Easy Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is the ultimate Southern side dish. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, this recipe will grace your table repeatedly.

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What’s fried cabbage with bacon, you ask? Well, imagine the crispy, smoky flavor of bacon combined with the sweet and tender goodness of cabbage, all cooked up in one pan. For all you cabbage haters out there, bear with me on this, you’ll be surprised!

Maybe this dish doesn’t scream “comfort food” to you, but I’m telling you, that’s exactly what it is. It’s a perfect dish for those chilly evenings, a delicious side dish for any main course, or even a main dish if you’re in the mood for something hearty and filling.

Every bite is a blend of smoky, salty bacon and the mild sweetness of fresh cabbage. The garlic, butter, and vinegar really bring out the subtle flavors that come naturally here. It is seriously good!

Cabbage is such an affordable vegetable, and it’s extremely healthy for you. More homes need cabbage recipes like this one. And you know that crispy bacon makes everything better, right? Right!

I’m not just adding the bacon here, though. We’re also going to use the bacon grease to fry up all the veggies! I’m telling you, if you’ve never tried a southern fried cabbage recipe, you’ll wonder why after this.

Shredded cabbage is packed with nutrients. Vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, magnesium, potassium and more! It’s all included in the dish you’re about to prepare.

And guess what? Making it is as easy as pie and way quicker! Ok, let’s dive into this recipe for Fried Cabbage with Bacon. You’re gonna love it!

Some of our other favorite southern recipes we have on our site include: Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Recipe Without Buttermilk, Southern Collard Greens, and Southern Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe (+ How To Reheat).

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Jump to:

• WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
• INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
• HOW TO MAKE FRIED CABBAGE WITH BACON:
• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
• WHAT KIND OF BACON IS THE BEST TO USE?
• CAN I USE RED CABBAGE?
• HOW TO MAKE THIS SPICY?
• ANY ADDITIONS?
• ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
• HOW TO STORE:
• DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
• Easy Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients: We’re using things most of us already have in the kitchen, like bacon, green cabbage, and some seasonings. All simple and all good!
2. Low-Carb Delight: For those watching their carbs, this is a dream dish. The cabbage makes up most of what you’re eating. Only it’s cooked with bacon. So you get all the flavor with none of the guilt, haha!
3. Irresistible Flavor: The mix of smoky bacon and the sweetness of brown sugar is an instant favorite. It will have anyone you serve it to humming with delight.

• Thick-cut bacon
• Small onion
• Garlic cloves
• Head of cabbage
• Apple cider vinegar
• Light brown sugar
• Seasoned salt
• Black pepper
• Salted butter

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1. In a dutch oven or large skillet with deep sides, cook the bacon until crispy over medium heat for about 12-15 minutes. Drain bacon on a paper-towel lined plate.
2. Reserve ¼ cup of the bacon fat in the pan. Add the onions and cook until translucent, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the cabbage, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally until tender, 10-15 minutes.
5. Add the bacon back to the pan and the butter. Stir it in until the butter is melted and the bacon is distributed, taste, adjust seasoning if necessary and serve immediately.

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WHAT KIND OF BACON IS THE BEST TO USE?

I always lean towards thick-cut bacon, which has a nice bite and crisps up beautifully.

On top of that, it’ll give you a good amount of fat left over in the pan to fry everything up with.

But really, use your favorite! I won’t hold you back!

CAN I USE RED CABBAGE?

Absolutely! Red cabbage works just as well.

It might even level things up with that amazing red-purple color!

There’s no reason not to add a little color in your life, haha!

HOW TO MAKE THIS SPICY?

A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or some cayenne pepper will add that kick you’re looking for. I

‘m a huge fan of spicy when it comes to cabbage!

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ANY ADDITIONS?

Oh, there are so many possibilities here. I’ll give you a few to get you started.

• Red bell pepper for a color pop.
• Ground beef for added protein.
• Chopped Brussels sprouts for a crunchy twist.
• A splash of chicken stock for a richer flavor.
• Corned beef bits for an Irish side dish flair.
• Sautéed mushrooms for an earthy touch.
• A sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for extra heat.
• Shredded cheese on top for a creamy melt.
• Egg noodles mixed in for a more filling twist.
• Roast chicken pieces for a one-pan meal.

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

You betcha! As always, I’ve got a list here to help you out.

• Swap bacon for turkey bacon for a leaner option.
• Use olive oil in place of bacon fat.
• Exchange green cabbage for red cabbage.
• Substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar.
• Opt for a white onion instead of a small onion.
• Choose maple syrup or honey over brown sugar for a natural sweetener.

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Refrigerator: This dish can be refrigerated in an airtight container and will keep its flavor for up to 5 days.

Freezer: For longer storage, place in a freezer-safe container and freeze. It’ll be good for up to 3 months.

Thaw and reheat in a hot skillet or microwave when ready to enjoy.

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Fried Cabbage with Bacon is an experience that I think everyone should enjoy at some point.

It’s about savoring the simple joys of home-cooked food, the nostalgia of traditional recipes, and the warmth of sharing with loved ones.

Whether you’re a long-time cabbage lover or a newbie, this recipe will make you fall in love all over again.

If you’ve tried this FRIED CABBAGE WITH BACON, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!