Published: Sep 12, 2025 by LaKita · This post may contain affiliate links.

Southern Sweet and Sour Cabbage Recipe (with Bacon)

If you've never tried Sweet and Sour Cabbage, you're in for a treat! This simple Southern side dish combines fresh green cabbage, crispy bacon, and a sweet-tangy sauce that brings all the comfort food vibes. It's humble, hearty, and packed with flavor. Perfect to pair with your favorite main dishes or to serve up with a slice of warm cornbread.

Updated September 2025 with new recipe tips, updated photos, storage tips, and FAQs. The recipe was originally posted on April 15, 2014.

Overhead view of finished sweet and sour cabbage in white braiser on marble surface.

Here's what readers have to say about this recipe:

Reader Evi, commented: "Such a delicious and flavorful cabbage recipe. It was really easy to make too, and I can't wait to make it again. ★★★★★"

Another reader Sheila, commented: "My husband loves this receipe and he's not all that big on cabbage!!!!! ★★★★★"

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Before You Cook, Read This!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Key Ingredients
Step-by-Step: How to Make Sweet and Sour Cabbage
LaKita's Recipe Tips & Variations
📖 Recipe
Storage & Make Ahead
Frequently Asked Questions
What to Serve with Sweet and Sour Cabbage

Before You Cook, Read This!

💬The Vibe: Smoky, tangy, and a touch of sweetness. Every bite feels like a Southern comfort hug.

🔑What You Gotta Know: Don't skip the bacon grease, it's the flavor foundation that balances the vinegar and brown sugar for a silky sweet-and-sour sauce.

🍴Best Bite Alert: Serve it warm with crumbled bacon on top alongside Southern Cornbread, pork chops, or Oven Baked Ribs. For a little kick, add hot sauce or crushed red pepper.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick & easy - only 30 minutes from start to finish.
Classic Southern flavor - smoky bacon + tangy vinegar + sweet brown sugar.
Crowd-pleaser - perfect for Sunday dinners, holidays, or potlucks.

Key Ingredients

Overhead view of ingredients needed to make cabbage in separate bowls on marble surface.

Green Cabbage - Freshly chopped for best flavor.
Bacon - Original flavor for the perfect smoky base.
Brown Sugar - Light or dark, both add rich sweetness.
Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar is classic, but white or rice vinegar works.
Onion - Mild white or yellow onion for depth.
Flour - Thickens the sauce so it clings to the cabbage.

👉🏾 See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.

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Step-by-Step: How to Make Sweet and Sour Cabbage

Parboil the Cabbage - Cook for 5 minutes, then drain.

Overhead view of water and sliced cabbage in a large pot.

Crisp the Bacon - Cook until golden, then remove and crumble (leave the drippings!).

Overhead view of cooked bacon in a small bowl and measuring cup with bacon grease in it on marble surface.

Make the Sauce - Stir flour and brown sugar into the bacon fat, then whisk in vinegar, water, onion, salt, and pepper.

Overhead view of sweet and sour sauce in white braiser pan.

Combine - Add cabbage back into the pan and toss until coated.

Bacon added to cabbage in large white braiser pan.

Finish - Sprinkle with bacon, heat through, and serve warm.

Finished sweet and sour cabbage combined with chopped bacon in large white braiser pan.

LaKita's Recipe Tips & Variations

Add crushed red pepper or hot sauce for heat.
Try red cabbage for a vibrant twist.
Use a fresh head of cabbage instead of bagged for best texture.
Don't overcook, aim for tender but slightly crisp cabbage.

📖 Recipe

Sweet and Sour Cabbage Recipe

LaKita Anderson

This Southern Sweet and Sour Cabbage recipe is made with green cabbage, crispy bacon, and a tangy-sweet sauce. A quick, comforting side dish perfect for Sunday dinner.

4.74 from 23 votes

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 96 kcal

Equipment

1 large pot or Dutch oven
1 large skillet or braiser

Ingredients

6 cups roughly chopped green cabbage
½ cup cooked bacon, chopped
1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
¼ cup vinegar
½ cup water
¼ cup onion, chopped
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

Begin the recipe by cooking the 6 cups of chopped cabbage in boiling water for about 5 minutes and then drain off the water. This step will help to slightly soften the cabbage, but also still allow it to remain slightly crispy.
*Boil enough water to cover the cabbage and then add the prepared shredded cabbage. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until slightly tender. Set aside.
Using a large skillet or the same pan, cook the ½ cup of bacon until it's well done and carefully remove it from the pan. Blot it with a paper towel to remove the excess oil.
Mix the leftover bacon fat with the 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour and 3 tablespoons brown sugar. Add in the ¼ cup vinegar, ½ cup water, ¼ cup chopped onion, ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper.
Add the cabbage back to the pan with the sauce and gently toss to combine and coat the cabbage in the sauce mixture. Chop the bacon into small pieces and place it on top of the cooked cabbage.
Mix everything together until combined and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until heated thoroughly. Serve warm and enjoy!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

Calories: 96kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 4gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 271mgPotassium: 187mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 73IUVitamin C: 26mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 1mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

Keyword sweet and sour cabbage

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