Southern-fried cabbage and bacon will become an instant favorite from the first bite. You have tender cabbage that is seasoned to perfection with garlic, onions, and of course salty bacon. Serve this dish up any day of the week or to your guests and watch it disappear instantly. This fried cabbage and bacon is magical, it just works in an incredible way!

If you have never had pan-fried cabbage, you are not living. I mean to tell you this side dish is simple to make but loaded with vibrant flavors. Pair with any main dish and watch it outshine the meal. I used a cast-iron skillet and it worked perfectly for that southern fried cabbage I grew up eating.

Cast Iron Southern Fried Cabbage And Bacon
This dish is hearty enough to make it a meal on its own if you prefer to go that route over a side dish. Pair with a homemade dinner roll, side salad, or even vegetable and call it a meal! However, if you choose to serve this fried cabbage you are sure to enjoy it.
More Cabbage Dishes To Try
Ingredients for Southern Fried Cabbage

- Cabbage
- Bacon
- Onion
- Garlic
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- Salt and Pepper
Step by Step Directions for Bacon and Cabbage Recipe

Step 1
Cut bacon into chunks and fry in a cast iron pan.

Step 2
Fry bacon pieces on medium-high heat until brown

Step 3
Remove bacon from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4
Saute Onion and garlic until tender in the bacon fat.

Step 5
Add cabbage and seasonings to the pan. Cook stirring occasionally.

Step 6
Saute stirring frequently until cabbage is tender.

Step 7
Add cooked bacon back into the pan and stir.

Chef Tips and Tricks
- Cut bacon into 1″ strips prior to cooking to cut down on cooking time.
- Chop Cabbage and remove the core.
- Use a Cast Iron Pan for the best results but you can use a nonstick pack.

Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe for fried cabbage and bacon is anything but bland. As you can see I use a handful of ingredients to really bring in-depth and dimension to the cabbage. As it wilts down and cooks, it really soaks up the flavors for one incredible dish.
Totally about 15-20 minutes. This fried cabbage comes together quickly. Once you cook your bacon and add in the cabbage along with seasonings, within no time you begin to see your cabbage break down and wilt. Then you know it is ready to dish it up to family and guests. I classify this as one quick dish to make when you don’t have a ton of time.
Fried cabbage and bacon are best when served fresh, but you can indeed refrigerate your leftovers. Allow your cabbage to cool slightly and then place it in a container that is airtight. I then wrap it with aluminum foil and place it in the fridge for up to 3 days. With each day the cabbage will become soggier, so I do recommend cooking it sooner than later.
If you don’t plan to use all of your fresh cabbage up, you can freeze what you don’t use. Just cut your cabbage into quarters and then separate the leaves. Place in a sealable freezer bag and freeze for up to 4 weeks. Then when you go to use it, thaw first and then dice and use. It will not have the crisp texture as fresh but works great for putting in soups and stews or making a fried cabbage dish.


Southern Fried Cabbage and Bacon
Southern fried cabbage and bacon will become an instant favorite from the first bite. You have tender cabbage that is seasoned to perfection with garlic, onions, and of course salty bacon.
Ingredients
- 1 head cabbage
- 1 pound thick cut bacon
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves chopped garlic
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Cut bacon into bite-size pieces and Fry in medium heat until brown and crispy.
- Remove bacon and leave grease from the bacon in a pan
- Place Onion and garlic in the pan and fry for 1-2 minutes
- Chop up your cabbage into bite-size pieces.
- Place cabbage in the pan along with spices.
- Stir and cook on medium heat for 5-7 minutes or until cabbage is tender.
- Stir bacon back into the pan and mix with the cabbage.
- Serve and Enjoy!
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 6Amount Per Serving: Calories: 415Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 1680mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 5gSugar: 7gProtein: 29g
So what are you waiting for? Give this simple and easy side dish recipe a try. If you enjoy cabbage you will love the fun twist of the fried cabbage. Grab a skillet and your ingredients and get to work on one outstanding dinner dish to serve up.
Sheryl
Wednesday 4th of January 2023
Can fresh spinach be added to this cabbage bacon recipe. I have some fresh spinach I want to use up.
Adventures of a Nurse
Wednesday 4th of January 2023
Sure
Kimberly
Sunday 1st of January 2023
HAPPY 2023! I just made this for our NY’s luncheon and it looks delish looking forward to tasting it! Thanks for sharing
What is Traditionally Eaten on New Year's Eve? - The Happy Home Life
Friday 9th of December 2022
[…] Cabbage […]
Ashley
Wednesday 26th of October 2022
What could I serve with this to make a meal, with the cabbage and bacon as a main course?
Lisa
Saturday 29th of October 2022
@Ashley,
Sorry about the blank reply, I accidentally hit reply before typing my reply lol and I'm not seeing any way to delete it (GRRRR), I've never replied on Pinterest so idk if that's even an option? Anyhow, I sometimes eat this dish as a meal (health conditions that eating smaller meals helps) but I've made rope sausages with it (cut up into bite size pieces and added) or I think a pork chop would be good(not added to this obviously lol). Someone above in the comments said to add buttered noodles and it's a polish dish 😋 I also think a good steak would be great.
Adventures of a Nurse
Wednesday 26th of October 2022
A lot of people do this with mashed potatoes
Barbara
Wednesday 5th of October 2022
OMG, cabbage bacon is such a wonderful dish. I have made it often, Thanks for sharing!!!
Adventures of a Nurse
Wednesday 5th of October 2022
I’m happy you liked it! It’s my husbands favorite