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Easy Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

This Southern Fried Cabbage is a simple, comforting side dish made with tender cabbage slow-cooked in smoky bacon drippings with garlic, onion, and a warm kick of cayenne. Ready in just 30 minutes in a single skillet!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 210
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 head green cabbage chopped
  • 6 slices bacon diced
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Method
 

  1. Heat a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Cook the diced bacon until crisp and golden. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the smoky drippings in the pan.
  2. Add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté in the bacon drippings for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until highly fragrant.
  4. Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to coat the cabbage thoroughly in the seasoned bacon fat.
  5. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to wilt and soften.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and immediately cover the skillet with a lid. Turn the heat down slightly and cook for another 10 minutes until the cabbage is fully tender.
  7. Remove the lid, return the crispy bacon to the skillet, and toss everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm directly from the skillet!

Notes

  • The Flavor Base: Do not drain the bacon fat—it is the foundation of this dish's authentic Southern flavor.
 
  • Texture Tip: Cook the cabbage uncovered first to let excess moisture escape before adding the broth. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
 
  • Brightness: Add a tiny splash of apple cider vinegar right at the end to cut through the richness of the bacon and brighten up the dish.
 
  • Time-Saver Shortcut: You can replace the whole head of cabbage with 2 bags (about 6 cups) of pre-shredded coleslaw mix. Just reduce the cooking time slightly so it stays tender-crisp.