Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Smoky, savory, and ready in under 30 minutes-this Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon is the ultimate soul food side dish. Made with tender cabbage, crispy bacon, onions, and garlic, it's quick, flavorful, and the perfect addition to any Southern meal.

Southern fried cabbage is one of those classic soul food side dishes. This recipe is simple, quick, and full of flavor thanks to smoky bacon, tender cabbage, and just the right blend of seasonings. In less than 30 minutes, you'll have a dish that's hearty enough to stand on its own yet versatile enough to pair with almost any Southern meal, but its a must that you include cornbread. If you know you know.

You've probably heard the saying, no two cooks cook alike-and it couldn't be more true. My mother and grandmother always made their cabbage with salt pork, which adds a rich, savory flavor much like bacon. I love their version, but when I make fried cabbage, I prefer using bacon for that smoky, crispy touch.

Why You'll Love This Southern Fried Cabbage

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes-perfect Sunday dinner!
  
• Smoky & Savory Flavor: The bacon, onion and garlic add a depth of flavor.
  
• One-Pot Dish: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
  
• Versatile Side: Pairs beautifully with fried chicken, baked macaroni and cheese, cornbread, or purple hull peas.

Ingredients You'll Need for the Cabbage

Cabbage: The star of the dish, chopped into hearty pieces.

Bacon: Adds smoky, savory richness (my preference over the salt pork my mother and grandmother used).

Onion: Sautéed until soft for a sweet flavor base.

Garlic: Brings out a deeper, savory punch.

Seasonings: Garlic powder, garlic salt, seasoned salt, minced garlic and sugar to balance out the saltiness. Thank me later!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
   
   • Pro Tip: For maximum flavor, don't drain all the bacon fat-this is what seasons the cabbage.
     
2. Sauté Onions & Garlic: Add the onion to the pot and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
   
3. Cook the Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir well so it's coated in the bacon drippings. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but not mushy.
   
4. Finish & Serve: Crumble the cooked bacon back into the pot, with the seasoning and stir everything together. Serve and enjoy while hot.

Serving Suggestions

Southern fried cabbage is the perfect soul food side dish and pairs well with: Cornbread - regular or hot water cornbread
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Purple Hull Peas
Crispy fried chicken or pork chops

Pro Tips for Success

• Don't overcook the cabbage-aim for tender with just a little bite.
  
• I recommend cooking it in a deep large pot which has the size and depth to hold the cabbage.
  
• For a meatless version, skip the bacon and use olive oil for sautéing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store the cabbage?

Store the cabbage in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze the cabbage?

I don't recommend freezing the cabbage. It's best served fresh.

How do I prevent my cabbage from being soggy?

Do not add extra liquid to your pan and remove it from the heat as soon as it becomes tender.

Do I need to boil the cabbage before frying it?

No boiling is needed! The cabbage takes no time to soften with the seasonings, bacon and bacon grease.

What kind of bacon do I need to use for this recipe?

I recommend thick cut hickory smoke bacon for this recipe for the best southern flavor. Please use fresh bacon, not pre-cooked.

How do I need to cut the cabbage?

See the first photo above. Cut the cabbage into medium size pieces, not to large or to small. Some prefer strips, some prefer the cabbage cut into square like pieces. You will find your sweet spot the more you make this recipe. Most importantly, make sure to remove the stems (hard pieces) from the cabbage.

What kind of cabbage is best for this recipe?

For this recipe, I stick with good ol' green cabbage-it's classic and works beautifully.

Do I have to use bacon in this recipe?

Not at all! If you omit the bacon, saute the vegetables in olive oil.

Does the cabbage stay crunchy after it's fried?

Yes, it keeps a little crunch, which I love. If you prefer your cabbage softer and more wilted, just let it cook a bit longer, tasting along the way until it's exactly how you like it.

What do I use to cook the cabbage?

I recommend cooking it in a deep large pot. Many also opt to cook it in a cast iron skillet. I recommend a dutch oven (a cast iron pot) if you choose to go that route as it is deeper and can hold the cabbage.