Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a classic comfort-food side dish made with tender cabbage sautéed in smoky bacon drippings, onions, bell peppers, and warm Southern seasonings. This one-skillet recipe is rich, savory, and packed with bold flavor using simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.

Whether you’re serving it with smoky Southern classics like Slow Cooker Jambalaya, Crispy Fried Catfish, Southern-Style Green Beans and Potatoes, or Creamy Coleslaw, this fried cabbage recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Big Southern flavor from smoky bacon and warm spices
• One-skillet recipe with easy cleanup
• Simple ingredients you can find anywhere
• Perfect side dish for BBQ, fried chicken, or pork chops
• Customizable heat and tang with vinegar and liquid smoke

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Bacon – Creates the flavorful base and smoky richness
• Yellow onion – Adds sweetness and depth
• Bell pepper – Brings mild sweetness and color
• Garlic – Enhances the savory flavor
• Green cabbage – Becomes tender and slightly caramelized
• Chicken stock or broth – Adds moisture and flavor while cooking
• Apple cider vinegar (optional) – Balances richness with acidity
• Liquid smoke (optional) – Boosts smoky flavor
• Onion powder – Adds extra savory depth
• Garlic powder – Reinforces garlic flavor
• Paprika – Adds warmth and subtle color
• Kosher salt & black pepper – Season to taste

Easy Substitutions & Variations

• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne
• No bell pepper: Use celery or leave it out
• No liquid smoke: Smoked paprika works well
• Add protein: Smoked sausage or ham are great additions
• Extra tang: Add more apple cider vinegar at the end

How to Make Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

1. Cook the bacon: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until browned and crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving drippings in the pan.
2. Sauté vegetables: Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook 6–8 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. Stir in garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Cook the cabbage: Add sliced cabbage to the skillet and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mostly tender and lightly browned.
4. Season: Return bacon to the skillet. Add onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika, stirring to coat evenly.
5. Deglaze: Pour in chicken stock, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke if using. Cook until liquid has fully evaporated.
6. Finish & serve: Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Expert Tips

• Slice cabbage evenly so it cooks at the same rate
• Don’t rush the onions — caramelization adds sweetness
• Taste before salting since bacon adds salt
• Let liquid fully evaporate for the best texture

Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through

If you tried these Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a star rating and let me know how it goes!

SaveSaved Pin Print

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

5 from 3 votes

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 30 minutes mins

Total: 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6

A classic Southern side dish made with tender cabbage sautéed in smoky bacon drippings, onions, bell peppers, and warm seasonings for rich, comforting flavor.

Save This Recipe!

Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Email *

Email Permalink Post

Save

Ingredients  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 8 slices bacon uncooked and chopped
• ▢ 1 medium yellow onion diced
• ▢ 1 bell pepper diced
• ▢ 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ▢ 1 large head of cabbage cored and sliced
• ▢ ½ cup chicken stock or broth gluten-free
• ▢ 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar optional
• ▢ 1 teaspoon liquid smoke optional
• ▢ 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ ½ teaspoon paprika
• ▢ Kosher salt to taste
• ▢ Ground black pepper to taste

Instructions 

• Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chopped bacon until browned and crispy; remove bacon and set aside, leaving drippings in the skillet.
• Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for 6–8 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized; stir in garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
• Add the sliced cabbage and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mostly tender and lightly browned.
• Return the bacon to the skillet and season with onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika, stirring to evenly coat.
• Pour in the chicken stock, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke if using, and cook until the liquid has fully evaporated.
• Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste, remove from heat, and serve warm.

Notes

• Bacon adds salt, so season lightly at first and adjust at the end.
• Slice the cabbage evenly to ensure it cooks down at the same rate.
• Let the liquid fully evaporate for the best texture and flavor.
• Apple cider vinegar and liquid smoke are optional, but they enhance balance and smokiness.

Nutrition

Calories: 101kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 216mg | Potassium: 379mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 852IU | Vitamin C: 83mg | Calcium: 76mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like This? Leave a comment below!