This Southern fried cabbage is a classic comfort-food side made with crispy bacon, smoked sausage, and a blend of soul-food seasonings. It’s a flavorful addition to any meal that everyone will enjoy.
This fried cabbage is a popular soul-food side that pairs well with hearty mains like baked mac and cheese or fried chicken.
What We Love About This Recipe
- Smoky, savory flavor – Crispy bacon and smoked sausage give the cabbage a rich, irresistible taste.
- Quick and easy – This fried version comes together fast, making it a great option for weeknights.
- Classic soul-food side – It complements many Southern mains and brings comforting flavor to the table.
Ingredients
- 1 large head green cabbage – core removed and chopped into bite-sized pieces (about 16 cups roughly chopped).
- 6 ounces bacon – chopped (about 6 slices); thick-cut for extra crispiness.
- 12 ounces smoked sausage – sliced; andouille or any smoked beef sausage works well.
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder – adds depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon granulated onion
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt – start with less if using a finer table salt and adjust to taste.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
How to Make Southern Fried Cabbage
Step 1: Cook chopped bacon in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Add the sliced smoked sausage and brown it for about 5 minutes, then remove and set aside with the bacon.
Step 3: Drain excess fat from the pot, leaving about 2 tablespoons. Add the chopped cabbage and sauté 2–3 minutes until it begins to reduce and soften. Stir in the chicken bouillon, granulated garlic, granulated onion, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Continue to sauté on medium heat for 5–7 minutes, until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp. Return the bacon and sausage to the pot, toss to combine, and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Slice cabbage evenly: Uniform pieces cook more consistently and give a better texture.
- Adjust seasonings at the end: Taste before serving and add more salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately: Fried cabbage is best right away while it retains a little bite and the meat is warm.
What to Serve With Fried Cabbage
- Fried pork chops, fried chicken, or catfish make a classic Southern pairing with fried cabbage.
- Rich mains like oxtails, blackened fish, or lemon-pepper salmon also complement the savory cabbage.
- Traditional sides such as Southern cornbread, baked mac and cheese, or mashed potatoes with gravy round out the meal.
Commonly Asked Questions
How should I chop the cabbage for frying?
Remove any wilted outer leaves, rinse, and pat dry. Cut the head in half through the core, then into quarters. Slice each wedge into roughly 1 to 1½-inch pieces for even cooking.
How do I make fried cabbage without bacon?
Use 2 tablespoons of vegetable or olive oil to sauté the cabbage. Add smoked sausage for flavor or omit meat for a vegetarian version. Cook until tender but still slightly crisp, about 5–7 minutes.
How should I season fried cabbage?
Try Creole or Cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne, granulated garlic and onion, salt, pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to taste.
📖 Recipe
Southern Fried Cabbage Recipe
Krysten Wilkes & Marrekus Wilkes
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage — about 16 cups roughly chopped
- 6 ounces bacon, chopped (about 6 slices)
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon granulated onion
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Render chopped bacon in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
- Drain excess oil from the pot, leaving about 2 tablespoons.
- Return the reserved 2 tablespoons of oil to the pot and add the chopped cabbage. Sauté 2–3 minutes until it reduces and softens.
- Stir in chicken bouillon powder, granulated garlic, granulated onion, salt, and pepper.
- Continue to sauté 5–7 minutes until the cabbage is tender but still has a bit of bite, or cook to your preferred doneness.
- Return the cooked bacon and sausage to the pot and stir until combined.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Slice evenly: Uniform pieces ensure even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving and add more salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve right away: Fried cabbage is best when served immediately.
Nutrition
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