Southern Fried Cabbage

Name: Southern Fried Cabbage
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 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

This southern fried cabbage features tender cabbage cooked with bacon for a delicious side dish.

Jump to Recipe

Prep Time15

Cook Time25

Total Time40

Servings

Southern fried cabbage is a quick and simple recipe to make that takes fresh cabbage and gives it loads of flavor. Plus, with the crispy bacon added to it, the recipe is perfect for a lunch or even as a main dish.

Fried Cabbage Recipe ingredients

Southern Fried Cabbage raw ingredients that are labeled

You’ll need:

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

Can I use any type of bacon I’d like in this recipe?

Thick-cut or regular bacon would work fine in this recipe

Southern Cabbage Recipe substitutions and additions

BACON: If you are looking for classic alternatives to add to the dish in place of the strips of bacon, then either crayfish or smoked fish could be used.

You can also add some tomatoes if you use these to make it a little moister.

SPICE: Add a few red pepper flakes for a little heat or for a different twist on the flavor, how about a little bit of cajun seasoning?

How to make Fried Cabbage

STEP ONE: 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.

Southern Fried Cabbage process shot of bacon being cooked on a frying pan

STEP TWO: 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.

Southern Fried Cabbage process shot of ingredients being cooked on the frying pan

STEP THREE: 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.

PRO TIP:

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.

Southern Fried Cabbage process shot of ingredients being addd to the pot

STEP FOUR: 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.

PRO TIP:

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.

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

STEP SIX: Serve hot.

How to serve Southern Fried Cabbage

Whip up this southern cabbage the next time you are looking for a great side dish. If you want something to serve with your cabbage, you could try a simple oven baked chicken and dirty rice.

If you are looking for different ways to use up that cabbage, then why not try a cabbage roll casserole or cabbage soup?

MORE CABBAGE RECIPES

Beef Dinner Ideas

Cabbage Rolls

Soups & Stews

Cabbage Roll Soup

Southern Cabbage storage

IN THE FRIDGE: Once the cabbage has cooled down, you can store leftover fried cabbage in the fridge for up to 5 days. Pop it in an airtight container so the cabbage doesn’t go soggy. Reheat back in a saucepan.

IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze uncooked fresh cabbage by separating the leaves then popping it in a sealable freezer bag. Leave it there for up to 4 weeks. It may not be quite as crispy as before but it saves wasting any.

If you want to freeze this dish after it has been made, you can, but the texture may change slightly once thawed.

overhead shot of plates of Southern Fried Cabbage and a pot full of Southern Fried Cabbage

This simple southern fried cabbage with bacon is an easy recipe to make and has loads of taste with the spices and the bacon. Try this traditional southern side dish for a main meal served with chicken or as a comfort food lunch.

Southern Fried Cabbage Recipe FAQs

How do I cut 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.

Can I freeze southern fried cabbage?

You can freeze this dish although the texture may change slightly once thawed. It will still be delicious though!

How do you keep cabbage crisp when cooking?

There are a few ways to help maintain the crispness of cabbage when cooking. Cook the cabbage for a short duration as it is best cooked quickly to retain its crisp texture. Overcooking can result in mushy cabbage. Sautéing or stir-frying cabbage over high heat for a brief period is an excellent way to preserve its crunch. Steaming cabbage is another method that can help maintain its crunch. Freshness plays a vital role in maintaining the crispness of cabbage. Choose cabbage heads that are firm and dense without any signs of wilting or damage.

What is the best season for cabbage?

Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that can be grown and enjoyed throughout the year, depending on the variety and climate.

Do you have to wash cabbage before frying?

It is generally recommended to wash cabbage before frying it. Washing the cabbage helps remove any dirt, debris, or pesticides that may be present on the outer leaves.

Southern Fried Cabbage

5 from 6 votes

This southern fried cabbage features tender cabbage cooked with bacon for a delicious side dish.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings

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Ingredients

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

Instructions

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

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This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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Lexus Monroe Editorial Assistant

Fried Southern Cabbage Recipe