Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

This classic Southern fried cabbage with bacon is a comforting side dish that brings together smoky bacon, tender cabbage, and savory seasonings in one skillet. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and pairs beautifully with any main course for a delicious home-cooked meal.

Ingredients

• 1 head green cabbage, chopped
• 6 slices bacon, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

Instructions

1. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons bacon grease in the pan.
2. Add butter to the pan and sauté diced onion for 3 minutes until softened.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add chopped cabbage to the skillet and stir well to combine with the butter and bacon grease.
5. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir to coat evenly.
6. Pour in chicken broth and cook uncovered over medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender and lightly caramelized.
7. Stir in the cooked bacon and cook for 1 more minute.
8. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot.

Practical Tips

Tip 1: For extra flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or hot sauce at the end of cooking to brighten the dish with acidity and depth.

Tip 2: Don’t skip the step of leaving bacon grease in the pan—it adds incredible flavor that butter alone cannot replicate.

Tip 3: Stir the cabbage occasionally during cooking to ensure even caramelization and prevent sticking on the bottom of the skillet.

How to Store

Store leftover Southern fried cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore moisture. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.

Common Questions

Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage? Yes, red cabbage works well and will give the dish a different color and slightly sweeter flavor. The cooking time may be slightly longer.

Is this dish vegetarian? No, this recipe contains bacon and chicken broth. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth, then add smoked paprika for depth.

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish several hours in advance and reheat it before serving. Store it covered in the refrigerator.