If you’re looking for a dish that brings comfort and warmth, Southern Fried Cabbage is a recipe you just can’t miss. This simple, flavorful dish is perfect for any meal, whether as a hearty side dish or a main course served with cornbread. The savory combination of bacon, onions, and garlic adds incredible depth, while the cabbage soaks up all the delicious flavors. Whether you add carrots for an extra touch of sweetness or stick to the classic version, this fried cabbage recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love Fried Cabbage
This Southern Fried Cabbage recipe is the epitome of comfort food. It’s packed with savory, smoky flavors from crispy bacon and perfectly seasoned cabbage. The dish is easy to make with simple ingredients, yet the taste is extraordinary. Plus, it’s versatile! You can enjoy it as a side dish with your favorite main course or make it a meal on its own. Add a big hunk of cornbread, and you’ve got yourself a satisfying, soul-warming meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 large head of cabbage (core removed and sliced)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Optional: Carrots, sliced (adds sweetness and color)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by frying the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the bacon is done, remove it from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain the excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, use the leftover bacon grease to sauté the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is tender and translucent. The bacon grease adds amazing flavor to the onions and garlic, making them even more delicious.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage
Now, add the sliced cabbage to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir well to combine everything. Cook the cabbage for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens and begins to wilt. This is when the cabbage starts absorbing all the tasty flavors from the bacon grease and seasonings.
Step 4: Steam the Cabbage
To help the cabbage cook through and get that tender texture, add about 1/3 cup of water. This will help steam the cabbage. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasoning.
Step 5: Simmer and Stir
Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for a few more minutes until the liquid evaporates and the cabbage is fully cooked and tender. This is when the cabbage takes on a beautiful caramelized flavor from all the seasonings.
Step 6: Taste and Re-Season
Once the cabbage is tender and well-seasoned, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is perfectly cooked and seasoned, sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top of the cabbage. Stir to combine, and your Southern Fried Cabbage is ready to serve!
If you added carrots, they’ll add a bit of sweetness to balance the savory flavors. Pair your fried cabbage with a side of cornbread for a true Southern comfort meal.
Tips for Perfect Fried Cabbage
- Use Thick-Cut Bacon: Thick-cut bacon gives the dish extra flavor and a bit more crunch when crumbled.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Everyone has different preferences for seasoning, so don’t be afraid to tweak the salt, pepper, or paprika to suit your taste.
- Add Carrots for Extra Flavor: While not necessary, adding thinly sliced carrots gives the dish a pop of color and sweetness. If you like a bit of sweetness in your savory dishes, this is a great addition.
- Leftovers: Fried cabbage makes excellent leftovers! Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
There’s just something about the combination of bacon, onions, garlic, and cabbage that makes this dish incredibly comforting. It’s simple to make, but it’s full of flavor, and it’s perfect for both a weeknight dinner and a special holiday meal. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or making it the star of the meal with cornbread, Southern Fried Cabbage is a recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
