Easy Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a classic Southern comfort-food side. Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s a flavorful, simple dish that pairs well with many main courses or stands alone as a warm vegetable side.
Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon
This Southern-style fried cabbage with bacon is a family favorite inspired by recipes from Alabama kitchens. It’s versatile: serve it as a side with pork chops, mashed potatoes, or cornbread, or add egg noodles or smoked sausage to turn it into a heartier main dish. The smoky bacon and butter give the cabbage a rich, savory flavor while the onions add sweetness and depth.
Ingredients
Simple pantry ingredients make this dish quick and dependable. Use the amounts below for approximately eight servings; adjust to taste or serving size.
- Bacon (thick-cut preferred)
- Butter (salted or unsalted)
- Onion, medium, chopped
- Green cabbage, medium, cored and thinly sliced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional add-ins: smoked sausage or ham pieces for more protein, bell peppers, carrots, minced garlic or garlic powder, celery, Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes for heat. For a touch of sweetness, sprinkle a little sugar while cooking.
Notes: Thick-cut bacon yields more flavorful drippings and a meatier texture. Unsalted butter lets you control the salt level, but salted butter works fine if you prefer it.
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife and cutting board
How to core a cabbage
Cut the cabbage into quarters. Remove the tough, thick core from each quarter, then slice the cabbage thinly so it cooks evenly in the skillet.
How to make Southern Fried Cabbage
Below is a concise, step-by-step method to prepare this easy side. Images show the key stages: cooking bacon, sautéing onions, and adding cabbage.
- Cook 8 slices of bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until they reach your desired crispness. Remove the bacon to a plate, reserving the bacon grease in the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the bacon grease. Stir to combine and melt the butter into the drippings.
- Add one medium chopped onion to the butter and bacon grease. Cook until the onion is tender, about 3–5 minutes depending on the pan temperature.
- Stir the cooked and chopped bacon back into the skillet with the onions.
- Add the thinly sliced medium cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and coated evenly in the butter-bacon mixture. Keep an eye on the pan so pieces don’t burn; about 8–12 minutes total depending on how tender you like it.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If you want a spicy kick, add ¼ to ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a touch of sweetness, add a teaspoon of sugar while cooking.
Preparation and Storage
Make ahead: This dish is best served immediately for the best texture and flavor. If left sitting in the pan, the cabbage will continue to soften and lose its crunch.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and use within three days.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended; cabbage can become watery and lose texture when thawed.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave portions as needed. A skillet helps revive texture better than the microwave.
Recipe Variations
Meat alternatives: Swap bacon for smoked sausage or ham pieces for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, use a plant-based bacon alternative or extra butter and olive oil. For a vegan version, choose plant-based bacon and vegan butter or oil.
Dietary notes: This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using plain bacon without added flavorings that may contain gluten. Check labels if you have concerns about cross-contamination or additives.
Serving size: The recipe makes about eight servings. Scale ingredients up or down to fit your group.
Tips for the Best Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon
- Don’t burn the bacon—bitterness will affect the entire dish.
- Use a large enough skillet so the cabbage can be stirred without overcrowding.
- For crunchier cabbage, cook a shorter time; for very tender cabbage, extend the cooking.
- Freshly cut cabbage holds up better than pre-shredded, which can become mushy quickly.
What to Serve With It
This bacon-forward cabbage pairs well with many Southern favorites: cornbread, mashed potatoes, roasted or grilled pork chops, fried chicken, or a simple green salad. For a complete Southern-style meal, serve with iced tea and a classic dessert like a simple cake or cobbler.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: Approximately 151 kcal per serving
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
Calories: 151 kcal. Fat: 12 g (Saturated fat: 5 g). Cholesterol: 22 mg. Sodium: 192 mg. Carbohydrates: 8 g (Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 4 g). Protein: 4 g. Vitamin C and other micronutrients are provided by the cabbage and onion.
This simple Southern fried cabbage with bacon is an easy, crowd-pleasing side that brings home-style flavor to weeknight dinners and gatherings. Adjust seasonings and add-ins to suit your family’s tastes, and enjoy a reliably delicious vegetable dish in under 30 minutes.