Southern Fried Cabbage

Here’s a classic Southern-style fried cabbage recipe — smoky, savory, and simple.

Ingredients

• 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
• 5–6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp butter (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove some grease if needed, leaving about 2–3 tablespoons in the pan.
3. Add onion and cook until soft, about 4–5 minutes.
4. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
5. Add cabbage and toss well in the bacon grease.
6. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and pepper flakes.
7. Cook 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender and lightly browned.
8. Stir in butter before serving if you want extra richness.

Good Add-Ins

• Smoked sausage
• Ham
• Bell peppers
• Apple cider vinegar splash
• Hot sauce

Best Served With

• Fried chicken
• Cornbread
• Pork chops
• Black-eyed peas

For a softer “down-home” version, cover the skillet for part of the cooking time. For crispier edges, leave it uncovered and stir less often.

Let us know how yours turned out. Don’t forget to share the recipe with family and friends.