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This recipe was originally published on April 13, 2018.

Southern fried cabbage with bacon is a Southern classic side dish that can be very addicting, but it’s okay because cabbage is so good for you.  It’s low in calories, too, so if you’re trying to loose weight, eat plenty of it. 

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What is fried cabbage?

Fried cabbage is a dish that is popular in the South.  Chopped up cabbage is fried in bacon grease and onion until it wilts and cooks down.  Vinegar and sugar are usually added along with a few other spices. 

There are slight variations.  Some recipes use a bit of chicken broth and let it cook down.  Other recipes like it more spicy so they add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or smoked hot Spanish paprika.  If you like a smoky flavor with your cabbage, but don’t like bacon, try using smoked sausage or smoked turkey. 

What do you serve with Southern fried cabbage?

Fried cabbage is a very versatile dish as you can serve it along side most meats.  If you need some suggestions, fried chicken and pork chops are tasty choices.  Many times I prefer to serve this for the main dish for my family and just increase the bacon.  Pair this with cornbread and butter to round out the meal.

What are the calories in Southern fried cabbage?

A 1/2 cup serving size has 63 calories.  Yes, you read that right.  This dish is really low in calories, so don’t feel guilty if you have more than one helping.  This recipe has 7.6g of carbs and is high in vitamin C.

Can you freeze Southern fried cabbage?

If you have a whole head of cabbage, and you know you’ll want to freeze some.  I will advise you to freeze the half the cabbage before cooking it.  Once this recipe is made, is it best to not freeze it, as the texture of the fried cabbage isn’t the same when it is thawed.

How long does Southern fried cabbage last?

Southern fried cabbage can last in the fridge for up to three days, but it does taste best if eaten with 24 hours.

How do you make Southern fried cabbage?

Gather all the ingredients.  Chop up the cabbage, onion, and mince the garlic, then measure out the spices.

Cook the bacon slices in a large cast iron skillet over medium low heat.  Drain on paper towels and allow to cool before cutting into smaller pieces.

Pour the extra bacon grease into a bowl, but put two tablespoons back into the skillet.

Sauté the onion over medium high heat until it’s soft, then cook the garlic until it’s fragrant.

Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped cabbage a little at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon until it’s well mixed.

Add the caraway and celery seed at this time so the spices can bloom.

Cover the skillet, and turn the heat to medium low.  Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

During the last 5 minutes, add vinegar, sugar, and salt.

Add in most of the crumbled bacon to the skillet and mix it in.

Garnish with some extra bacon and serve hot.

Pro Tips for Southern Fried Cabbage

• Want to use a different vinegar?  Try apple cider vinegar.
• Want it spicy?  Try adding crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or smoked hot Spanish paprika.
• Want the sodium reduced?  Use olive oil and omit the bacon.
• Need this to be vegan?  Omit the bacon grease and crumbled bacon.  Use olive oil, mushrooms, or potatoes.
• Need this to be keto-friendly?  Omit the onion, if you’re just starting out, or use green onions.
• Want other spices?  Try Worcestershire sauce.
• Like adding liquid?  Try 1/3 cup of chicken broth.
• Want more texture?  Cook it for less time.  Taste test as you go.
• Don’t use pre-shredded cabbage.  Chop up a head of green cabbage.

Our Go-To Kitchen Tools for Southern Fried Cabbage

• Emeril Lagasse Skillet: this heavy-bottomed skillet conducts heat evenly and doesn’t burn food easily.
• Bamboo Cutting Board: this spacious cutting board is a great size for chopping a head of cabbage.
• Bamboo Spoon: this sturdy bamboo spoon is perfect for stirring sauteed veggies as they cook.
• Measuring Spoons: we’ve loved these nice looking stainless steel measuring spoons for years.

Looking for more Southern side dishes?  We’ve got you covered.

• Black-Eyed Peas: a meaty side dish full of fiber and flavor.
• Southern Collard Greens: smoked ham hocks flavor this addictive and nutritious side dish.
• Stewed Okra and Tomatoes: this skillet dinner recipe is always a hit with family and friends.

The pleasure of a 5-star review for our Southern fried cabbage recipe would be greatly appreciated.

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

• Author: Brooke
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 cups 1x

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Description

Southern fried cabbage with bacon is a keto side dish that’s low carb and simple to make.  Bacon is added to make this deep South soul food extra yummy.  Reap the health benefits of eating low calorie cabbage with your meals.  Enjoy eating this country cooking comfort food with your family tonight.

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Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 6 slices thick sliced hickory-smoked bacon (57g)
• 11 cups chopped green cabbage, from one medium cabbage (1kg)
• 1 cup yellow onion, chopped (140g)
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon caraway seed
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Cook the bacon in a large cast iron skillet over medium to medium-low heat.  Use a fork to flip it over, then drain on paper towels.  Once cooled, cut into bite sized pieces and set aside.
2. Pour all the bacon fat into a small bowl.  Reserve two tablespoons of bacon grease, then put the bowl of bacon grease in the fridge to use for another recipe.
3. Heat up 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet over medium high heat.  Saute the onion for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, then add the garlic and cook until fragrant, roughly one minute.
4. Add a handful or two of chopped cabbage and mix it in well with the onion and garlic.
5. Sprinkle on the caraway and celery seed and cook the spices for 30 seconds to a minute, while constantly stirring over medium high heat.
6. Turn the heat to medium low, and add the chopped cabbage a little at a time.  Stir until the onion-garlic mixture is well incorporated with the cabbage.  Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the vinegar, sugar, and salt.  Stir well.
8. Reserve some of the bacon for garnish.  Once the cabbage is done, stir the most of the bacon into the cabbage.  Transfer the fried cabbage into a serving bowl and sprinkle the reserved bacon on top.  Serve immediately while it is still hot.

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Notes

• Make this recipe perfectly the first time.  Check out the step-by-step photos and pro tips before the recipe card.
• The pleasure of a 5-star review for this Southern fried cabbage recipe would be greatly appreciated.
• 👩🏻‍🍳 Want to see our latest recipes?  Subscribe to our email newsletter to get our latest recipes, fun food facts, food puns, and behind the scenes news about our blog.

• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Fried
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: stir fried cabbage recipes, fried cabbage with bacon

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