Southern Bacon Fried Cabbage (Only 3 Ingredients!)
Simple, comforting, and packed with rich Southern flavor, this 3-Ingredient Southern Fried Cabbage is proof that the best recipes don’t need a long list of ingredients. Crisp, smoky bacon and tender cabbage come together in one skillet to create a savory side dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, Sunday suppers, or holiday gatherings. Every bite is infused with delicious bacon flavor, making this humble cabbage recipe an instant family favorite.
Ingredients
– 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
– 1 medium green cabbage (about 2–2½ pounds), cored and roughly chopped
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
Instructions
1. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy and the fat has fully rendered, about 8–10 minutes.
2. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
3. Add the chopped cabbage to the hot bacon grease. It may seem like too much at first, but it will quickly wilt as it cooks.
4. Sprinkle with the kosher salt and toss well to coat the cabbage in the flavorful bacon drippings.
5. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the cabbage is tender with lightly caramelized edges.
6. Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and stir everything together. Taste and add more salt if needed.
7. Serve immediately while hot.
Serving Suggestions
This Southern fried cabbage pairs beautifully with:
– Meatloaf
– Roast chicken
– Baked pork chops
– Pan-fried sausage
– Cornbread or warm dinner rolls
– Mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles
It also makes a delicious addition to breakfast alongside scrambled eggs and buttered toast.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
