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Whip up a batch of Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon tonight! This quick and tasty recipe packs a sweet, savory, and slightly smoky punch with crispy bacon, onions, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. It's a cozy Southern twist on a classic Irish side dish, perfect for busy weeknights. Not sure about cabbage? This dish might just make you a fan!
Let's talk about a dish that's sure to become a family favorite: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon. This tasty fried cabbage recipe is not just simple to make but packs a delicious flavor that perfectly compliments any meal, especially during those busy weeknights.
Now, this isn't just any side dish. It's a mouth-watering blend of tender cabbage and crispy bacon, all jazzed up with onions, fresh garlic, stone ground mustard, a touch of red pepper flakes, and a hint of brown sugar. It's sweet, savory, and a little smoky - basically, everything you could want on your plate.
So, what exactly is fried cabbage? Fried cabbage does have its roots over in Ireland. They traditionally cook it up by sautéing some cabbage with onions, and often they'll toss in some bacon, which just makes everything better. It's a popular side dish there, especially with something like colcannon-that's a hearty mix of mashed potatoes and cabbage-or served up next to corned beef. Now, when it made its way over to the Southern U.S., local cooks put their own spin on it. They started adding things like red pepper flakes and stone ground mustard to jazz it up. So while it started in Ireland, it's gotten a bit of a makeover here in the South, and it fits right into our lineup of comfort food classics.
And hey, if you're not a cabbage fan, stick around. This dish might just win you over.
Let's dive into what makes this southern-style cabbage the perfect side dish.
- First up, you'll need a large cast-iron skillet or a large pot-these are key for getting that great flavor. Start by heating some chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Not only does this step promise some seriously tasty bacon pieces, but you'll also get all that wonderful bacon fat left in the pan, which we'll use to cook the veggies.
- Once your bacon is done, set those crispy chunks aside and toss in a chopped yellow onion into the bacon drippings. Sauté those onion pieces until they're nice and golden. For an added layer of flavor, stir in some fresh garlic, stirring it to let the flavors meld together on medium heat.
- Once your garlic is nice and aromatic, stir in the stone ground mustard, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes.
- Next, add chunks of green cabbage to the skillet. Now, if you're like me and love a little bit of heat and extra smokiness, this is the perfect time to sprinkle in some Cajun seasoning. This simple ingredient adds a smoky flavor and a little bit of heat, transforming the dish into a flavorful side dish that's full of character.
- For even more richness and to keep the cabbage nicely moist, pour in some chicken broth. This not only helps to steam the cabbage to buttery perfection but also picks up all the tasty bits from the bottom of the skillet. Cook this cabbage mixture over medium-high heat until it's tender-just the way a good southern cabbage recipe should be.
- Now, for a real Southern treat, mix that crispy bacon you set aside earlier back into the skillet. If you're feeling extra indulgent, why not add some slices of smoked sausage into the mix? It's all about building layers of great flavor here!
- Season the whole thing with kosher salt and black pepper to taste, and if you're like me, a bit more Cajun seasoning for that perfect southern kick.
- Stir everything well to combine all those beautiful flavors and let it cook for a few more minutes until everything is heated through and mingling nicely.
Ingredients for Fried Cabbage
- Cabbage: Green's my go-to color here.
- Bacon: Because bacon makes everything better.
- Seasonings: I'm keeping it fairly simple with onion, fresh garlic, stone ground mustard, some red pepper flakes, and cajun seasoning for a kick.
- Additional: I like to add a bit of brown sugar - not too much, just enough to add a depth and more caramelization to the dish. I also add a small amount of chicken broth to soften the cabbage while cooking.
Equipment I Used to Make Fried Cabbage
- Large Cast Iron Skillet: I love the size and weight of this skillet. This 17-inch skillet allows you to get great caramelization and not overcrowd items.
- Wooden Spoon
- Slotted Spoon
- Paper Towels
- Bacon Grease Saver: I have one of these in my fridge and I love it! I keep it topped off with bacon grease every time I make bacon.
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Chef Secrets, Tips and Tricks that make Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon such a standout dish:
- Using a Cast-Iron Skillet: Cooking in a cast-iron skillet is not just about tradition; it's about results. The skillet distributes heat evenly and gives your cabbage and bacon that perfect sear, enhancing the flavors through caramelization.
