Savory Southern fried cabbage with bacon, onions, and peppers is a classic Southern staple in Southern homes. Learn how to make this easy cabbage recipe with simple ingredients!
Hey cousins! Lately, I have been craving cabbage like crazy. Luckily, I have so many delicious cabbage recipes to satisfy my craving (and soon yours, once you read this recipe!). One of my reader’s favorite cabbage recipes I’ve posted was my Southern slow cooker cabbage with ham hocks. Today, I’m back with another Southern cabbage recipe. This time around, we’re making Southern fried cabbage with bacon, onions, and peppers.
What Is Southern Cabbage?
Southern-style cabbage is a traditional Southern side dish. Although sautéed or fried cabbage didn’t originate in the South (it’s actually an Irish dish), it’s a staple in Southern households. With so many different ways to make fried cabbage, it’s a delicious, savory, customizable side dish packed with flavor. It can even be quite healthy!
In this Southern-fried cabbage recipe with bacon, we’re not worrying about fat-free—no, ma’am! This tender cabbage is cooked in bacon fat and smothered with onions, garlic, bell peppers, and zesty spices.
Ingredients for Southern Fried Cabbage
Now, Cousins, let’s talk about ingredients. What do you need to make Southern-style fried cabbage? I’ll tell you, the list is incredibly simple. Head on out to your local grocery store and pick up these ingredients for a tasty fried cabbage recipe.
- Green Cabbage: this recipe use three pounds of cabbage or about one large head of cabbage. I prefer to get a whole head and chop it myself, but if you want convenience, you can buy pre-cut cabbage.
- Bacon: I use fatty bacon ends, but any thick-cut bacon will work in this recipe.
- Bell Pepper: adds color and a bite of sweetness to the otherwise savory cabbage.
- Onions & Garlic: aromatics that infuse a ton of flavor in this cabbage recipe.
- Seasonings: a classic combination of onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Where can I find bacon ends?
I prefer to use bacon ends instead of regular strips of bacon because bacon ends have a lot more fat on them. I use the bacon grease to cook the cabbage, onions, and garlic, meshing all those flavors together for one incredibly savory dish. You can usually find bacon ends and pieces at your local grocery store. If not, ask your butcher or visit a local specialty shop. If you can’t get bacon ends, thick-cut bacon will work just fine.
Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet
- Utensil like a spatula or spoon
- Knife or vegetable chopper
- Optional: paper towels to drain the cooked bacon
How to Make Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Y’all ready to learn how to make this easy side dish? It’s crazy simple and only takes about 30 minutes! As always, you can find the complete instructions and exact ingredient measurements in the recipe card at the end of this post. Here’s a quick overview of how to make Southern-style fried cabbage with bacon.
- Prep the veggies. Chop the cabbage, onions, and bell peppers. If you’re using slices of bacon, chop those up as well.
- Toss the bacon into a large skillet over medium heat and cook through. Remove the bacon when cooked, and leave the bacon drippings in the pan!
- Toss the cabbage, peppers, and onions into the skillet. You won’t be able to fit all the cabbage in at once, and that’s fine—it’ll cook down! Once it all starts to cook down, add the minced garlic last so it doesn’t burn.
- Toss in the seasonings and bacon, stir everything together, and you’re ready to serve!
That’s it—that’s how you make a simple fried cabbage recipe! This Southern classic will be an instant family favorite. The crispy bacon has a smoky flavor that balances with the sweet peppers and zesty spices. It’s the best of Southern comfort foods.
Fried Cabbage Video Tutorial
You can watch my step-by-step video showing you exactly how I make my Southern fried cabbage recipe below! Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, where you’ll find a collection of Southern and Soul Food recipe videos, desserts, holiday dishes, and so much more.
FAQs & Tips for the Best Southern Fried Cabbage Recipe
There are plenty of different ways to make delicious fried cabbage. So, if you’re looking for some pro tips and recipe variations, I got you covered, Cousins!
I don’t like bacon; what else can I use in this Southern fried cabbage recipe?
While nothing but bacon can perfectly replicate those savory, smoky flavors, there are other alternatives if you’re not a fan of bacon. Turkey bacon is a good substitute for classic bacon, and it’s healthier too, but you might have to use a neutral oil (like olive oil) to add some fat. Other meat options like smoked sausage, corned beef, ham hocks, or smoked turkey fit right in with fried cabbage.
What other spices can I add to fried cabbage with bacon?
The core spices—onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flake—enhance the flavors of this dish. But the beauty of Southern cooking is that you can tweak seasonings and flavors to perfection. Here are some more seasoning options for fried cabbage:
- Try a Cajun seasoning or Creole seasoning for authentic down-home flavor.
- Rosamae Seasonings Greens Seasonings combines all the classics—salt, pepper, onion, and garlic, with a hint of jalapeno spice and natural hickory smoke. It’s perfect for cabbage.
