Southern Fried Cabbage Dish is a delightful and comforting recipe that brings a taste of the South right to your kitchen. Growing up, I remember my grandmother preparing this dish on chilly evenings, filling our home with the warm, savory aroma of sautéed cabbage and spices. This dish not only showcases the humble cabbage but also highlights the rich culinary traditions of Southern cooking, where simple ingredients are transformed into something truly special.
People love Southern Fried Cabbage Dish for its incredible flavor and satisfying texture. The combination of tender cabbage, crispy bacon, and a hint of onion creates a mouthwatering experience that is both hearty and wholesome. Plus, its incredibly convenient to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal prep time. Whether served as a side or a main dish, Southern Fried Cabbage Dish is sure to become a favorite in your household, just as it has in mine!

Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional, to balance the flavors)
- 1 cup of chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (if needed)
Preparing the Cabbage
First things first, lets get our cabbage ready. I love using a fresh head of cabbage for this dish because it adds a wonderful crunch and flavor.
- Start by removing any wilted or damaged outer leaves from the cabbage. Rinse it under cold water to clean it thoroughly.
- Next, cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Then, chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. You want them to be small enough to cook evenly but large enough to maintain some texture.
Cooking the Bacon
Now, lets add some flavor with bacon. The fat from the bacon will help to sauté the vegetables and infuse the dish with a smoky goodness.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, place the chopped bacon over medium heat. Cook it until its crispy, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave the bacon drippings in the pan; this is where the magic happens!
Sautéing the Vegetables
With the bacon drippings still in the pan, its time to sauté our vegetables. This step is crucial for building flavor.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté it in the bacon fat for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Now, its time to add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir it well to combine with the onions and garlic.
- Season the cabbage with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together, ensuring the cabbage is well-coated with the seasonings.
Cooking the Cabbage
Now that our cabbage is seasoned and mixed with the aromatic vegetables, we need to cook it down until its tender.
- Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) and apple cider vinegar. This will help to steam the cabbage and infuse it with flavor.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the cabbage to become tender but still have a bit of crunch.
- If you find that the cabbage is sticking to the bottom of the pan, you can add a little more broth or a splash of water to loosen it up.
Finishing Touches
As the cabbage cooks, its time to add the finishing touches that will elevate this dish.
- After about 10-15 minutes, check the cabbage for tenderness. If its to your liking, you can add the cooked bacon back into the skillet.
- If youre using sugar, sprinkle it in now. This will help to balance the flavors and enhance the sweetness of the cabbage.
- Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
Serving the Dish
Now that our Southern Fried Cabbage is ready, its time to serve it up! This dish is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways.
- Transfer the cabbage to
Conclusion:
In wrapping up this delightful journey through the Southern Fried Cabbage dish, I can confidently say that this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a burst of flavor and comfort to their meals. The combination of tender cabbage, savory bacon, and a hint of spice creates a dish that is not only satisfying but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it as a side to your favorite protein or making it the star of a vegetarian feast, this dish is sure to impress. For those looking to mix things up, consider adding in some sautéed onions or bell peppers for an extra layer of flavor. You could also toss in some cooked sausage or chicken for a heartier meal. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different spices or even a splash of vinegar for a tangy twist. The beauty of this Southern Fried Cabbage recipe lies in its adaptability, allowing you to make it your own. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Once you’ve whipped up your own batch, I would love to hear about your experience. Did you stick to the classic recipe, or did you add your own flair? Share your thoughts and any variations you tried in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the joy of cooking together and spread the love for this Southern Fried Cabbage dish! Happy cooking! PrintSouthern Fried Cabbage Dish: A Delicious Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
This Southern Fried Cabbage is a comforting dish made with tender cabbage sautéed with crispy bacon, onions, and garlic. Seasoned to perfection, it can be served as a side or enjoyed as a main dish, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional, to balance the flavors)
- 1 cup of chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (if needed)
Instructions
- Remove any wilted or damaged outer leaves from the cabbage. Rinse it under cold water to clean it thoroughly.
- Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large skillet, place the chopped bacon over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the drippings in the pan.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still has some crunch.
- Check the cabbage for tenderness. If ready, add the cooked bacon back into the skillet.
- If using, sprinkle in the sugar and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the cabbage to a serving dish and garnish with additional bacon if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute bacon with olive oil and use vegetable broth.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes