Southern Fried Cabbage with Crispy Bacon
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Southern Fried Cabbage with Crispy Bacon is pure comfort food: warm, savory, and easy to share around the table. I love how this humble skillet dish turns a head of cabbage into a satisfying side with very little fuss. It works for a weeknight supper, yet it also feels right at a family meal.
The recipe uses 6 ounces of bacon, or about 5 to 6 slices, one chopped head of cabbage, and salt and black pepper to taste. As the cabbage cooks in a little bacon drippings, it takes on a rich, smoky flavor. Crispy bacon adds a salty crunch, while the cabbage stays tender and pleasantly sweet.
To make Southern Fried Cabbage with Crispy Bacon, chop the cabbage into medium pieces, then fry the bacon until crisp and set it aside. Leave about 2 tablespoons of drippings in the skillet, add the cabbage and crumbled bacon, and stir over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Then cover the pan and cook until the cabbage reaches your favorite tenderness, season with salt and pepper, and serve. The listed prep time is 10 minutes, the cook time is 15 minutes, and the total time is 25 minutes.
This easy cabbage recipe is especially welcome on chilly nights, but it is just as handy for Sunday dinner or a potluck spread. Serve it with a hearty main dish, or enjoy a bowl on its own when you want a simple, savory bite.
Why You’ll Love This Southern Fried Cabbage with Crispy Bacon
- It comes together quickly. With just 10 minutes of prep and a short cook, it fits a busy evening.
- The ingredients are simple. Cabbage, bacon, salt, and pepper bring plenty of flavor without a long shopping list.
- It tastes like comfort food. Smoky bacon and tender cabbage make a cozy, satisfying combination.
- You can choose the texture. Cook the cabbage briefly for a little bite, or keep it covered longer for softer pieces.
- It pairs with many meals. Serve this Southern Fried Cabbage with Crispy Bacon with chicken, pork, beans, or other family favorites.
Cabbage Tips
Choose a firm cabbage head that feels heavy for its size, with crisp leaves and no large brown or soft spots. Green cabbage is a classic choice for Southern Fried Cabbage with Crispy Bacon, and it cooks evenly when you cut it into similar-sized pieces. Remove any damaged outer leaves, cut away the tough core, and chop the rest into medium pieces. Then rinse and dry the cabbage well. Excess water can make the skillet dish steam more than fry.
Options for Substitutions
- Use a different cabbage. Savoy cabbage has tender, crinkled leaves. Red cabbage works too, though it will change the dish’s color and flavor slightly.
- Try turkey bacon. It can replace pork bacon, but it may release less fat. Add a little cooking oil if you need more fat to coat the pan.
- Use smoked sausage. Slice it and brown it in the skillet for a heartier variation. Since it may not render as much fat as bacon, add a small amount of oil as needed.
- Add onion. Cook sliced onion in the bacon drippings before adding the cabbage for a sweeter, savory note.
- Season with garlic. Add minced garlic near the end of the initial cabbage cooking time so it flavors the dish without burning.
- Change the seasoning. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat, while a little smoked paprika deepens the smoky taste. Add either sparingly, since bacon is already salty.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
First, avoid chopping the cabbage into very small pieces. Thin shreds can turn soft quickly, especially once you cover the skillet. Medium pieces hold their shape better and cook at a more even pace.
Next, do not leave all the bacon grease in the pan. Keep about 2 tablespoons and pour off the rest. Too much grease can make the cabbage heavy, while too little may leave it dry. If your bacon releases very little fat, add a small splash of oil.
Also, stir the cabbage often during the first 5 minutes over medium-high heat. This helps it cook evenly and keeps the pieces from scorching. Then lower the heat before covering the skillet. A covered pan traps steam and softens the cabbage, so check it after 5 minutes and continue cooking only as needed.
