Southern Fried Cabbage Recipe

You know those recipes that make you feel like you're wrapped up in a warm hug from your grandmother's kitchen? That's exactly what this Cabbage & Bacon Skillet does for me every single time.

Last Tuesday evening, I was running behind (again), and I needed something quick to go with the honey glazed ham I'd made earlier. I grabbed a head of Napa cabbage from the fridge, some bacon from the freezer, and within 35 minutes, I had the most incredible southern fried cabbage ready to serve. Bradley, who normally turns his nose up at anything green, grabbed seconds before I could even sit down. That's when I knew this recipe was a keeper.

This isn't your ordinary boiled cabbage dish. We're talking about tender ribbons of Napa cabbage cooked down in savory bacon drippings, sweet red peppers adding pops of color, and that unmistakable smoky flavor that only bacon can bring. The cabbage gets perfectly tender but still has a little bite to it, and the chicken broth keeps everything moist without making it soggy.

What I really appreciate about this recipe is how it bridges the gap between everyday cooking and special occasions. It's simple enough for a Wednesday night dinner but impressive enough to serve at Thanksgiving or Christmas. Here in Nashville, we take our Southern sides seriously, and this one checks all the boxes.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Southern Fried Cabbage
• Ingredients for Cabbage & Bacon Skillet
• How to Make Southern Fried Cabbage
• Storage and Reheating Tips
• My Best Tips for Perfect Fried Cabbage
• Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Fried Cabbage
• Recipes You May Like
• Bring This Southern Classic to Your Table
• Southern Fried Cabbage

Why You'll Love This Southern Fried Cabbage

Quick and simple – Ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish, this is one of those recipes you can make without thinking too hard about it.

Incredibly flavorful – The combination of bacon drippings, butter, and chicken broth creates layers of flavor that'll have everyone asking for the recipe.

Budget-friendly – Cabbage is one of the most affordable vegetables out there, and a little bacon goes a long way in this dish.

Versatile side dish – Works beautifully with everything from fried chicken to pork chops, meatloaf to grilled steaks.

Feeds a crowd – This recipe makes 6 servings, but it's so easy to double if you're feeding more people.

Customizable heat – The optional Cajun seasoning lets you control the spice level based on your family's preferences.

Ingredients for Cabbage & Bacon Skillet

Here's what you'll need to make this southern fried cabbage recipe:

• 12 slices bacon – The foundation of flavor for this entire dish
• 2 tablespoons bacon drippings – Save this liquid gold from cooking the bacon
• 2 tablespoons butter – Adds richness and helps the vegetables cook evenly
• 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped – Sweet onions work great if you have them
• ½ cup sweet red pepper, diced into small pieces – This adds color and a touch of sweetness
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic – Fresh is best, but jarred works in a pinch
• 1 ½ pounds Napa cabbage, chopped – It cooks down significantly, so don't be shy
• 1 teaspoon salt – Adjust based on your bacon's saltiness
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground if possible
• ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional) – Add more if you like things spicy
• ½ cup chicken broth – This keeps the cabbage tender and adds depth

How to Make Southern Fried Cabbage

Cook the Bacon and Base

1. Cook the bacon until it reaches crispy perfection in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove it from the pan and let it drain on paper towels. Set aside for later.

2. Pour off the excess bacon drippings from the pan, but make sure to reserve exactly 2 tablespoons in the skillet. This is where all the magic happens.

3. Add the butter to those reserved bacon drippings and let it melt completely, swirling the pan to combine them.

Cook the Cabbage

4. Toss in the chopped onion, diced sweet red pepper, minced garlic, chopped Napa cabbage, salt, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, and chicken broth to the skillet.

5. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients, making sure the cabbage gets coated with those beautiful drippings.

6. Cover the skillet and let it cook over medium-low heat until the cabbage reaches your preferred level of tenderness. I usually go for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Finish and Serve

7. Remove the pan from the heat once your cabbage is perfectly tender.

8. Crumble the cooked bacon over the top of the cabbage mixture.

9. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Trust me on this one – always taste before serving.

Storage and Reheating Tips

I'm all about making life easier with leftovers, and this fried cabbage with bacon stores beautifully.

