This Southern Fried Cabbage is a simple, soulful side dish made with just five ingredients. Crisp bacon, tender cabbage, and a little salt come together in one skillet to create a comforting dish that's full of flavor and ready in under 30 minutes.
Whether you're serving it with cornbread and fried chicken or adding it to a weeknight meal, this fried cabbage recipe is a true Southern classic that's sure to be a hit.
Before You Fry, Read This!
💬 The Vibe: Savory, smoky, and tender with a little bite. This dish is simple but big on flavor.
🔑 What You Gotta Know: Let the bacon cook low and slow until it's nice and crispy. That rendered fat is the secret to deep flavor in every bite.
🍴 Best Bite Alert: Serve it hot alongside cornbread, roasted meats, or just on its own with a splash of hot sauce.
Why You'll Love This Cabbage Recipe
- Easy to Make: Just a few ingredients and one skillet.
- Full of Flavor: Crispy bacon and tender cabbage are a perfect pair.
- Ready in 30 Minutes: Great for busy weeknights or last-minute sides.
- Family-Friendly: A comforting classic that pairs with almost any main dish.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable, everyday ingredients.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Oil - For frying. Use canola, vegetable, or even olive oil.
- Thick-Cut Bacon - Cooked until crispy to infuse the cabbage with smoky flavor.
- Green Cabbage - Washed, peeled, and thinly sliced.
- Water - Helps steam and soften the cabbage.
- Salt - Adjust to taste. Enhances the natural flavor of the cabbage.
👉🏾 See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.
How to Make Southern Fried Cabbage
1. Prep the Cabbage. Remove outer leaves, slice into shreds, and soak in cold water until ready to cook. Drain before adding to the skillet.
2. Cook the Bacon. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the oil and bacon. Cook slowly until bacon is crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
3. Fry the Cabbage. Add the drained cabbage to the same skillet. Pour in the water and sprinkle with salt. Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer. Cook uncovered over medium heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until cabbage is tender and slightly browned in spots.
5. Serve. Crumble the reserved bacon on top before serving. Enjoy warm!
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Tips & Variations
- Add onion: Sauté sliced onion with the bacon for extra flavor.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Use smoked sausage: Swap bacon for sliced smoked sausage for a heartier dish.
- Finish with vinegar: A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end adds a bright, tangy note.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze fried cabbage, but the texture may soften more after thawing.
More Southern Recipes To Try
- Sweet and Sour Cabbage
- Fried Okra
- Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
- Fried Catfish
- Southern Meatloaf
- Cornbread Dressing
- Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
- Cracklin Cornbread
Have a favorite twist on fried cabbage? Leave a comment below and let me know how you make it your own!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! If you're short on time, pre-shredded cabbage will work. Just make sure it's fresh and not part of a coleslaw mix with other veggies.
Nope. You can substitute with smoked sausage, turkey bacon, or even leave it out for a vegetarian version (just use butter or oil for richness).
Make sure to cook it uncovered and don’t add too much water. Stir often, and cook just until tender with a slight bite.
Not as written. But you can spice it up with red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a diced jalapeño.
Absolutely. It reheats well in a skillet or microwave. For best results, store the bacon separately and add it just before serving to keep it crisp.
📖 Recipe
Southern Fried Cabbage
Equipment
- 1 cutting board
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Large skillet
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil (canola, vegetable, oil)
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 2 pounds green cabbage, shredded
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prep the cabbage: Wash, peel, and shred the 2 pounds green cabbage using a cutting board and sharp knife. Place in a bowl of cold water until ready to use.
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons oil and 4 slices thick-cut bacon. Cook slowly until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving drippings in the skillet.
- Drain and sauté cabbage: Drain the shredded cabbage and add it to the skillet. Stir in ¼ cup water and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Cook: Fry uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until cabbage is tender and lightly browned.
- Finish: Crumble cooked bacon over the top before serving. Serve warm.
Video
Notes
Tips & Variations
- Add sliced onions for extra flavor.
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Swap bacon for smoked sausage or keep it vegetarian with just oil.
- A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end adds brightness.
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