Finally, season carefully. Bacon brings plenty of salt, so taste the cabbage before adding more. Add black pepper to taste, then adjust the salt a little at a time. If you plan to add salty sausage or another cured meat, be even more cautious.
What to Serve With Southern Fried Cabbage with Crispy Bacon?
Southern Fried Cabbage with Crispy Bacon tastes wonderful alongside roast chicken, pork chops, or baked ham. For a filling Southern-style plate, add black-eyed peas or field peas and a slice of cornbread. You can also serve it with mashed potatoes for an easy, comforting dinner. Since the cabbage is savory and rich, a fresh green salad or sliced tomatoes can add a bright contrast.
Storage Instructions
Store: Let the cooked cabbage cool, then place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. For the best texture, do not leave it at room temperature for longer than 2 hours. The cabbage softens as it sits, so it may be soggier after storage.
Freeze: Freezing is possible, but it is not ideal for texture. Cabbage can become very soft after thawing. If you choose to freeze it, cool it promptly, pack it in a freezer-safe container, and use it within 2 to 3 months for best quality. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: For the stovetop, warm the cabbage in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring now and then. Add a teaspoon of water if it seems dry, but avoid adding too much. For the microwave, place a serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring between each one. Reheat only what you plan to eat.
Recipe Info
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 292 kcal per serving, as provided
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
These are general estimates and can vary with the cabbage size, bacon brand, and how much bacon fat remains in the pan. The supplied calorie figure is 292 kcal per serving. For a more precise nutrition count, use the package label for your bacon and weigh the prepared portions.
- Calories: About 250 to 330 kcal per serving
- Protein: About 7 to 10 g per serving
- Fat: About 20 to 27 g per serving
- Carbohydrates: About 9 to 13 g per serving
Ingredients
- 6 oz bacon (about 5-6 slices, adjustable)
- 1 cabbage head, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Chop the Cabbage
Cut the cabbage into medium pieces so they cook evenly. First, remove any damaged outer leaves and cut out the firm core. If you wash the cabbage, dry it well before it goes into the skillet.
Step 2: Fry the Bacon Until Crisp
Place the bacon in a large skillet and cook it until crisp, turning as needed. Then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate. Let it cool briefly so you can crumble it over the cabbage.
Step 3: Leave a Little Bacon Dripping
Carefully pour off the excess bacon grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the skillet. This gives the cabbage enough fat for flavor without making the finished dish overly greasy.
Step 4: Add the Cabbage and Bacon
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, then crumble the cooked bacon over it. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly so the cabbage heats evenly and does not scorch.
Step 5: Cover and Cook Until Tender
Lower the heat and cover the skillet. Cook until the cabbage is as tender as you like, usually 5 to 10 minutes more. For very soft cabbage, continue cooking for up to 30 minutes, checking and stirring from time to time.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste the cabbage before adding salt, since the bacon may already make it salty enough. Season with black pepper and any salt you need, then serve warm. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping in mind that the cabbage will soften as it sits.
Conclusion
This Southern Fried Cabbage with Crispy Bacon recipe turns a few everyday ingredients into a savory, comforting side. Crisp bacon, tender cabbage, and simple seasoning make it easy to pair with chicken, pork, or beans. You can also adjust the cooking time to get the texture your family likes best.
Give this skillet cabbage a try at your next family meal. If you make it, share how tender you cooked the cabbage and what you served alongside it.
Southern Fried Cabbage with Crispy Bacon
Ingredients
Method
- Chop the cabbage into medium pieces, removing any damaged outer leaves and the tough core.
- If washing the cabbage, dry it well before proceeding.
- Place the bacon in a large skillet and fry until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool before crumbling.
- Pour off excess bacon grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the skillet.
- Add the chopped cabbage and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Stir over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.
- Cover the skillet and cook until the cabbage is tender, typically 5 to 10 minutes more. For very soft cabbage, cook longer while checking occasionally.
- Season the cabbage with salt and black pepper to taste before serving.
