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Southern Soul Food Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Southern Soul Food Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a classic dish that brings together simple ingredients with bold, comforting flavors. This savory side dish combines tender cabbage with crispy bacon, cooked to perfection and infused with smoky goodness. A staple in Southern kitchens, this side dish is easy to make and pairs perfectly with any meal.

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.

Brandi’s Key Ingredients

  • Cabbage
  • Bacon
  • Onions
  • Bell Peppers
  • Garlic
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Creole Seasoning
Brandi Crawford kitchen headshot photo
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

How to Cut Cabbage

  1. Remove Outer Leaves: Peel off any wilted or damaged outer leaves to reveal the fresh, crisp cabbage underneath.
  2. Cut the Cabbage in Half: Place the cabbage on a cutting board and slice it in half through the core, from top to bottom.
  3. Quarter the Cabbage: Lay the cabbage halves flat on the cutting board and cut them in half again, creating four quarters.
  4. Remove the Core: Take each quarter and carefully cut out the hard, white core by making a diagonal slice along the edge of the core. Discard the core.
  5. Slice or Chop: Lay each quarter flat and slice the cabbage into thin strips, about 1/2 inch wide. These will cook down nicely and absorb the flavors of the bacon and seasonings.
collage photo of 4 process shot photos of sliced cabbage and sliced bacon for southern fried cabbage
collage photo of 3 process shot photos of onions, red and green peppers sauteed in a pan for southern fried cabbage

How to Make Southern Soul Food 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

How to Prevent Mushy Cabbage

  • Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: Cabbage cooks quickly, so be sure to sauté it only until tender. Cooking it too long will cause it to become soft and mushy.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you add too much cabbage at once, it will steam rather than fry, which can result in mushiness. Cook in batches if necessary to allow for even cooking.
  • Drain Excess Moisture: If the cabbage releases a lot of water, drain or cook off the excess liquid by cooking uncovered for a few extra minutes. This helps to avoid sogginess.

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.

How to Reheat

The stove is the best way to reheat to keep the same texture. Heat a skillet or pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan if the cabbage seems dry, or a splash of broth or water for moisture. Stir occasionally and cook until the cabbage is heated through.This method helps maintain the original texture and prevents it from becoming too soft.

You can also use the microwave and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until the cabbage is warmed through.

Freezer Tips

You can freeze leftovers tightly covered and sealed for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.

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

Soul Food Cornbread Muffins
Homemade Creamed Corn

More Southern Vegetable Side Dishes

Southern Green Beans with Bacon
Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
Soul Food Okra and Tomatoes
Southern Soul Food Coleslaw Recipe
Southern Soul Food Potato Salad
Spaghetti Salad with Italian Dressing
Southern Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey
Southern Cooked Cabbage

Check out our list of The Best Authentic Soul Food Recipes here.

Print Pin
5 from 16 votes

Southern Soul Food Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Southern Soul Food Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a classic dish that brings together simple ingredients with bold, comforting flavors. This savory side dish combines tender cabbage with crispy bacon, cooked to perfection and infused with smoky goodness. A staple in Southern kitchens, this side dish is easy to make and pairs perfectly with any meal.
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

  • 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.
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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.
5 from 16 votes
Recipe Rating




L. Petit

Wednesday 2nd of October 2024

Good on you for pushing dat bacon fat. Without the fat, you have no taste. Fat = Flavors๐Ÿ˜.

staysnatched

Wednesday 2nd of October 2024

Yes!

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!