- Rendering Bacon Properly: Start by cooking the bacon slowly over medium heat. This allows the fat to render out without burning, leaving you with crispy bacon and plenty of flavorful fat to cook your vegetables in.
- Sautéing Onions in Bacon Fat: After removing the bacon, using the remaining bacon fat to cook the onions not only utilizes the rich flavors but also infuses the dish with a smoky undertone from the bacon, which complements the sweetness of the onions.
- Layering Flavors: Adding fresh garlic after the onions have softened helps prevent burning and ensures that the garlic's flavor melds seamlessly into the dish. Incorporating ingredients like stone ground mustard and a pinch of brown sugar adds depth and a touch of sweetness that balances the savory and smoky notes.
- Deglazing with Chicken Broth: Pouring a little chicken broth into the hot skillet helps to lift any browned bits stuck to the bottom, which are packed with flavor. This technique not only cleans the pan but also creates a rich, flavorful broth that the cabbage cooks in, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Adjusting Heat with Cajun Seasoning: Adding Cajun seasoning introduces a bit of heat and additional spice, elevating the smokiness and complexity of the dish. It's a simple addition that makes a significant impact on the flavor profile.
- Cooking the Cabbage to Perfection: The key to perfect fried cabbage is to cook it until it is tender but still offers a slight bite. This preserves some of the natural texture and ensures it doesn't become too mushy.
- Reincorporating the Bacon: Adding the crispy bacon back into the skillet at the end keeps it from becoming soggy and ensures its flavor is prominent in every bite.
- Experimenting with Additional Proteins: For a heartier dish, incorporating slices of smoked sausage can turn this side into a main course, adding another layer of flavor and texture to the meal.
- Proper Storage: Storing leftovers properly is crucial. Keep the cabbage in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its freshness and flavor, making sure it's as good the second time around.
What to pair it with:
This dish is perfect as a side dish, or slice and sauté a package of smoked sausage and stir it into the cabbage and serve it as a meal with a batch of Sweet Cornbread! It's also great along side any of these great Southern classics:
- Homestyle Meatloaf
- Grandma's Southern Fried Chicken
- Smothered Steak
- Cajun Fried Catfish
- Chicken Fried Steak
- Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters
Storing it:
Cooked a big batch? No worries. Just pop it in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm it up in the microwave or give it a quick sauté when you're ready for another round.
This easy southern fried cabbage recipe isn't just an easy side dish; it's a testament to how simple ingredients like a whole head of cabbage and some salty bacon can be transformed into a dish with such rich, satisfying flavors. So next time you're looking for a simple side that's big on taste, give this southern-fried cabbage a try. It's sure to earn its place as a staple at your dinner table, bringing a smile to everyone who tries it.
More Southern Side Dish Recipes
- Southern Style Collard Greens
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Streusel Topping
- Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
- Sweet Potato and Apple Bake
- Cream Corn
- Homestyle Mashed Potatoes
Please let me know how this Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon turns out for you in the comments! I love hearing from you!
Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 1 Head Green Cabbage roughly chopped
- 1 sweet onion roughly chopped
- 2 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons stone ground mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoons Better than Bouillon Chicken Flavor
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning to taste
- Kosher Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large cast-iron skillet or a large pot, heat chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Once your bacon is done, set aside and toss in a chopped yellow onion into the bacon drippings and sauté until golden.
- Stir in fresh garlic, stirring it to let the flavors meld together on medium heat.
- Once your garlic is nice and aromatic, stir in the stone ground mustard, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes.
- Next, add chunks of green cabbage to the skillet and season to taste with Cajun seasoning.
- Stir in water and chicken bouillon and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Continue cooking over medium-high heat until it's tender.
- Once cabbage is tender and the moisture has reduced, stir in the crispy back pieces.
- Season the whole thing with Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is automatically calculated based on ingredient data and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient options are provided, the first listed is used for calculation. Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included in the nutrition analysis.
Jenny says
No directions in the recipe.
Jennifer says
I'm so sorry about that ! ♀️ The recipe has been updated now.