Delicious Southern-Styled Fried Cabbage Recipe

 You definitely need to make this old-school fried cabbage because it is a straight-up comfort. It is a soul food recipe our grandmama makes and has perfected. It starts with sliced cabbage simmering down with smoky bacon, onions, peppers, and warm spices. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how super versatile it is.

Since we are in December, there are a few dishes that help me get in the mood for the holiday. A GOOD bowl of fried cabbage is one of them.

Whether you are eating it for breakfast or dinner, this recipe always hits the spot. I am so happy to share this recipe with you guys; even my picky eaters straight up devour this dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here is the stitch: you’ll love the fried cabbage recipe because it is so simple and Southern. This is not your ordinary cabbage dish.

This recipe is loaded with seasoning, bacon, onion, and garlic, the full works. The cabbage is tender but still has a little bite, soaking up all that savory, smoky goodness without turning mushy.

Every bite gets better than the last, I’m serious. Plus, you can find all the ingredients in your pantry and fridge.

Ingredients

• 1 large head green cabbage
• 8 oz bacon
  • or turkey bacon + 2–3 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (red or orange preferred)
• ½ tablespoon minced garlic
• Garlic powder, to taste
• Onion powder, to taste
• Dried thyme, to taste
• Sugar, to taste
• Smoked paprika, to taste
• Water (about 1 cup, more if needed)
• Salt, optional and adjusted at the end

Instructions

Cut the cabbage in half and remove the tough triangular core. Slice the cabbage into pieces about ¼ to ½ inch thick.

Do not slice too thin or the cabbage will turn mushy. Place the sliced cabbage in a colander and rinse well under cold water. Set aside.

Slice the onion into strips and slice the bell pepper. Set both aside.

In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, add the bacon and cook until the fat is rendered and the bacon is cooked through. Remove the bacon and set it aside. Carefully pour off excess grease, leaving as much or as little as you prefer in the pot.

Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the pot and sauté for about 1 minute, just until slightly softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.

Season with garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, sugar, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine.

Add the cabbage to the pot and toss well with the onion and pepper mixture. Pour in about 1 cup of water. If your stove runs hot or the liquid evaporates quickly, add more water as needed.

Cover and simmer on low heat. Stir the cabbage after about 5 minutes to prevent burning on the bottom. Continue cooking for about 20 minutes total, or up to 45 minutes if you prefer softer cabbage.

Add the cooked bacon back into the pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, remember that the bacon adds salt.

Once the cabbage is tender with a slight bite, remove from heat and serve.

Storage

Let the cabbage cool completely before storing. Transfer it, along with any cooking liquid, to an airtight container.

• Refrigerator: Store for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Cabbage softens more after freezing, so this works best if you already like it very tender.

To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if needed.

This old-school Southern-styled fried cabbage recipe will never let you down. It’s simple, comforting, and full of flavor.

The cabbage is tender and packed with delicious bacon and I love how it comes together so easy. It’s my all-time favorite dish especially around the holidays.

More Soul Food Recipes

• Collard Greens and Smoked Turkey (Instant Pot)