Okay, here we go! Let’s dive into this simple and nutritious recipe!
I still remember the first time I made Southern Fried Cabbage. My youngest was going through a “green food” aversion phase (sound familiar, fellow moms?), and I was desperate to get some veggies into him. I decided to try Southern Fried Cabbage, hoping the bacon and onions would make it more appealing. To my surprise, he devoured it! I realized that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the biggest nutrition wins!
This Southern Fried Cabbage quickly became a family favorite. It’s a great way to get everyone to eat their veggies, and it’s so easy to throw together on a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients! The cabbage itself is a powerhouse of vitamins and fiber, and the bacon adds a bit of protein and flavor.
What surprised me most was how versatile this Southern Fried Cabbage is. We’ve added different veggies, spices, and even different types of protein to keep it interesting. It’s a recipe that’s constantly evolving with our family’s tastes and needs.
If you’re a busy mom looking for a simple, nutritious, and delicious way to feed your family, this Southern Fried Cabbage recipe is for you. It’s a sanity-saving nutrition solution that I know you’ll love. Let’s get cooking!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you need for this Southern Fried Cabbage recipe. Don’t worry, it’s a simple list!

- 1 medium head of cabbage, cored and shredded
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Trust me, this Southern Fried Cabbage ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use water. I often add a splash of bone broth for extra nutrients in my Southern Fried Cabbage!
You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store. This Southern Fried Cabbage proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive. Feel free to use pre-shredded cabbage to save time. I also sometimes use turkey bacon for a leaner option. My family gets extra nutrition when I add a handful of shredded carrots or some chopped bell peppers. It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies! This easy cabbage recipe is a great way to get your daily vitamins and minerals.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Ready to make some delicious Southern Fried Cabbage? Let’s do it!
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet. This fried cabbage recipe starts with flavor!
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon grease and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Your Southern Fried Cabbage should smell nourishing by now.
- Add the cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and stir to coat it with the bacon grease and onion mixture. Don’t worry if your Southern Fried Cabbage looks like a lot of cabbage, it will cook down!
- Add the liquid: Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
- Cook the cabbage: Cover the skillet and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Southern Fried Cabbage usually takes about 20 minutes. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
- Add the bacon back: Stir in the cooked bacon during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy this easy cabbage recipe! I like to serve this southern fried cabbage with cornbread for a classic, simple meal.
Here’s where I used to struggle with my Southern Fried Cabbage – I would sometimes burn the garlic. Learn from my experience, keep the heat at medium and stir frequently! While your Southern Fried Cabbage is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! This Southern Fried Cabbage is a win for any busy mom looking for a simple solution. Cabbage and bacon are a match made in heaven!
How We Love to Eat This!
Let’s talk about how to serve this yummy dish. This Southern Fried Cabbage recipe is delicious on its own, but here are some ways we love to enjoy it!
The kids devour this nutritious Southern Fried Cabbage when I serve it with some grilled chicken or pork chops. They also love it with a side of mashed sweet potatoes. For a complete meal, you could add a side of cornbread or a simple salad. This southern cooking is a simple way to get some vegetables in your diet.
This Southern Fried Cabbage is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! It’s also great for potlucks or family gatherings. I like to serve it in a big bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.
For leftover ideas, you can chop up some cooked sausage and add it to the leftover Southern Fried Cabbage for a quick and easy lunch. You can also use it as a filling for omelets or frittatas.
We’ve tried a few seasonal variations of this Southern Fried Cabbage. In the fall, we add some chopped apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon. In the summer, we add some grilled corn and a squeeze of lime juice. Our friends always ask for the recipe when we bring this to gatherings. They love how flavorful and simple this easy cabbage recipe is.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Let’s tackle some common questions about this recipe. I’m here to help!
Is this Southern Fried Cabbage really nutritious enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! Cabbage is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Plus, the bacon adds some protein. It’s a great way to get those nutrients into your little ones.
What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Southern Fried Cabbage?
Try serving it with a side of something they already love, like mashed potatoes or fruit. You can also try adding a little bit of brown sugar or honey to sweeten it up. Sometimes, it just takes a few tries for them to get used to it.
Can I meal prep this Southern Fried Cabbage for busy weeks ahead?
Yes! You can make this ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Can I use different types of cabbage?
Definitely! While I usually use green cabbage for Southern Fried Cabbage, you can also use red cabbage or Savoy cabbage. Each type will have a slightly different flavor and texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of Southern Fried Cabbage?
Yes! You can easily make this vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
What other vegetables can I add to Southern Fried Cabbage?
The possibilities are endless! Some of my favorites include carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.
How can I make this Southern Fried Cabbage spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet while the cabbage is cooking. You can also add some chopped jalapeños for extra heat. This fried cabbage recipe can be adjusted to anyone’s preferences.
Final Thoughts:
This Southern Fried Cabbage is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to nourish your family with simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s a dish that brings comfort and flavor to our table, and I hope it does the same for yours!
This easy cabbage recipe is one that supports my family’s nutrition goals because it packs in vegetables with delicious flavor.
My Southern Fried Cabbage Nutrition Hacks:
- Add extra veggies like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrients.
- Use turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Swap chicken broth for bone broth for extra protein and collagen.
Here are a few family-tested healthy Southern Fried Cabbage variations:
- Spicy Southern Fried Cabbage: Add red pepper flakes and jalapeños.
- Sweet Southern Fried Cabbage: Add chopped apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Cheesy Southern Fried Cabbage: Add shredded cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
My husband prefers the spicy version, while my kids love the cheesy version. I encourage you to make it your own healthy way, experimenting with different flavors and ingredients until you find the perfect combination for your family. This recipe can easily be adjusted to make a great cabbage and bacon dinner. You can also try my Southern Squash Casserole for another family favorite.

I hope this Southern Fried Cabbage recipe brings your family as much joy and nourishment as it has brought mine. Remember, simple nutrition is the key to a happy and healthy family. Don’t be afraid to try new things and have fun in the kitchen! You’ve got this! For another simple and delicious recipe, check out these fried brie bites! If you are looking for more southern dishes, this recipe is bursting with flavor! For a sweet treat after trying this Southern Fried Cabbage, you’ll love these Southern Pecan Pie Bars. You can find more information about Southern Fried Cabbage here. You can even view the Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic Recipe.
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Southern Fried Cabbage
Southern Fried Cabbage is a quick and easy side dish that’s full of flavor. This simple recipe uses bacon and onions to create a delicious caramelized cabbage that’s perfect alongside any Southern meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 head green cabbage, cored and chopped
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from skillet and set aside, reserving bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until cabbage begins to soften, about 10 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and apple cider vinegar. Stir in sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until cabbage is tender.
- Stir in butter and cooked bacon. Serve hot.
Notes
For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking. Serve alongside fried chicken, pork chops, or cornbread.