- Up the spice with cayenne pepper or a seasoning from Rosamae Seasonings’ spicy collection—ghost pepper flakes, spicy sea salt, or scotch bonnet flakes.
Is fried cabbage good for a diet?
Cabbage is actually super healthy—it’s packed with nutrients, helps with digestion, and is super low-calorie. However, it all depends on what you add to it. The bacon fat isn’t super healthy, so you could substitute it with turkey bacon or another meat option. However, the flavors in this Southern-fried cabbage are well worth the few extra calories!
How long do you cook Southern fried cabbage?
How long you cook fried cabbage depends on you. If you want a more tender cabbage, you’ll cook it for longer. Crispy cabbage takes a shorter amount of time. Overall, you should cook the cabbage and vegetables for about 15-20 minutes, max. Overcooked cabbage is not tasty, so watch the cooking time!
How to Store Leftover Fried Cabbage
You should store leftover cabbage in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to five days. Can you freeze fried cabbage? You can, but it might change the texture. It can last up to 6 months in the freezer when properly stored.
What to Serve with Southern Fried Cabbage?
Southern fried cabbage is a flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with tons of other Southern and Soul Food options. Try it with:
- Instant Pot Corned Beef
- Smothered Turkey, Smothered Beef Roast, or Smothered Pork Chops
- Southern Fried Chicken or Roast Chicken
- Cornbread or Cornbread Dressing
Try my other cabbage recipes as well!
- Smothered Cabbage with Smoked Turkey
- Loaded Cajun Fried Cabbage
- Cabbage and Bacon Stir Fry
- Cheesy Cabbage Creole
Print the recipe below and subscribe to my mailing list for more recipes! You can also follow along with all things Rosie and I Heart Recipes by following me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and check out all my cookbooks! I just released a brand new cookbook, Super Soul Food with Cousin Rosie, with many recipes you can’t find anywhere else.
Southern Fried Cabbage Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 pound head of cabbage sliced & washed
- 1/2 pound thick cut bacon cut in small pieces
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Toss the bacon into a large pot or pan, then place over medium heat.
- Cook the bacon until it's browned and most of the fat is rendered.
- Remove the bacon pieces from the pan/pot, then set to the side.
- Toss in the cabbage, peppers, and onions. Note that everything will not fit into the pot at first. Once it starts to cook, it will shrink.
- Once the cabbage and other ingredients start to get tender (about 10 minutes), sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, garlic & onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for another 5 minutes or so, then toss in the bacon.
- Stir the ingredients, then add everything into your serving dish.
- Serve and enjoy!
Video
Black Food Bloggers’ Soul Food Potluck
Scroll down to find some of the most mouth-watering Soul Food recipes from black food bloggers around the web! We’re hosting a Virtual Soul Food Potluck, and these recipes are all out-of-this-world flavorful and perfect for anyone that loves Southern Soul Food cuisine.
- Meiko and the Dish | Crispy Fried Chicken with Molasses Pepper Jelly Drizzle
- Whisk It Real Gud | Trinidad Oxtail Pelau
- Dash of Jazz | Aunt Georgia’s Peach Cobbler
- Chef Kenneth | Smothered Okra with Shrimp
- Savory Spicerack | Po’ Boys with Cajun Tempura Shrimp
- Chocolate For Basil | Groundnut Stew (Peanut Stew)
- Simply LaKita | Banana Pudding
- My Forking Life | Callaloo and Saltfish
- Gucci Belly | Swamp Water
- Kaluhi’s Kitchen | Ukwaju (Tamarind) Marinated Spicy Chicken Thighs
- Sweet Savant | Coffee-Rubbed Lamb Ribs
- Salty Sweet Life | Southern Greens Shakshuka
- Eat.Drink.Frolic. | Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Jehan Can Cook | Mango Turmeric Smoothie
- Margarita’s On The Rocks | Lemon Pepper Fish Tacos with Collard Green Slaw
- Butter Be Ready | Skillet Cornbread
- Domestic Dee | Shrimp Creole
- D.M.R. Fine Foods | Curry Chicken Pot Pie
- Marisa Moore Nutrition | Hoppin’ John Patties with Warm Tomato Salsa
This looks great! I made cabbage w/onions, peppers and turkey sausage this past Sunday because I was also craving cabbage 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Kim! Your version sounds good too!
Oh Rosie, everything looks so delicious! I saved this blog to my favorites because my hubs will love all the fantastic dishes. Thanks for sharing all the Black History Month recipes as well. Ummmm Hmmmm.
Hi Shell! Thanks for saving my blog to your favorites! I hope to be hearing from you regularly! XOXO
I made this recipe for the first time and it turned out great.
Hi Rosie,
I just found your site tonight and everything that I have seen looks delicious. I am looking forward
to trying your recipes very soon, the fried, cabbage looks delicious, I look forward to making that first, I will add just a little red pepper flakes. Thank you for sharing.