Refrigerator storage: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get even better the next day as everything has time to meld together.

Reheating: For the best results, reheat your southern style cabbage in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it's warmed through. You can add a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry. If you're short on time, the microwave works too – just heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one.

Freezing: While you can freeze this for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container, I'll be honest with you – the cabbage texture changes after freezing and thawing. It gets softer and a bit mushier. If you do freeze it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

My Best Tips for Perfect Fried Cabbage

After making this recipe countless times (seriously, at least once a week during cabbage season), I've learned a few tricks that make all the difference.

Don't skip the Napa cabbage – I know it's tempting to use regular green cabbage since it's what most people have on hand, but Napa cabbage has a more delicate texture and sweeter flavor. That said, green cabbage absolutely works if that's what you've got. Just plan to cook it about 5-10 minutes longer.

Save those bacon drippings – This is where the smoky, savory flavor comes from. Don't pour all that goodness down the drain. If you're watching your fat intake, you can reduce the bacon to 8 slices and use a bit more butter, but don't skip it entirely.

Cut your cabbage evenly – When I first started making this, I'd chop the cabbage haphazardly, and some pieces would be mushy while others were still crunchy. Cut everything into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

Adjust the heat level – Amy can't handle spicy food at all, so when I'm making this for the whole family, I skip the Cajun seasoning and let John and Bradley add hot sauce to their portions at the table.

Cook it to your preference – Some people like their skillet fried cabbage on the crunchier side, while others prefer it completely tender. There's no wrong answer here. I usually cook mine for about 18 minutes, which gives me that perfect balance.

Want to switch things up? Try adding some diced smoked sausage along with the bacon, or toss in some sliced mushrooms with the onions. I've even added a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end for a tangy twist that John absolutely loved.

Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Fried Cabbage

Can I use regular green cabbage instead of Napa cabbage?

Yes, absolutely! Green cabbage works really well in this recipe. The main difference is that it's firmer and takes a bit longer to cook. You'll need to add about 5-10 minutes to your cooking time to get it nice and tender. I've used both, and honestly, they're both delicious – just slightly different textures.

Can I make fried cabbage without bacon?

You can, though you'll miss out on that incredible smoky flavor that bacon brings. If you need to skip the bacon (maybe you're cooking for vegetarians), replace the bacon drippings with 4 tablespoons of butter or olive oil. The dish will still be flavorful from the other seasonings. Consider adding a bit of smoked paprika to bring back some of that smoky depth.

How long does fried cabbage last in the fridge?

Your southern fried cabbage will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure it's completely cooled before you seal it up, though. I usually make a double batch on Sunday so I have it ready to reheat for quick dinners during the week.

What goes well with Southern fried cabbage?

This is such a versatile cabbage side dish! It pairs perfectly with just about any protein you can think of. We love it alongside fried chicken, pork chops, meatloaf, cornbread, or grilled steaks. It's also fantastic with Southern-style main dishes, BBQ, and holiday meals. Last Thanksgiving, I served it with our turkey and it was gone before the green bean casserole.

Recipes You May Like

If you enjoyed this southern cabbage recipe, you'll want to check out these other comfort food classics:

• The Best Meatloaf Recipe – This pairs beautifully with fried cabbage for a complete Southern dinner
• Best Mashed Potatoes – Another essential Southern side dish that works perfectly with this cabbage
• Honey Glazed Ham – The sweet glaze complements the savory cabbage wonderfully

Bring This Southern Classic to Your Table

This Cabbage & Bacon Skillet has become one of those recipes I turn to again and again, whether I'm cooking for just our family or feeding a crowd. There's something deeply comforting about the way the cabbage softens in those bacon drippings and chicken broth, soaking up all that incredible flavor.

The best part? You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen right now. It's one of those recipes that proves you don't need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create something truly delicious. Just good, simple ingredients cooked with a little bit of love.

Give this recipe a try this week and let me know what you think! I'd love to hear how your family enjoys it, and if you make any fun variations, share them with me.

Save this recipe on Pinterest so you can find it again later when you need a quick, flavorful side dish!

Happy cooking, and here's to many more delicious meals with your loved ones.

Print