Fried cabbage is a simple, humble dish that has been a staple in Southern kitchens for generations. With just a few ingredients, this recipe transforms a basic head of cabbage into a savory, flavorful side dish that pairs well with almost any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside cornbread, pork chops, or sausage, this old-fashioned fried cabbage recipe is sure to bring comfort and nostalgia to your table.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the steps to prepare Southern-style fried cabbage with a few optional variations to suit your taste. With its tender texture, hints of sweetness, and savory notes from bacon or onions, this cabbage dish is a versatile and satisfying addition to any meal.
1. Old Fashioned Fried Cabbage Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, cored and chopped (about 6-8 cups)
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter (or bacon drippings if using bacon)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the flavors)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Core and chop the cabbage: Remove any tough outer leaves from the cabbage. Cut it into quarters, remove the core, and chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces or thin strips. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon (Optional, but Delicious)
Fry the bacon: In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon pieces and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pan (or more if you want a richer flavor). If you’re skipping the bacon, simply melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet instead.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Cook the onions: In the same skillet with the bacon drippings or butter, add the sliced onions and sauté over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Cook the Cabbage
Add the cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir to coat the cabbage in the bacon drippings or butter.
Season and cook: Season the cabbage with salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir everything together and cook the cabbage over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes. The cabbage should become tender but not mushy, with some edges lightly caramelized.
Step 5: Add the Bacon and Optional Vinegar
Stir in the bacon: If you cooked bacon earlier, add the crispy bacon pieces back into the skillet and stir to combine. The bacon adds a wonderful smoky flavor and richness to the dish.
Add apple cider vinegar (optional): For a tangy finish, drizzle 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar over the cabbage and stir. The vinegar helps balance the richness of the bacon and butter with a bit of acidity.
Step 6: Serve
Taste and adjust seasonings: Taste the fried cabbage and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve: Transfer the fried cabbage to a serving dish and enjoy it hot.
2. Variations and Serving Suggestions
Flavor Variations
Spicy Fried Cabbage: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the cabbage a spicy kick.
Smoked Sausage and Cabbage: Swap the bacon for smoked sausage. Slice the sausage and brown it in the skillet before adding the onions and cabbage for a heartier meal.
Garlic Butter Cabbage: For a garlic-forward version, increase the amount of garlic to 4 cloves and finish the dish with an extra pat of butter for a rich, garlicky flavor.
Southern Comfort: For a more traditional Southern flavor, add a bit of ham hock or salt pork instead of bacon, and cook the cabbage with a splash of chicken broth for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
Pork Chops: Fried cabbage pairs beautifully with pork chops, as the slight sweetness of the cabbage balances the savory, meaty flavor of the chops.
Smoked Sausage: Serve the cabbage with smoked sausage or kielbasa for a hearty and flavorful combination.
Cornbread: A slice of buttery cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the juices from the fried cabbage.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a nice contrast to the tender cabbage and can help round out a comforting meal.
3. How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store leftover fried cabbage in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. If it’s a little dry, you can add a splash of water or broth to moisten it up while reheating.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?
Yes, you can! Red cabbage will work just as well in this recipe and will give the dish a slightly different color and flavor. Keep in mind that red cabbage can take a little longer to soften, so you may need to adjust the cooking time.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! This basic fried cabbage recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any added ingredients, like bacon or sausage, are also gluten-free.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, fried cabbage can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. In fact, the flavors often improve as the dish sits.
Old-fashioned fried cabbage is a timeless, versatile dish that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it as a main course, it’s the perfect way to elevate humble cabbage into something truly special. With just a few simple ingredients—bacon, onions, and cabbage—you can create a comforting, hearty dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
