Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

This classic Southern comfort food combines tender cabbage with crispy bacon for a simple yet satisfying side dish. The cabbage caramelizes beautifully in the bacon drippings and butter, creating a depth of flavor that makes this dish absolutely irresistible. Perfect alongside any main course, this recipe comes together in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

Instructions

1. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pan.
2. Add butter to the bacon drippings and heat until melted.
3. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add chopped cabbage, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
6. Pour in chicken broth and stir. Cook uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender and edges begin to brown and caramelize.
7. Stir in the cooked bacon and cook for 1 more minute.
8. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot.

Practical Tips

• Get crispy edges: Don’t stir the cabbage too often in the last few minutes of cooking so the edges can get nice and crispy and caramelized.
• Choose quality bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for better flavor and texture. The rendered fat is essential to this dish’s success.
• Prep ahead: Chop your cabbage and onion the night before and store in the refrigerator to save time on cooking day.

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 with a splash of broth to restore moisture and crispness. This dish does not freeze well due to the texture changes that occur.

Common Questions

Can I use a different type of cabbage? Yes, red cabbage works well and adds a beautiful color, though it may take slightly longer to soften. Napa cabbage will cook faster, so reduce cooking time by a few minutes.

What if I don’t have chicken broth? Vegetable broth works as a substitute, or use water with a pinch of salt. The broth helps steam the cabbage and adds flavor, but the dish will still be delicious without it.

Is this dish vegetarian? No, this recipe contains bacon and uses bacon drippings as a key flavoring component. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable oil or additional butter instead.