: A wonderful source of nutrients and fiber. Savoy or Napa cabbage can be used for a different texture; just choose what you have on hand.
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Just a whisper of sweetness to round out the flavors. You could try maple syrup if you’re feeling experimental.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste): Essential for enhancing flavors. Adjust according to your gusto.
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or more to taste): This will provide that gentle kick, so don’t skimp too much on this one.

How this recipe comes together

Ready to get cooking? Here’s how I make this dish:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced bacon. Cook until it’s crispy and golden, about 7-8 minutes. Don’t just walk away; keep an eye on it—you want that bacon just right.
2. Once the bacon is done, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Leave 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet—this is where the magic happens.
3. Add the sliced onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften and become fragrant.
4. Now, toss in the chopped cabbage. Stir everything together and cook it for about 8 minutes, or until the cabbage wilts and softens. It should just barely be tender.
5. Sprinkle in the granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper. This is where the flavors really come together—stir, and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Finally, return the crispy bacon to the skillet. Stir it all together until everything is evenly coated. Serve this warm, and delight in those complementary textures and flavors coming together.

How to plate and pair

So, how do you serve this dish? I love it alongside a crispy fried chicken or barbecued ribs. It also pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple side salad if you’re looking for something light. Picture the cabbage, with its vibrant color, resting on a plate next to your protein of choice—the contrast is visually stunning. Don’t forget a few scattering of bacon bits on top, just to entice anyone who’s still undecided.

Keeping leftovers fresh

If you find yourself with any leftovers—though I doubt it—simply transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish actually benefits from sitting for a while, as the flavors continue to meld. When you’re ready to reheat, it’s best to do so in a skillet over low heat, tossing until warmed through. Steer clear of the microwave if you can; it tends to make the cabbage a bit soggy.

A few things worth knowing

Before diving in, here are some tips for success:

• Use a large enough skillet to give the cabbage room to breathe. A crowded pan will steam it instead of sautéing.
• If you’re not a fan of bacon (who even are those people?), feel free to swap it out for smoked turkey or omit it altogether and go the vegetarian route.
• For a little kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the cabbage. It adds a lovely heat that balances the sweetness of the sugar.

Creative twists

If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some variations to consider:

• Asian Flair: Add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil for an unexpected twist.
• Herbed Up: Toss in fresh herbs like thyme or dill at the end for a fragrant finish.
• House Special: Some folks love adding sausage instead of bacon. A smoked sausage can turn up the flavor and richness, lending a different depth to the dish.

Ingredients

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• ½ medium yellow onion, sliced
• 6 cups chopped green cabbage
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or more to taste)

Directions to follow

1. In a large skillet, cook 6 slices of diced thick-cut bacon until crispy, about 7-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Leave 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet; discard the rest.
3. Add ½ medium sliced yellow onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add 6 cups chopped green cabbage. Cook and stir until the cabbage is tender, about 8 minutes.
5. Season with 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and mix well before serving.

Your questions answered

• Can I use a different type of cabbage? Absolutely, Savoy or Napa cabbage can bring a different flavor and texture.
• Is this dish suitable for meal prep? Yes! It holds up quite well in the fridge, and the flavors only get better.
• Can I make it vegetarian? Certainly! Just skip the bacon or use a plant-based alternative and you’re good to go.
• What can I do with leftovers? It reheats nicely; toss it in a skillet with a bit of oil to regain some texture. Or add it to a frittata for breakfast.
• How spicy can I make this? You can add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking for a kick.

Cooking is an opportunity to connect with our roots and each other. Southern Fried Cabbage brings warmth to any meal and invites conversation and laughter around the table. I encourage you to try this recipe, make it yours, and share your experiences in the comments. After all, the kitchen is where great memories are made, one delicious bite at a time.

Southern Fried Cabbage

A comforting Southern dish featuring crispy bacon and tender cabbage, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Southern

Servings 4 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon You could switch to turkey bacon for a lighter version.
• ½ medium yellow onion, sliced You could use a sweet onion for a milder taste.
• 6 cups chopped green cabbage Savoy or Napa cabbage can be used for a different texture.
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar Maple syrup can be used for an experimental twist.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt Adjust according to taste.
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Add more to taste for a gentle kick.

Instructions

 

Cooking

• In a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced bacon. Cook until crispy and golden, about 7-8 minutes.
• Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
• Add the sliced onion to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
• Toss in the chopped cabbage, stir everything together, and cook for about 8 minutes until wilted and tender.
• Sprinkle in the granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper, stirring and cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
• Return the crispy bacon to the skillet, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
• Serve warm.

Notes

This dish pairs beautifully with crispy fried chicken or barbecued ribs. It also benefits from sitting for a while, as the flavors continue to meld.

Keyword Cabbage Recipe, Comfort Food, Easy Side Dish, Fried Cabbage, Southern Cooking