Southern Fried Cabbage

Southern fried cabbage cooks fast with crispy bacon and bold seasoning in just one skillet. It’s hearty, simple, and full of flavor.

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Southern fried cabbage makes a quick and tasty side dish packed with smoky bacon, tender cabbage, and bold seasoning. You only need simple ingredients, and everything cooks in one skillet. This recipe brings big flavor with hardly any prep. Serve it hot and fresh for the perfect comfort food.

This southern fried cabbage recipe is easy to make—just follow the simple steps in the guide below. We’ve added step-by-step photos and directions to help you get it just right. Be sure to check out our pro tips and tricks, plus answers to the most frequently asked questions.

You can make this southern fried cabbage in just forty minutes using one skillet and simple ingredients. The smoky bacon and tender cabbage cook up fast, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.

This dish adds bold flavor to any dinner, potluck, or holiday table without much work. Serve it hot with cornbread, pork chops, or fried chicken for a down-home meal everyone loves.

What you'll need to make this recipe for fried cabbage:

• 6 strips of bacon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 white onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped with core removed
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Give your southern fried cabbage a flavor boost by switching up a few ingredients or tossing in something extra. These quick swaps add variety and keep things interesting:

• Substitute Bacon: Use diced smoked sausage or chopped ham for a heartier meat flavor in your southern fried cabbage.
• Add Onions: Slice and sauté yellow onions with the cabbage for extra flavor and a touch of sweetness.
• Add Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes while cooking to give your cabbage a bold, spicy kick.
• Substitute Chicken Broth: Swap water for chicken broth to add more depth and richness to every bite.
• Add Bell Peppers: Toss in chopped bell peppers for added crunch, color, and a pop of sweetness.

Follow along with our step-by-step photos and directions to make the best southern cabbage at home. We’ve included tips, tricks, and helpful answers to common questions, so you get it right every time. Let’s get started!

FIRST STEP: In a large frying pan, cook 6 slices of bacon over high heat. Once cooked, remove bacon from the pan and set it aside on a plate lined with a paper towel. Leave bacon drippings in the frying pan. 

SECOND STEP: Add butter, onions, and minced garlic to the frying pan with the bacon grease. Cook over high heat until onions just start to brown. Stir the onions often so they don’t burn. 

THIRD STEP: In a large saucepan, add chopped cabbage (cabbage should be chopped into bite-sized pieces), contents of frying pan (onions, garlic, and remaining butter), all the spices, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir all until the cabbage is well coated. 

FOURTH STEP: Cover the pot with a lid and simmer over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often so nothing burns on the bottom of the pot. Cabbage is cooked when it is softened but not wilted. 

FIFTH STEP: Cut bacon into small pieces and stir into cabbage mixture.

SIXTH STEP: Serve hot.

You can serve fried cabbage recipes all year round at weeknight dinners, holidays, or big family gatherings. It’s quick, tasty, and even picky eaters go back for seconds.

• Serve for weeknight dinners: This recipe comes together fast and makes a filling side dish for busy nights. Pair it with fried pork chops or cheesy mashed potatoes for a full meal.
• Bring it to holiday meals or potlucks: Southern fried cabbage fits right in on a Thanksgiving or Christmas table. Try it with baked ham or instant pot turkey breast.
• Serve at fall or winter gatherings: The warm, smoky flavor makes this perfect for cold-weather meals. Serve it with cornbread or a hearty meatloaf for extra comfort.

This southern fried cabbage recipe is a go-to favorite with our readers because it’s fast, comforting, and loaded with bold, smoky flavor. It fits any season, works for nearly any meal, and brings big taste with very little effort.

• Quick to Cook: You can make this southern classic in just forty minutes, start to finish.
• Uses Simple Ingredients: You only need cabbage, bacon, and a few spices to make something seriously satisfying.
• Perfect for Beginners: Even first-time cooks can nail this recipe without stress.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves it—from picky eaters to big eaters—so you don’t need to cook separate dishes.
• Comfort Food Favorite: The warm, hearty flavors make it feel like home in every bite.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, so cleanup stays easy and fast.

This recipe keeps things simple, fun, and tasty—no wonder our readers keep coming back for more!

Do I need to cook the cabbage before adding it to the skillet?
No, you don’t need to cook the cabbage first. The cabbage softens perfectly while it cooks in the skillet with bacon.

