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Southern Fried Cabbage

  • Author: Ava Garrison
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southern

Description

Craving a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s quick to make and incredibly satisfying? This Southern Fried Cabbage is the perfect easy dinner, healthy side dish, or hearty comfort food. Loaded with crispy bacon, tender cabbage, and rich Southern spices, this easy recipe brings bold flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas, quick meals, or classic food ideas, this dish delivers every time with its smoky, savory goodness.


Ingredients

1 large head green cabbage

6 slices bacon

1 medium onion

3 cloves garlic

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

salt to taste

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 tablespoon butter


Instructions

1. Remove outer leaves from cabbage, core it, and chop into bite-sized pieces. Dice onion, mince garlic, and chop bacon.

2. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the fat.

3. Add onion to the skillet and cook until soft and slightly caramelized. Stir in garlic and cook briefly.

4. Add chopped cabbage and toss well to coat in bacon fat. Cook until slightly softened.

5. Season with paprika, black pepper, red pepper flakes, thyme, and a light amount of salt. Mix thoroughly.

6. Pour in chicken broth, cover, and let simmer for 10–15 minutes until cabbage is tender.

7. Uncover and cook off excess liquid if needed. Stir in vinegar and sugar, adjusting seasoning to taste.

8. Return bacon to the pan, add butter if desired, and mix well. Cook for 1–2 minutes.

9. Serve warm and enjoy.


Notes

Use fresh cabbage for best texture and flavor.

Do not overcook to avoid mushy cabbage.

Add vinegar at the end for a balanced, bright finish.

Calories: 200 kcal

Protein: 7 g

Fat: 14 g

Carbohydrates: 14 g

Fiber: 5 g

Sugar: 6 g

Sodium: 500 mg


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg

Keywords: southern fried cabbage, easy dinner, comfort food, cabbage recipe, quick meal, food ideas