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Get ready to fall in love with the simplest side dish, this Southern Fried Cabbage that’s savory, smoky and downright addictive. It’s the kind of skillet fried comfort food that has you coming back for more.
Southern fried cabbage is one of those classic dishes that tastes like it’s been passed down for generations because, well it has! The cabbage becomes perfectly tender while still holding a little bite and the smoky bacon and onions brings such savory flavor. It’s traditional Southern comfort food that’s nostalgic and exciting every time I make it. Plus, it all comes together in one skillet, making it an easy side dish you can enjoy on it’s own or alongside just about any meal.
I love serving this fried cabbage with Roasted Cajun Turkey or Orange Glazed Ham during the holidays or as a side dish for any meal.
Must Make Southern Fried Cabbage
You don’t have to be from the south to enjoy this cabbage recipe. It’s a great one to have around when wanting something simple yet so flavorful.
- Big Southern flavor: Smoky, savory, and peppery goodness in every bite. It’s the ultimate chef’s kiss!
- One skillet convenience: I love that I only need one pan to make this so it’s so easy to clean up.
- Enough for everyone: Cabbage is inexpensive, hearty and stretches so well to feed a crowd. I make this as a holiday side dish, for family gatherings and whenever I have friends over.
- Versatile side dish: Perfect with fried chicken, pork chops, BBQ or even served over rice. I love making this Southern fried cabbage along with my Honey Butter Cornbread.
Ingredients You Need
You can find all of the ingredients for this easy recipe at your local grocery store. It’s also a great way to use up leftover produce in your refrigerator.
Note: The full list of ingredients with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.
- Green cabbage: Don’t forget to remove the outer leaves on the head of cabbage and rinse before slicing.
- Bell peppers: I like to use a variety of color in cooking, so I used red, green and yellow peppers sliced thin to give this fried cabbage some pop in color.
- Bacon: Use either turkey bacon or regular pork bacon to give that rich, salty and smoky flavor to the dish.
- Sausage: Chicken or turkey sausage for hearty and savory flavor. You can substitute with andouille sausage for a little extra kick.
- Onion: Diced for a little taste of sweetness and building on that classic Southern flavor.
- Chicken broth: I recommend using a low sodium one since I like to adjust taste with the spices, and we are cooking with bacon.
- Spices: Adobo, salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika are perfect for this fried cabbage. You could even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
How to Make Southern Fried Cabbage
This fried cabbage recipe is ridiculously easy and comes together in less than 30 minutes. Let me show you how to make it!
- Cook the bacon and sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, sear the bacon and sausage until cooked through. Remove the crispy bacon and cooked sausage from the pan and set aside on a plate. You can leave the bacon grease in the pan.
- Cook the peppers and onions: Add the olive oil to the same pan, then add the peppers and onions. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Cook the cabbage: Stir in the green cabbage, chicken broth, and seasonings. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes on low heat, or until the cabbage is soft and tender.
- Stir everything together: Stir in the cooked bacon and sausage and cook until heated through.
Expert Tips
- Use a large skillet. I prefer to use my cast iron skillet for this recipe so the cabbage cooks evenly and doesn’t steam.
- Choose the right cabbage. Pick a firm green cabbage since dense cabbage heads hold up better when sautéing.
- Use any type of bacon or sausage. Feel free to use turkey or pork bacon and chicken, turkey or pork sausage. As long as it’s smoky, it will taste just fine.
- Take your time cooking the onions and peppers. Let the onions caramelize and the peppers soften before adding in the cabbage. This will balance out the sweetness with the peppery and smoky spices.
- Cook the cabbage low and slow. After the initial sauté, reduce the heat and let it cook for 10-15 minutes so the cabbage becomes tender without losing structure.
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes, fried cabbage has deep roots in Southern soul food cuisine. It’s usually prepared with smoked meats like bacon or sausage and is considered a staple side dish.
The cabbage is sautéed in oil and the bacon drippings until tender. You can place a lid to help it tenderize.
Usually 10-15 minutes, depending on how tender you like it.
Bacon fat from the cooked bacon is traditionally used and I am also adding in a little bit of olive oil to cook the peppers and onions down.
Serving Suggestions
Southern fried cabbage shines next to just about any comfort food like this Creamy Mac and Cheese or these Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes.
Serve this delicious side dish with Fried Chicken, pork chops, Oven Baked Ribs, meatloaf, Black Eyed Peas and this Honey Butter Cornbread.
It’s also wonderful when spooned over rice or these Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a cozy filling meal.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
Make Ahead: Prepare the fried cabbage as directed in the recipe card. Store in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Storage: Place cooled fried cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better as it sits.
Reheating: Place in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, adding a little olive oil or bacon drippings to loosen up. You can also microwave in 30 second intervals until warm, stirring between each round.
More Amazing Side Dishes
Southern Fried Cabbage
Ingredients
- 8 ounces turkey or pork bacon sliced
- 8 ounces chicken or turkey sausage sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 small red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1/2 small green bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1/2 small yellow bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1/2 yellow onion diced
- 1 large head green cabbage thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
- water as needed
Spices
- 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sear the bacon and sausage until cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Add the olive oil to same pan, then add the peppers and onions. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the green cabbage, chicken broth, and seasonings. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes on low heat, or until cabbage is soft and tender.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The flavor was rich and comforting, and it paired so well with cornbread on the side.
Made this with some leftover bacon and it was absolutely perfect!
My grandma used to make fried cabbage, tried your recipe and it took me right back to her kitchen. So much flavor, absolutely delicious.
I tried it and I absolutely loved it, not only is it healthy but it tasted really good.
So amazing!
Thumbs up from both myself and my 8yr old son. I need meals that are quick and flavorful. This is it! We had this dish alone .
Taste great! Made as is for New Year’s dinner. Thank you for sharing your recipe!
I am a new follower and would love to purchase your cook book if you have one out. Everything looks wonderful.
made for my momma , she loved it !