The Best Southern Fried Cabbage Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food

Southern charm meets comfort food in this delectable southern fried cabbage that promises a burst of flavor in every bite.

Crispy edges and tender center make this dish a true Southern classic.

Bacon adds a smoky depth that elevates the humble vegetable into something extraordinary.

We love how simple ingredients can create such a mouthwatering side dish.

Each forkful brings a satisfying crunch and rich, savory notes that complement any main course.

Skillet magic happens when cabbage caramelizes with perfectly seasoned ingredients.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again, so roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking!

Southern Fried Cabbage Benefits

• Savor Southern Comfort: A classic recipe that brings the warmth of Southern cooking straight to your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
• Quick Family Feast: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in just a few simple steps, making it an ideal choice for families craving a hearty and delicious side.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows you to adjust spice levels and add personal touches, ensuring it suits every palate from mild to wild.
• Budget-Friendly Brilliance: Uses affordable ingredients like cabbage and bacon to create a restaurant-worthy dish that won't break the bank, making it a smart choice for home cooks watching their wallet.

Ingredients for Southern Fried Cabbage

• Bacon: Provides a rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• White Onion, Garlic: Create a savory and aromatic foundation for the cabbage.
• Green Cabbage: Serves as the main vegetable that absorbs the bacon's flavor and becomes tender when cooked.

• Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the dish.
• Cayenne Pepper: Offers an optional spicy kick for those who enjoy heat.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Provide essential seasoning to balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.

How to Cook Southern Fried Cabbage

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon until it turns golden and crispy.

Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, keeping the delicious bacon fat in the skillet for extra flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Toss chopped white onions into the skillet.

Cook until they become soft and glassy, about 6-8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its amazing aroma.

Step 3: Spice Up the Cabbage

• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together to combine the flavors thoroughly.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Continue cooking the cabbage, stirring occasionally, until it becomes tender and slightly wilted. This should take about 8-10 minutes.

The cabbage will soften and absorb all the delicious bacon-infused flavors.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Crumble the crispy bacon and sprinkle it back into the skillet.

Gently mix to distribute the bacon pieces evenly throughout the cabbage.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the Southern fried cabbage to a serving dish.

This side dish is ready to complement any main course or stand alone as a tasty treat. Dig in while it’s hot and savor the incredible blend of crispy bacon and tender cabbage!

Tips for Southern Fried Cabbage Success

• Add extra flavor by using thick-cut bacon for a richer, smokier taste that complements the cabbage perfectly.
• Chop cabbage into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper based on personal heat preference.
• For a vegetarian version, replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to maintain a deep, savory profile.
• Control cooking time carefully to keep cabbage crisp-tender, avoiding mushy or overly wilted results.

Variations of Southern Fried Cabbage

• Vegetarian Cabbage Delight: Replace bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh, using olive oil for sautéing. Add nutritional yeast for a savory flavor profile.
• Spicy Asian-Inspired Cabbage: Swap paprika with sriracha sauce, add ginger and soy sauce. Include sliced bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
• Keto-Friendly Low-Carb Version: Keep the original recipe intact, focusing on high-fat ingredients. Use extra bacon, include butter for added richness.
• Mediterranean Herb Cabbage: Incorporate fresh herbs like oregano and thyme. Replace white onion with shallots, sprinkle feta cheese on top for a tangy finish.

Pairings for Southern Fried Cabbage

• Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc offers a bright, acidic contrast that cuts through the richness of the bacon and complements the cabbage's earthy notes.
• Grilled pork chops or roasted chicken thighs create a perfect protein companion that echoes the smoky bacon flavor in the cabbage dish.
• Crusty sourdough or cornbread provides a delightful textural contrast, soaking up the delicious bacon drippings and adding a satisfying crunch to the meal.
• Creamy mac and cheese or black-eyed peas round out the Southern-style experience, creating a complete and deeply satisfying comfort food spread.

Storage Advice for Southern Fried Cabbage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the Southern Fried Cabbage will keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled cabbage to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place cabbage in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What role does bacon play in this recipe?

Bacon provides a rich, smoky flavor and renders fat that helps cook the onions and cabbage, creating a deeply delicious base for the dish.

• Is this dish considered healthy?

While tasty, it’s moderately healthy. Cabbage is nutrient-dense with low calories, and bacon adds protein, but also increases fat content. Balance is key when enjoying this recipe.

• Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, substitute bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar depth of flavor. Use olive oil instead of bacon fat to sauté the vegetables.

• What type of cabbage works best?

Green cabbage is traditional and recommended. It holds its texture well during cooking and absorbs flavors perfectly, making it ideal for Southern fried cabbage.

Southern Fried Cabbage Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Southern fried cabbage offers a classic Southern comfort dish with crispy bacon and tender cabbage leaves. Home cooks can quickly prepare this simple side that pairs perfectly with main courses and delivers rich, savory flavors you’ll crave.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 head green cabbage (cored and chopped into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 pound bacon (finely chopped)
• 1 white onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Render bacon in a medium-hot skillet until golden and crisp, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, preserving the rendered fat in the pan.
2. Sauté chopped onions in the bacon drippings until they soften and turn translucent, about 4-6 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
3. Incorporate shredded cabbage into the skillet, seasoning generously with paprika, optional cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to ensure even coating and distribution of spices.
4. Cook cabbage mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetable becomes tender and slightly caramelized, approximately 10-12 minutes. The cabbage should maintain a slight crunch while appearing wilted and glossy.
5. Crumble reserved crispy bacon over the cabbage, gently folding to integrate the smoky pieces throughout the dish. Allow the bacon to warm for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Transfer the Southern-style cabbage to a serving platter, presenting a harmonious blend of crisp bacon, soft vegetables, and robust seasonings. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor depth and crispier texture that adds incredible richness to the cabbage.
• Consider removing bacon seeds if desiring milder heat profile while maintaining subtle spicy undertones.
• Slice cabbage uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and prevent uneven softening during skillet preparation.
• Opt for fresh garlic instead of pre-minced versions to enhance authentic, robust taste and aromatic qualities.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 275 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg