This Southern Fried Cabbage is made with bacon and sauteed onions. This is a staple soul food dish served for Sunday dinners, weeknight meals, and throughout the holiday season.

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In my family, the most traditional ways to cook cabbage are to fry it in bacon or simmer it in a large pot on the stove and serve it steamed or boiled, you can find this method in my Southern Cooked Cabbage and Instant Pot Cabbage recipes.
Another common way of eating cabbage is to eat it with corned beef. Check out my Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage here.



How to Cut It
Ensure you have a quality knife. Slicing cabbage definitely needs one. Slice the cabbage in half to create two separate portions. Slice the core/stem out of both portions.
Then slice each piece in half. You should have 4 smaller chunks of cabbage. From there, slice each into smaller strips. You don’t have to worry about uneven strips.

How to Make Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Slice up 4 strips of bacon. I like to slice them into medium chunks. Heat a frying pan or stainless skillet on medium-high heat. When hot, add the bacon.
- Fry the bacon until it is crisp and use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set aside. Leave the bacon grease. That’s where the frying comes in.
- Add sliced onions, red and green peppers to the pan. Saute until translucent and fragrant.
- Add in garlic and seasonings.
- Add the cabbage in batches. It will wilt down a ton.
- Seal the pot and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Serve with the cooked bacon.

Can You Use Frozen Cabbage?
I have not seen frozen cabbage in stores, but I am familiar with the process of blanching fresh cabbage and then freezing it for later.
If you are using frozen cabbage, ensure it is shredded. Add it to the pan in accordance with the recipe instructions. Monitor the cabbage as it simmers. It may take additional time to soften in comparison to using fresh cabbage.

How to Make it Without the Bacon or Substitute
Bacon can be substituted for sausage or smoked turkey if you wish. Andouille sausage works great.
You can omit the bacon if you wish. Melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the pan prior to sauteeing the onions and peppers.
How Long Will it Last in the Fridge
Cover and seal the cabbage. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

What to Serve With the Dish
Southern Soul Food Homemade Cornbread
Lemon Pepper Fish
Baked Crab Legs
Baked Turkey Legs
Pan Seared Salmon
Cornbread Muffins
Homemade Creamed Corn
More Southern Vegetable Side Dishes
Southern Green Beans
Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
Okra and Tomatoes
Southern Coleslaw Recipe
Southern Potato Salad
Easy Spaghetti Salad
Southern Black Eyed Peas
Southern Cooked Cabbage
Check out our list of The Best Authentic Soul Food Recipes here.
Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 head fresh cabbage
- 4 slices bacon (chopped into pieces)
- 1/2 cup sliced onion
- 1/3 cup chopped red peppers
- 1/3 cup chopped green peppers
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Creole Seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice the cabbage in half to create 2 portions. Slice the core/stem out of both. Then slice each piece in half. You should have 4 smaller chunks of cabbage. From there, slice each into smaller strips. Set the cabbage aside.
- Heat a skillet on medium-high heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the bacon is crisp.
- Use a slotted spoon and remove the bacon from the bacon. Reserve the bacon drippings.
- Add the onions, green peppers, and red peppers to the skillet. Saute' for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant. Add in the minced garlic and stir.
- Sprinkle the Creole Seasoning, smoked paprika, salt and pepper to taste throughout.
- Top with the chopped cabbage. Add the cabbage in batches. It will wilt down a ton. Stir to ensure everything is combined. If you are using a small pan you will need to go slow until the cabbage wilts.
- Cover the skillet and lower the heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes until the cabbage has wilted and softened.
- Serve with the cooked bacon.
Video
Notes
- You can substitute the Creole Seasoning for crushed red pepper if you wish.
- You can also substitute turkey bacon, sausage or smoked turkey if you wish. Andouille sausage works great. If you use turkey, you will probably have to add butter to your pan to fry the cabbage. Turkey bacon and smoked turkey, often do not produce as much oil for frying.
- 1 head of cabbage is a large amount and will produce 8 servings. You can use less cabbage if you wish.
Cindy
Friday 10th of February 2023
I've used this recipe for a long time. Love it!
staysnatched
Friday 24th of February 2023
I'm glad you love it!
Heather
Thursday 6th of October 2022
Had this for lunch today with your southern smothered chicken - yum! A perfect pair. Thanks as always!
staysnatched
Thursday 6th of October 2022
Such a great pairing!
Mona
Tuesday 26th of April 2022
Not gonna lie. I have always had a strong aversion to cabbage... but this here? So bomb. It's so filling and flavorful. You never miss Brandi!
staysnatched
Monday 2nd of May 2022
Wonderful, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Wednesday 5th of January 2022
I add soy sauce to mine at almost end too....GREAT!!
staysnatched
Thursday 6th of January 2022
Thanks for sharing!
Heather
Saturday 11th of December 2021
One of the best cabbage dishes I’ve ever had! Paired amazingly with your smothered chicken.
staysnatched
Friday 17th of December 2021
I'm glad to hear that!