Ann
Hi Ann! I’m glad that you found me. If you’re not a fan of red pepper flakes, you can leave them out completely 🙂
I love hot pepperbfoods
I’ve decided to make fried cabbage instead but bought ham hocks already. How do I incorporate them in this dish? Shoild I boil the hocks to get them tender then just treat them like the bacon in the recipe?
Yes, you’ll need to boil the ham hocks until tender, then shred the ham hocks and incorporate them into the fried the cabbage.
Hi Rosie
I can’t eat bacon. Is there anything else I can substitute for the bacon?
Thanks
Hi CJ, is it a pork thing? Or a sodium thing?
Hi Rosie
Is there anything I can substutute for the bacon?
Thanks
A sodium thing
Hey Cj. Leave the bacon completely out, and fry the cabbage in vegetable oil. You can add liquid smoke for smokey flavor. 🙂
This looks amazing! Thank you, Rosie for sharing 🙂
I had some cabbage & green pepper left over from my farm share and I thought there’s got to be a way to put them together— your post was the first I found and I can’t wait to make it.
I’m mostly a vegetarian though so I’m going to use the liquid smoke addition idea instead of the bacon. Looking forward to trying out your other recipes too.
And thank you for the Black History Month recipes as well!
Hey Rosie,
Thank you so much for your blog, I lost my grandmother when I was 10 yrs old, She always made the best Soul food for me when I was little. Now I have a daughter of my own an have been trying to find some of those good soul food recipes that taste like I remembered to share with my little one. Since finding your blog I have tried 4 of your recipes, All was so good … Brought back so many memories for me. Thank you for sharing these awesome heartwarming recipes
Hi Amber! I’m glad that you found my blog. Happy holidays!
Hi Rosie! Just thought I’d let you know your fried cabbage recipe was the hit of our New Years Day dinner. It was delicious . I didn’t take the bacon out. Once it got close to crisp, I just added everything elsein and cooked it. Thank you so much for sharing these great recipes!
Hello there, Rosie. I tried this recipe with ham chips left over from Christmas. It was absolutely delicious. It tasted like the smothered cabbage my mother used to make in Arkansas. I also added pepper sauce which made it even better. Now, I’ve got a fantastic cabbage recipe for my files. Thanks
Yummy! I must try that the next time that I have leftover ham!
Hi Rosie: Great cabbage recipe. Liked it very much and i did add onion.
I’m an old Arkansas boy so i love cabbage raw as well as cooked.
thanks for the recipe and video.
Thanks for coming by Lou!
OH MY GOD THIS IS SO GOOD! I’m not a veggie eater AT ALL, but this tasted so amazing. It’s one of my favorite dishes now. It went amazing with the baked chicken breast we had. Next time I’ll definitely try it with olive oil and turkey sausage next time. This is definitely going to be on the table next Thanksgiving.
My mom having medical problems and she cannot speak so I tried to ask certain people to try to cook for myself but they are too busy ever since I found you on YouTube you have taught me how to cook everything and I just want to say thank you
I’m glad that you found my blog Davie! Praying for your mom! XOXO
Davie, you touched my heart. I’m so happy that you are learning to cook and hope your mom is getting better. I also hope you find many others in life who are willing to lend a helping hand to you in times of need. I am thinking of you today!
I tried this recipe today but I put a little twist on it… I used venison instead of bacon and I added cayenne pepper and brown sugar to give it that sweet and spicy twist. Delicious. Can’t wait to try more of your recipes.
okay– I want to make this dish this weekend… I know. I know.. super late, but better late than never.. will post after I make it the feedback…. Love Rosie.. she takes ya back!..
Welp! my first time ever making fried cabbage… nailed it! it was a hit!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing.. I stuck to the recipe period! I’ve tried sooo many of your great dishes… thus far no complaints…..
Awesome! Tried it tonight since we had our Christmas dinner on Saturday, I had leftover ham. I used peppered bacon and the ham mixed together. It was great. Also topped it with a little coconut aminos. Thank you for your amazing recipes!
Love this recipe. It’s my go to recipe whenever the fam says they want cabbage.
Hi! Quick question. The recipe calls for minced garlic AND garlic powder but doesn’t say which is being added with the onion powder. Are both garlics being added at the same time? Thanks in advance
I have grew up on this dish. However, never added the red pepper flakes before. This is outstanding and has become my go-to recipe for this dish.
Thank you! XOXO
This was very good the only adjustment i made was cooked it a little longer the and left off the parsley at the end. Oh , yes I always fry my cabbage this way yum!
This recipe was delicious. I had never used bellpeppers before in my cabbage but it was delicious. I will definitely make this again.
I love your recipes, they are so easy to make and tasty. Thanks for sharing
Making this now. I’m going to go on face book and follow i heart recipes!
I love trying your recipes. Yoʻu have never let me down. You always make give me the best tips. Looking forward to cooking up something new.
Thanks so much Carla!