What kind of bacon works best for southern fried cabbage?
Use thick-cut bacon for more flavor and texture. Regular bacon works too, but thick-cut adds more bite.

Should I drain the bacon grease before adding the cabbage?
No, don’t drain the grease. That bacon fat adds flavor and helps the cabbage cook evenly and taste better.

Do I need to cover the skillet while cooking?
No, you don’t need to cover it. Leaving the skillet uncovered helps the cabbage brown and stay a little crisp.

What’s the best skillet to use for this fried cabbage recipe?
A large cast iron skillet works best. It holds heat well and gives the cabbage a great texture and color.

How long should I cook the cabbage in the skillet?
Cook the cabbage for about ten to fifteen minutes. Stir often so it softens evenly and doesn’t burn.

Can I add the seasonings at the start of cooking?
Yes, add the seasonings early so they mix well and coat the cabbage. This brings out the full flavor fast.

Do I need to stir the cabbage while it cooks?
Yes, stir the cabbage every few minutes. This helps it cook evenly and keeps parts from getting too soft or too crispy.

Can I double the recipe in one skillet?
No, don’t double it in one pan. Cook it in batches so everything browns well and nothing steams.

What’s the best way to serve southern fried cabbage at dinner?
Scoop the hot cabbage straight from the skillet and serve it on the side with your favorite main dish.

Can I serve southern fried cabbage at a holiday meal?
Yes, serve it warm in a big bowl at holiday dinners. It’s a great side for Thanksgiving, Easter, or Christmas.

Should I serve southern fried cabbage in the skillet or transfer it to a dish?
You can serve it in the skillet to keep it warm, or move it to a bowl for a cleaner table setup.

Is southern fried cabbage kid-friendly?
Yes, kids usually enjoy the smoky bacon and tender cabbage. Keep the seasoning mild if they don’t like spice.

Does southern fried cabbage work for a large group or potluck?
Yes, it’s great for feeding a crowd. Double the recipe and serve it in a large pan or slow cooker.

Can I serve this southern cabbage fry at room temperature?
You should serve it hot or warm. It still tastes fine at room temp, but the texture and flavor work best warm.

Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below to store your southern fried cabbage the right way. You’ll keep the flavor fresh and make reheating easy for quick meals later.

Can I prepare fried cabbage ahead of time?
Yes, cook the cabbage and bacon as directed, then store them together in an airtight container in the fridge for one day.

What’s the best way to store leftover southern cabbage?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container once cooled. Keep them in the fridge for up to five days.

Can I freeze cooked fried cabbage?
Yes, freeze cooled cabbage in an airtight container or freezer bag. Use it within one month for the best texture.

How do I thaw and reheat frozen fried cabbage?
Thaw the cabbage overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until hot.

Can I reheat cabbage in the microwave?
Yes, reheat cabbage in the microwave using thirty-second bursts. Stir between each round to heat it evenly without overcooking.

Southern Fried Cabbage

Southern fried cabbage cooks fast with crispy bacon and bold seasoning in just one skillet. It’s hearty, simple, and full of flavor.

Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!

5 from 19 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Easy Dinner Recipes, Side Dish, Side Dishes, Skillet Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 6 strips bacon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 white onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 medium head of cabbage (chopped with core removed)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ½ tablespoon worcestershire sauce

DIRECTIONS

 

• In a large frying pan, cook 6 strips of bacon over high heat. Once cooked, remove bacon from pan and set aside. Leave bacon grease in the frying pan.
• Add butter, onions and minced garlic to frying pan with bacon grease. Cook over high heat until onions just start to brown. Keep stirring the onions often so they don't burn
• In a large saucepan, add chopped cabbage (cabbage should be chopped into bite-sized pieces), contents of frying pan (onions, garlic and remaining butter), all the spices, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir all until cabbage is well coated.
• Cover pot with a lid and simmer over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often so nothing burns on the bottom of the pot. Cabbage is cooked when it is softened but not wilted.
• Cut bacon into small pieces and stir into cabbage mixture.
• Serve hot.

Notes

• If you don’t have a lid big enough for the pan, you can move everything into a large pot when it’s time to cook together. Foil over the frying pan won’t work as a “lid” since enough steam won’t stay in the pan to cook the cabbage.
• Cut the cabbage from top down through the core. Place the cut side down on the cutting board, then slice the cabbage around the core and discard the core. Chop the sliced ribbons into bite-sized pieces.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 582mg | Potassium: 380mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 522IU | Vitamin C: 58mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 2mg

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