Soul Food Southern Fried Cabbage With Bacon
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Soul food Southern fried cabbage with bacon is a bold, buttery, and smoky side dish that turns humble cabbage into a crave-worthy comfort classic.
This recipe is a staple in Southern kitchens, where cabbage is fried down with savory bacon and butter, then seasoned with just the right touch of garlic, onion, and a little heat for “flava” that’s anything but boring! The cabbage gets tender with crispy caramelized edges, while the bacon adds that signature sizzle and Southern soul.
Soul food fried cabbage with bacon
Southern fried cabbage with bacon is a flavorful and satisfying way to enjoy one of the South’s most beloved side dishes. This soul food classic takes simple cabbage and transforms it into something truly special, thanks to a curated blend of seasonings, rich butter, and savory broth that deepen the flavor in every bite.
And when you add crispy, smoky bacon to the mix? It elevates this humble vegetable into a full-on Southern comfort meal. Because let’s be honest: bacon makes everything better, especially in a cast iron skillet filled with soulful flava!
Ingredients
This 5-star Southern fried cabbage recipe is elevated with bold, soulful flavors, thanks to a rich blend of butter, broth, and a curated mix of seasonings, including a shake of Old Bay, just like my mom and grandma prepared it the North Carolina way!
- Green cabbage: The star of the dish that’s hearty, affordable, and perfect for soaking up all the soulful seasonings and smoky bacon flavor.
- Cooked bacon: Adds salty, crispy, smoky richness and depth that turns this side dish into a Southern comfort classic.
- Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and aroma that balance the savory elements while deepening the flavor as it caramelizes.
- Chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Infuses the cabbage with extra richness and moisture while amplifying the Southern soul food taste.
- Apple cider vinegar: Brightens the dish and cuts through the richness with a tangy kick that keeps each bite lively.
- Butter: Adds richness and a silky texture that helps carry all the flavors. It’s essential for that soul food “melt-in-your-mouth” feel!
- Curated blend of seasonings: Layers of seasoning build bold flavor, while Old Bay adds a signature, unexpected twist rooted in soulful Coastal Virginia and Carolina cooking.
How to make Southern cabbage with bacon
To make Southern fried cabbage with bacon, sauté the cabbage and onion in butter with the seasonings until fragrant. Let it simmer until tender, but don’t let all the broth evaporate, so the cabbage stays juicy, flavorful, and never dry.
- Coarsely chop the cabbage using a food processor or a knife.
- In a cast-iron skillet, add the butter and let it melt.
- Add all the remaining ingredients to the pan once the butter has melted, then cover the skillet with a lid and allow it to simmer before cooking uncovered.
- Finally, add the bacon, stir everything together, serve, and enjoy!
Knowing when it’s done
Cabbage is done cooking when it’s tender enough to pierce easily with a fork but still has a slight bite and vibrant color. For Southern fried cabbage, it should be wilted, flavorful, and coated in the buttery broth. Soft but not mushy.
Pro tip: You don’t need to cook the cabbage in bacon drippings for extra flavor. My recipe is already rich with butter, broth, and soulful seasonings, plus the smoky kick of Old Bay! I simply stir in the cooked bacon at the end for that signature bite while keeping the dish lighter and less greasy.
What to serve with fried cabbage and bacon
Fried cabbage is an iconic Southern side dish that pairs beautifully with classic comfort foods like creamy mashed potatoes, sweet candied yams, or baked macaroni and cheese. Want more inspiration? Discover even more delicious ideas for what to serve with fried cabbage HERE.
Equipment
- Large cast iron skillet with a lid
Ingredients
- 4 pound green cabbage 3-4 pound cabbage
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth or use vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup butter unsalted (or vegan butter)
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2-3 strips cooked bacon turkey bacon or pork bacon
Instructions
- Cut out the core of the cabbage and coarsely chop the leaves using a food processor or a knife. (I recommend removing the outer layer of cabbage leaves and discarding them before chopping.)
- Turn on the stovetop to medium heat and add the butter to the cast-iron skillet.
- Once the butter has melted, add the chopped cabbage, onion, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Old Bay or Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 10 minutes, remove the lid and continue cooking the cabbage uncovered for about 15 minutes. Be careful not to let all the broth evaporate to prevent the cabbage from becoming dry.
- Once the cooking is finished, crumble the cooked bacon strips and stir them into the cabbage, then serve and enjoy!
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Great,my mom made this.i am 79 years old an love it.every new years mom made black eye peas,greens, corn, bread ect.sooo good.i Cook it now.keep on cooking you all.z