Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Add sliced onions, red and green peppers to the pan. Saute until translucent and fragrant.
4. Add in garlic and seasonings.
5. Add the cabbage in batches. It will wilt down a ton.
6. Seal the pot and simmer for 15 minutes.
7. 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
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.