Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Name: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided (omit if using pork bacon)); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 5 to 6 slices turkey bacon (chopped (or pork bacon)); 1 small yellow onion (chopped); 1 medium bell pepper (chopped, any color); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 small head green cabbage (cored and chopped); 1 to 2 tablespoons homemade Cajun seasoning (or store-bought, my recipe linked); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and cracked black pepper (to taste)

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This Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon is one of those recipes that's simple enough for a weeknight, but worthy of a spot beside Sunday supper. It's savory, packed with smoky flavor, and comes together in about 30 minutes using everyday ingredients.

Southern fried cabbage with bacon in a skillet with serving spoon.

For more comforting Southern recipes, try our Southern squash casserole or Southern smothered chicken recipes next!

There's just something about a skillet of fried cabbage that feels like home to me. Growing up in Mississippi, cabbage was one of those humble vegetables that always found its way onto the table. It didn't take much to turn it into something special, just a little butter, smoky bacon, plenty of seasoning, and a slow simmer until it became tender and full of flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients, and ready in about 30 minutes!
Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or seasonings.
Smoky bacon adds incredible flavor.
Perfect alongside almost any Southern main dish.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Southern fried cabbage ingredients arranged in bowls on a table top.

Butter. Butter gives turkey bacon the richness that pork bacon naturally provides. If you're using pork bacon, simply cook the vegetables in the rendered bacon grease.
Olive oil. A little olive oil helps keep the butter from burning while crisping turkey bacon. This isn't necessary when using pork bacon.
Bacon. I usually make this recipe with uncured turkey bacon, but traditional pork bacon is equally delicious. Either one creates that classic smoky southern flavor.
Onion. Yellow onion becomes sweet as it cooks and builds the base of the dish. White onion also works well.
Bell pepper. I love using orange bell pepper because it has a touch of sweetness and beautiful color, but any color bell pepper works great.
Garlic. Fresh garlic has another layer of savory flavor you don't want to skip.
Green cabbage. One small head of cabbage cooks down quite a bit, making plenty for the whole family.
Cajun seasoning. My homemade Cajun seasoning gives this cabbage the right amount of bowl flavor, but your favorite store-bought blend works great too.
Garlic powder and onion powder. These pantry staples deepen the flavor without overpowering the cabbage.
Salt and black pepper. Season to taste after adding the Cajun seasoning, since many blends already contain salt.

How to Make Southern Fried Cabbage

Crispy bacon for southern fried cabbage on a plate.

Step 1. Cook turkey bacon in 1 tablespoon of butter with olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until very crispy. If using pork bacon, cook directly in the skillet until crisp, leaving the bacon grease in the pan. Transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.

Veggies cooking for southern fried cabbage in a skillet.

Step 2. If using turkey bacon, melt the remaining butter in the skillet and add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Omit additional butter if using pork bacon.

Southern Fried cabbage cooking in a pan on the stove top.

Step 3. Add the cabbage and two batches, stirring until the first batch begins the wheel before adding the remaining cabbage. Seasoned the cabbage with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cracked black pepper.

Finished southern fried cabbage in a pan.

Step 4. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage reaches your preferred tenderness. Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and stir everything together. Remove from the heat and serve warm.

Variations

Add smoked sausage. Slice and brown smoked sausage before cooking the vegetables for an easy one-pan meal.
Make it spicy. Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Add more vegetables. Mushrooms, carrots, or celery are delicious additions.
Finish with vinegar. A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens the flavor beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Store: Store leftover cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through.
Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. The cabbage will be softer after thawing, but will still taste delicious.

Close up photo of southern fried cabbage in a skillet.

Ashley's Tips for Success

Don't overcrowd the pan. Adding the cabbage and batches helps it wilt evenly.
Cook the bacon until very crispy, since it softens slightly once mixed into the cabbage.
Taste before adding extra salt because Cajun seasoning often contains plenty already.
Covering the skillet helps the cabbage become tender while still maintaining some texture.
For more caramelized flavor, uncover the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use purple cabbage?

Yes. Purple cabbage works beautifully, although the finished dish will have a deeper color.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Omit the bacon and use butter or olive oil. You can also add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a little smoky flavor.

How do I keep the cabbage from getting mushy?

Cook it just until tender. If you prefer a little bite, begin checking it after about 8 minutes.

What meat goes best with fried cabbage?

Fried cabbage pairs wonderfully with baked chicken, fried or grilled pork chops, meatloaf, smoked sausage, country fried steak, fried catfish, or fried chicken.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this southern fried cabbage with:

Detailed shot of Southern Fried cabbage in a skillet.

Table Talk - Humble Servants

Humble recipes like this southern fried cabbage remind me of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Though he is the King of Kings, he chose to come into this world in the humblest of circumstances and lived as a servant. He never sought status or worldly recognition. Instead, he knelt to wash the feet of his disciples, showing us that true greatness is found in humility and love.

In a world that constantly tells us to chase more, prove ourselves, and measure our worth by what we own or accomplish, may we remember that our value has already been settled at the Cross. Our worth is found in Jesus alone.

If our savior was willing to humbly serve others, how much more should we gladly serve the people God has placed in our lives? I hope this humble yet comforting recipe reminds you that simple really is beautiful. Some of God's sweetest blessings are found in the ordinary moments we share with the people we love.

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
Hebrews 13:2

More Southern Sides You'll Love!

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