Cabbage is cooked in bacon drippings in this Fried Cabbage recipe for a quick, easy, and super tasty side dish. Only 5 ingredients needed!
Cabbage, especially cooked cabbage, seems to be a pretty “love it or hate it” vegetable. In my house, we’re all fans, whether we’re making this Southern fried cabbage, cabbage soup, or stuffed cabbage rolls.
Why You’ll Love This Fried Cabbage Recipe
Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this Southern fried cabbage recipe.
- Bacon! Not only is crispy chopped bacon added to the recipe, the cabbage and onions are cooked in the bacon drippings. This adds SO much flavor to the dish.
- Quick & easy. It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare this side dish and there are only a few steps involved.
- Short ingredient list. Besides bacon and cabbage, you only need a few other basic ingredients to make this recipe. I usually have almost everything I need already in the kitchen.
Be sure to check out my other classic Southern recipes like fried okra, crab cakes, and collard greens.
What You’ll Need
This classic Southern side dish is made with bacon, onion, cabbage, and just a few spices. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the exact measurements.
- Bacon – The thicker and fattier the bacon, the better! The bacon adds loads of flavor to the fried cabbage and the cabbage is cooked in the bacon grease.
- Onion – A finely chopped onion adds flavor to the dish.
- Green cabbage – This recipe works best with a small head of green cabbage. Core and chop before starting the recipe.
- Spices – Smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Brown sugar – Optional but sweetens and caramelizes the dish a bit.
- Chopped parsley – Also optional but adds a pop of color and earthy flavor.
How To Make Fried Cabbage
Here’s an overview of how to make this fried cabbage recipe. It’s so simple! Scroll down to the recipe card for the printable version of the instructions.
- Cook the bacon. Cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, usually about 4-5 minutes. Set the bacon aside but keep the drippings in the pan.
- Cook the cabbage. Cook the onions in the bacon drippings until translucent. Add the cabbage and other ingredients. Cook until the cabbage is wilted.
- Add the bacon. Return the chopped bacon to the pan. Stir to combine the ingredients.
- Enjoy. Sprinkle the parsley on top if desired and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
Here are a few tips to customize this Southern fried cabbage recipe, as well as a few general tips.
- Add water if needed. If the bacon drippings aren’t enough to cook the cabbage, you can add a bit of water or chicken broth to finish cooking it.
- Try other seasonings. Feel free to play around with the flavors in this dish. Try adding cajun seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and/or onion powder.
- Add more meat. If you want a heartier dish, you can add some smoked sausage in addition to or in place of the bacon.
- Chopped the cabbage evenly. While uniform pieces aren’t necessary, do try to make sure all of the cabbage is a similar size. That way it ensures it all cooks evenly instead of some being over- or under-cooked.
What To Serve It With
Fried cabbage is typically served as a side dish, though I’ve certainly seen some make a meal out of it (especially if they add sausage).
I like to serve it with dishes like fried catfish (or air fryer fish sticks), fried chicken, or a classic crawfish boil.
Proper Storage
- Fridge. Store leftover fried cabbage in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for around 4-5 days.
- Reheat. The best way to reheat this dish is on the stovetop, though the microwave works too.
More Side Dishes To Try
Southern Fried Cabbage
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon chopped
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 small head green cabbage cored and chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar optional
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley optional
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a non-stick pan over medium heat until crisp, 4-5 minutes. Remove the bacon from pan, but save the drippings.
- Add the onions to the pan of drippings and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they are translucent. Add the cabbage, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is wilted. You may need to add a bit of water to help the cabbage along.
- Add the chopped bacon back into the pan and mix it together with the cabbage.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Last Step:
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18 comments on “Southern Fried Cabbage”
Do u have to use smoke paprik
Hi Jaqueline. You can use regular paprika or even omit the paprika and still have a great taste.
Where is the reserved bacon dripping used for this recipe. It does not say anything about using them further in the recipe?
Hi Wendy. Those instructions were in the post and I forgot to add in the recipe card. You’ll cook the onions in the drippings. I’ll correct that. Thanks!
I didn’t add the paprika and I forgot to add the brown sugar at the end. It came out fantastic. I used a very small head of cabbage and I ate 75 % of it by myself. Just bought another small head of cabbage for my next dish.
When do you add the smoked paprika?
Hi Pat. The smoked paprika is added with the salt, pepper and other ingredients. I will edit the recipe card. Thank you.
It’s the best cabbage I’ve ever eaten. Thanks for the recipe.
Loved the southern fried cabbage, brought happy childhood memories!
Absolute perfection! I added a squirt of vinegar at the end and served it with hot bacon dressing on the side.
YES to a shot of apple cider vinegar!
5STAR-GREATWEBSITE!
Fantastic!
Easy and delicious! Will have to double the recipe next time!
Delicious!! Will definitely make again!
Made this tonight 22/09/2021 I didn’t add the sugar but I did add two garlic cloves and a little extra paprika but oh it was delicious will definitely be making again.
The only thing different in my recipe is I add fresh garlic but I like garlic
Going to try this tomorrow