Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Southern Fried Cabbage is a traditional Southern side dish with a savory, hearty, and flavorful flavor. It features smoky, savory, and slightly spicy flavors of bacon and red peppers.

It is a popular comfort food in the Southern United States, often served as a side during family meals, barbecues, or festive gatherings.

You can pair it with classic comfort foods like crispy fried chicken and juicy pork chops. It also goes wonderfully alongside mashed potatoes or cornbread, both bringing that cozy Southern vibe to the table.

For a heartier meal, this fried cabbage can be enjoyed with grilled sausages or baked ham. Creamy macaroni and cheese or fluffy rice are also a great choice for a filling, crowd-pleasing spread.

Here’s how to make the Southern fried cabbage:

A classic Southern side dish with tender, flavorful cabbage sautéed in smoky bacon drippings. Simple, affordable, and full of authentic flavor.

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon, crushed red pepper flakes

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Calories: 180 per serving
Cuisine: Southern American
Course: Side dish

Ingredients

4 slices bacon, chopped
1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp water or chicken broth

Instructions

Cook chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
Add diced onion to the bacon drippings and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add chopped cabbage, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to coat in bacon drippings.
Pour in water or chicken broth, cover, and cook 8–10 minutes until cabbage is tender but not mushy.
Remove the lid, stir in cooked bacon, and cook 2–3 more minutes to lightly brown the cabbage.
Serve hot.