This Southern Fried Cabbage Recipe is smoky, savory, and full of comfort. Fresh cabbage is sautéed with onions, garlic, and spices in bacon drippings until tender and caramelized, then finished with crispy bacon and a splash of vinegar for just the right amount of tang. It pairs perfectly with cornbread, roasted meats, or holiday spreads, but it’s simple enough to make on a weeknight, too.
Southern Fried Cabbage Just Like Momma Used to Make!
If you grew up in the South, chances are fried cabbage made regular appearances at the dinner table. Inspired by the recipes I grew up eating, my version brings all the same comforting flavors you remember, with a touch of smoky bacon, tender onions, and plenty of garlic. The cabbage cooks down until it’s soft and slightly caramelized, soaking up every bit of savory seasoning.
Then, a splash of vinegar brightens the dish, while smoked paprika and crushed red pepper give it just enough warmth without overwhelming the flavor. The crispy bacon stirred in at the end makes it irresistible. Whether you serve it alongside cornbread, barbecue, or a Sunday roast, this fried cabbage is simple, hearty, and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cabbage: You’ll need 2 pounds of cabbage that has been cleaned and shredded or chopped. Save time by buying pre-shredded cabbage, if desired.
Onion and Garlic: These add savory, pungent flavors and subtle sweetness that transform the veggie.
Bacon: This creates a rich, smoky base and adds texture to the dish.
Spices: Black pepper, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper, and salt create a savory flavor with lots of depth and the perfect touch of heat.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a dash adds a smoky, umami, salty flavor that elevates the cabbage.
Vinegar: The acidity brings brightness to the dish, balancing some of the savory flavors.
How to Make a Southern Fried Cabbage Recipe with Bacon
Step 1. Cook chopped bacon in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until it’s crispy. Then, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving about two tablespoons of bacon grease, and drain it on a paper towel.
Step 2. Next, add the chopped onion to the bacon grease, and cook until it’s soft. Stir in the minced garlic and seasonings, and cook until fragrant.
Step 3. Add the chopped cabbage, and stir to coat it with the bacon grease and onions.
Step 4. Once the cabbage is wilted, add the salt and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until the cabbage is tender and slightly browned, stirring occasionally. Then, add the vinegar, bacon, and season to taste.
Step 5. Stir the sauteed cabbage and serve warm!
Possible Variations
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon and use olive oil or butter instead. Add a little smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor.
- Add sausage: Stir in sliced smoked sausage, kielbasa, or andouille for a heartier dish that can double as a main course.
- Spice it up: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes, or add a diced jalapeño for extra heat.
- Sweet & tangy: Add 1-2 teaspoons of brown sugar along with the vinegar for a sweet-and-sour balance.
Serving Suggestions
I like to serve my fried cabbage with bacon as a side dish with protein-rich mains like fried chicken tenders, crispy buttermilk fried chicken, red beans and rice, or chicken and sausage gumbo.
No matter what, I always add a side of my cheddar cornbread with chives and brown butter. If you’re not a cornbread fan, try my buttermilk biscuits or my bacon cheddar biscuits with chives instead.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator: Store leftover fried cabbage in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. The sauteed cabbage will soften once thawed, but the flavor will still be delicious. Thaw in the fridge to serve.
Reheat: Warm the cabbage in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth, water, or a bit of butter as needed.
More Delicious Side Dishes
- Cauliflower Au Gratin with Gruyère and Bacon
- Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Dates
- Southern Butter Beans with Smoked Turkey
- Southern Collard Greens with Turkey
- Roasted Green Beans with Mushrooms and Crispy Onions
- Southern Black Eyed Peas
I hope you love this Southern Fried Cabbage Recipe! It’s savory, smoky, and easy to make. If you do give this recipe a try, I want to know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @butterloveandsalt on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews help support Butter, Love & Salt and make it possible for me to continue to create delicious recipes.
Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Ingredients
- 2 lb of cabbage cleaned and shredded or chopped
- 1 onion finely diced
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp crush red pepper
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2-3 tsp vinegar more to taste
- 1 tsp salt more to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Then, remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan (drain excess if needed).
- Next, add the chopped onion to the bacon grease and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft. Then, stir in minced garlic and black pepper, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the pan. It may look like a lot, but it will cook down. Stir well to coat with bacon grease and onions.
- Once the cabbage is a bit wilted, add the salt and Worcestershire sauce. Cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and slightly browned, stirring occasionally. Once the cabbage is done and the vinegar. Taste the cabbage and add additional seasoning (it may need more salt).
- When you are satisfied with the flavor profile, stir the cooked bacon back in and serve!
Nutritional Information
Recipe by: Chavez Adams / Butter, Love & Salt | Photography by: Meg McKeehan.
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