Description
A cozy Southern classic, this fried cabbage is smoky, buttery, and full of flavor. Fresh cabbage is sautéed in bacon fat with onions and garlic until tender and golden. It’s the kind of dish that’s just as good as a side as it is on its own—simple, comforting, and deeply satisfying. Serve it up for Sunday dinner, weeknight suppers, or any time you crave a little Southern warmth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika or cayenne pepper (optional)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or ½ teaspoon sugar for balance
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crisp. Leave 2–3 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pan.
- Add diced onion and cook until soft and golden. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add chopped cabbage in batches, stirring to coat in bacon fat.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika or cayenne.
- Cover and cook on medium-low for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.
- Stir in butter, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm with extra bacon bits on top.
Notes
- For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth or vinegar after sautéing the onions.
- You can add smoked sausage or ham for a heartier meal.
- Keep the heat steady to avoid mushy cabbage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–6
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg