Name: Southern Fried Cabbage
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 70 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 1 large Cabbage, chopped (Chopped into bite-sized pieces); 1 large Onion, sliced (Sliced into rings); 12 oz Bacon, chopped; 1/4 cup Vegetable oil; 1/4 cup Distilled vinegar; Salt and pepper (To taste)

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When you need a dish that’s full of flavor, comforting, and made with just a few humble ingredients, Southern Fried Cabbage delivers every single time. This classic Southern side dish is smoky, savory, and cooked low and slow until tender and caramelized. With crispy bacon, sweet onions, and just the right touch of tang from vinegar, it’s the kind of recipe that brings families back to the table.

What makes this dish so special? It’s budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and somehow turns simple cabbage into something absolutely irresistible. It reminds me of the beloved fried green tomatoes on the blog—unassuming, deeply Southern, and packed with flavor. If you love recipes that feel like a warm hug, you’re going to adore this one. Let’s get cookin’—your kitchen’s about to smell like pure comfort!

What is Southern Fried Cabbage?

Ever wonder how cabbage became a staple of Southern cooking? This dish is a prime example of taking basic ingredients and transforming them into something unforgettable. Southern Fried Cabbage isn’t actually fried like you’d think—it’s sautéed and simmered in bacon grease until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. Why’s it called fried then? Maybe because the edges get that golden, slightly crisp bite that makes every forkful a little bit addictive. As the old saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and I’d wager this cabbage has paved the way to many hearts over the years. Give it a try—you might just be hooked.

Why You’ll Love This:

This recipe hits the sweet spot between simple and sensational. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Rich, smoky flavor: Thanks to the bacon and slow cooking process, every bite is savory, slightly sweet, and layered with depth.
Affordable and accessible: Cabbage is inexpensive and feeds a crowd, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Customizable and crave-worthy: Add spice, sweeten it up, or throw in some sausage—this recipe adapts to your taste. It’s like the savory cousin of our Southern corn casserole, with just as much charm.

Ready to bring some Southern soul to your kitchen? Let’s dive into this comfort food classic.

How to Make Southern Fried Cabbage

Quick Overview

Southern Fried Cabbage is all about low heat, simple steps, and big flavor. With only a handful of ingredients, the magic lies in how it all comes together—tender cabbage, smoky bacon, and caramelized onions. While it takes a little time on the stove, most of it is hands-off, making it a low-maintenance dish that rewards your patience with delicious results.

Ingredients:

1 large cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 large onion, sliced into rings
12 oz bacon, chopped
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup distilled vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step:

Prep your veggies: Chop your cabbage and slice your onion into rings so they’ll cook down evenly.
Cook the bacon: In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the grease in the pot.
Add oil: Pour the vegetable oil into the bacon grease to give your cabbage a little extra richness and frying power.
Add the cabbage and onion: Toss them into the pot and give everything a good stir so the oil and bacon fat coat the veggies.
Fry and simmer: Cook over medium-low heat for about 1 hour, stirring every 10-15 minutes so it browns evenly. Let the cabbage get soft, golden, and a little bit crispy around the edges.
Season and finish: Once the cabbage is tender, stir in the vinegar to brighten the flavors, then season generously with salt and pepper. Add the cooked bacon back in and let everything simmer together for another 10 minutes.
Serve warm: Spoon it into a bowl or right onto your plate—it’s that kind of dish. Comforting, rustic, and ready to devour.

What to Serve Southern Fried Cabbage With:

This side dish is super versatile and pairs beautifully with classic Southern mains. Here are a few favorites:

Fried chicken or pork chops: A crispy protein balances the tender texture of the cabbage
Cornbread or biscuits: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices
Black-eyed peas or mashed potatoes: A hearty pairing that turns it into a full meal
Grilled sausage: Especially if you want to turn this side dish into the main event

Bonus: Add a splash of hot sauce or a dash of sugar depending on how you like to balance spice and sweetness!

Top Tips for Perfecting Southern Fried Cabbage:

Low and slow is key: Don’t rush the cook time—the longer it cooks, the more flavorful it becomes.
Choose the right pot: A Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pan distributes heat evenly and helps with the caramelization process.
Don’t skimp on the vinegar: It lifts the richness and balances the bacon fat beautifully.
Add spice if desired: A pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce adds just the right kick for spice lovers.
Double the batch: It reheats beautifully and makes great leftovers for busy weeknights.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to bring back moisture.
Freeze-friendly? Yes! Let it cool, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

This dish only gets better with time, so don’t be afraid to make a big batch!

FAQs

Can I use turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian version?
Yes! Turkey bacon works, though you’ll want to add a bit of oil. For vegetarian, skip the bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that savory flavor.

Is this spicy?
Not by default—but you can spice it up easily with red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.

Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.

What type of vinegar works best?
Distilled white vinegar is classic, but apple cider vinegar also works beautifully for a slightly sweeter tang.

Conclusion

Southern Fried Cabbage is one of those dishes that proves simple can be spectacular. With tender cabbage, smoky bacon, and that tangy finish, it’s the kind of recipe that turns weeknight dinners into something special. Whether you serve it with fried chicken, a slab of cornbread, or enjoy it all on its own, this is comfort food done right. So grab your skillet, slow things down, and bring a little Southern charm to your table tonight.