Southern Homestyle Fried Cabbage

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Southern Homestyle Fried Cabbage is the comfort food you didn’t know you were missing. With crispy bacon and tender cabbage, it’s a dish that wraps you in a warm, inviting embrace. Perfect for any time of the year, this recipe brings a taste of Southern tradition to your table with minimal fuss.

Ingredients for Southern Homestyle Fried Cabbage

Cabbage is the star of the show, providing a hearty, slightly sweet base that soaks up all the flavors. Bacon adds a smoky, salty kick that complements the cabbage perfectly. The onion and garlic provide aromatic depth, while a touch of apple cider vinegar gives a bright, tangy contrast. Sugar balances the acidity, and the red pepper flakes bring a gentle heat to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a less spicy dish, reduce the red pepper flakes to a pinch or omit them entirely.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even cooking without hot spots.
  • For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use vegetable oil instead.

Serving Suggestions

Fried cabbage pairs beautifully with roasted meats or as a flavorful side to grilled chicken. It’s also fantastic as a topping for baked potatoes or mixed into cooked rice for an easy, hearty meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Yes, red cabbage works well too, though it will slightly change the flavor and color of the dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Southern Homestyle Fried Cabbage Recipe Walkthrough

Start by chopping your cabbage into bite-sized pieces and set it aside. You want them small enough to cook evenly and quickly. Next, grab a large skillet and cook your bacon over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Don’t even think about tossing out those bacon drippings — they’re liquid gold!

In that same skillet, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them just until they’re translucent, which should take about 3-5 minutes. The kitchen will start smelling amazing right about now. Add your cabbage to the skillet, stirring it well to coat every piece in those glorious bacon drippings. This is where the magic happens.

Drizzle the olive oil and apple cider vinegar over the cabbage. Sprinkle in the sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed. Cover your skillet and let the cabbage cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s done when the cabbage is tender but still has a bit of bite.

Finally, crumble the cooked bacon and mix it into the cabbage just before serving. This way, you retain that delightful crunch. Serve it up hot and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • Uses simple, readily available ingredients.
  • Balances savory and tangy flavors beautifully.
  • Flexible enough to serve as a main or side dish.

Ingredients

1 medium green cabbage
4 slices bacon
1 large onion
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
4. Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, stirring well to coat with the bacon drippings.
5. Drizzle olive oil and apple cider vinegar over the cabbage, then sprinkle sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
6. Cover the skillet and let the cabbage cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender.
7. Crumble the cooked bacon and mix it into the cabbage before serving.

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