Description
Southern Fried Cabbage is the kind of quick dinner side dish that proves simple ingredients can still bring huge flavor. Tender cabbage, smoky bacon, sweet onion, and garlic cook down into a rich, buttery skillet that feels cozy, hearty, and deeply satisfying. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, holiday meals, comfort food cravings, and anyone looking for new dinner ideas, easy side dish recipes, Southern food favorites, or budget-friendly food ideas that still taste amazing.
Ingredients
8 slices bacon
1 large green cabbage, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the chopped cabbage, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Toss well to coat the cabbage in the bacon fat and seasonings.
5. Add the butter and chicken broth, then cover the skillet and cook for 10 minutes, stirring once or twice.
6. Remove the lid and continue cooking for 8 to 12 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and lightly caramelized.
7. Stir the cooked bacon back into the cabbage and serve hot.
Notes
Cook the cabbage uncovered at the end so extra moisture can evaporate and the edges can caramelize for the best flavor.
Taste before adding extra salt because the bacon already brings plenty of seasoning to the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: southern fried cabbage, fried cabbage recipe, easy cabbage side dish, bacon cabbage skillet, southern side dish, quick dinner side, comfort food recipe