Southern Fried Cabbage

Southern Fried Cabbage is the kind of comfort food that never goes out of style. Crisp bacon, sweet onions, and tender cabbage come together in one skillet for a dish that’s full of flavor and Southern soul. It’s easy to make, easy on the budget, and the perfect side dish for simple weeknight dinners.

Ingredients to Make Southern Fried Cabbage Recipe

Cabbage is one of those underrated vegetables, often overlooked like Brussels sprouts or broccoli but it’s incredibly versatile and flavorful. It shines in slaws, soups, salads, and especially in the stir-fries we know and love. In the South, fried cabbage is a staple side dish made with simple, humble ingredients. While it’s commonly served alongside pinto beans and cornbread, it can just as easily stand on its own as a main dish. Add-ins like bell peppers, sausage, ham, or potatoes can turn it into a hearty, savory meal. A great example is our braised cabbage with potatoes and smoked sausage. No matter how you serve it, fried cabbage is budget-friendly, filling, and full of down-home comfort. Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make Southern-style cabbage with bacon: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Cabbage – This recipe uses a large green cabbage head for the base. Nothing fancy here.
• Bacon – Thick cut bacon gives the cabbage a smoky flavor. You can use classic bacon as well.
• Onion – I like to use a sweet onion for fried cabbage like Vidalia onions, but you could use a yellow onion, too.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves expand the flavor profile.
• Seasonings – Onion powder, granulated garlic or garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, fennel seeds and freshly ground black pepper.

How to Make the BEST Southern Fried Cabbage Recipe

• Cook the Bacon – Fry bacon over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain using a slotted spoon, reserving drippings in skillet.
• Sauté Onion – Sauté onion in drippings along with garlic and fennel seed, if using.
• Add Chopped Cabbage – Add cabbage to skillet. Stir to coat with drippings.
• Seasonings and Spices – Add salt, onion powder, granulated garlic, pepper flakes and black pepper. Stir well.
• Cook – Cook uncovered until cabbage has softened to a tender texture and is browning, about 15-20 minutes. Cook any liquid away, the cabbage shouldn’t have a sauce, it should by rather dry, 
• Serve – Add crumbled bacon back to the cabbage or use to garnish the top.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Fried Cabbage

• Large skillet, pot or Dutch oven for frying the bacon and cabbage. A cast iron skillet gives the cabbage a caramelized char.
• Sharp knife and chopping board to slice and chop the cabbage.
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large slotted spoon.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substituions

• Cabbage – This easy cabbage recipe doesn’t use any sort of fancy cabbage such as Napa cabbage, just good ole green cabbage will do. I enjoy including the dark green outer leaves to the dish as well so don’t peel those off and leave them behind at the store. They pack flavor and nutrients, too.
• Bacon Drippings – You may also opt to replace the bacon grease with a combination of olive oil and butter.
• Red Cabbage – Can you fry red cabbage? You can fry purple cabbage, but please note it can have a slightly bitter taste. A pinch of sugar or carrots added to the cabbage will help offset that bitter flavor.
• Bacon – I use thick cut bacon for this dish. It’s my favorite and stands up to the frying. You can mix it into the cabbage or use it to garnish the top, it’s totally your choice. That said, you can of course use regular or thin cut bacon if that’s what you have on hand.
• Fennel Seeds – I include fennel seed in this recipe although, it isn’t a classic addition. It adds a really unique flavor to the cabbage, but rest assured, this dish will still be delicious should you choose to leave it out.
• Adjust the Cooking Time to Taste – The texture of the cabbage can be fine-tuned to suit your personal taste by adjusting the cooking time. If you prefer it to be crisp tender like a stir fry, cook it for slightly less time. For a softer texture, cook it longer and add a splash of chicken broth to create some steam. Traditionally, it’s cooked rather soft in general.
• Is Southern Fried Cabbage Low Carb? Yes, it is a lower carb keto option for those who are counting their carb intake. To make it even more so, omit the onion.
• Roasted Cabbage – See how to Roasted Cabbage in the oven here.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store Fried Cabbage in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat leftover cabbage in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop in a skillet just before serving. 

What Dishes to Serve with Southern Fried Cabbage

• Country Style Ribs and Beans with a side of buttered Slow Cooker Cornbread.
• Southern Fried Chicken is always a great idea!
• Treat the family to a heaping helping of golden Firecracker Fried Okra another Southern veggie we love.
• Add a side of Pinto Beans and Cornbread and you’ve got a downhome meal that won’t break the bank.
• Southern style Green Beans and Potatoes on the side.
• Tomato Glazed Delicious Southern Meatloaf or individual Meatloaf Muffins.
• This Lemon Chicken features juicy bone-in chicken thighs.
• Buttermilk Ranch Mashed Potatoes never last long.
• Honey Garlic Pork Chops are a terrific option.
• You may also like to try this recipe for Cabbage Rolls from Belly Full.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Cast Iron Skillet
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Set
• Kitchen Utensils