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Southern Soul Food 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.

southern fried cabbage with bacon in a stainless steel pan
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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.

chopped green pepper, chopped red peppers, sliced onions, Creole seasoning, and garlic for southern fried cabbage
raw green cabbage head and raw bacon slices on a cutting board for southern fried cabbage
collage photo of 4 process shot photos of sliced cabbage and sliced bacon for southern fried cabbage

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.

collage photo of 3 process shot photos of onions, red and green peppers sauteed in a pan for southern fried cabbage

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.
southern fried cabbage with bacon in a stainless steel pan

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.

southern fried cabbage with bacon in a stainless steel pan

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.

southern fried cabbage in a wooden spoon

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.

Print Pin
5 from 15 votes

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.
Save this recipe here.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, Southern
Keyword fried cabbage, southern fried cabbage, southern fried cabbage with bacon
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 57kcal

Ingredients

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.
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Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 57kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g
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Nutrition DataMacros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Recipe Rating




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!