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Southern Fried Cabbage

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Onion is a true comfort-food classic. Cooked low and slow in a skillet, cabbage becomes tender and flavorful while soaking up all the smoky richness from the bacon and the sweetness of the onion.

This is the kind of recipe that’s been made for generations—simple ingredients, one pan, and big flavor. It works as a hearty side dish or as a meal on its own, especially when served with cornbread, potatoes, or alongside a main dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-skillet recipe
• Simple, affordable ingredients
• Smoky, savory flavor from bacon
• Tender, comforting cabbage
• Easy to customize
• Perfect Southern-style side dish

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 large head of green cabbage, chopped
• ½ teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet or cast iron pan
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the chopped bacon and cook until browned and crispy. Remove excess grease if needed, leaving enough in the skillet to cook the vegetables.

Step 2: Cook the Onion

Add the diced onion to the skillet with the bacon.

Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet.

Season with Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, black pepper, and any optional seasonings.

Stir well to coat the cabbage in the bacon grease.

Step 4: Fry the Cabbage

Reduce heat to medium-low.

Cover the skillet and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and lightly caramelized.

Remove the lid during the last few minutes of cooking if you prefer drier, more fried cabbage.

Step 5: Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve hot as a side dish or main.

Jennie’s Thoughts

This is one of those dishes that feels like home. Fried cabbage with bacon and onion is simple, humble food, but it’s incredibly satisfying. The cabbage cooks down and becomes tender while picking up all the smoky flavor from the bacon and the sweetness from the onion.

I love that this recipe doesn’t need much seasoning—bacon does most of the work. A little Lawry’s and black pepper are usually all it takes. It’s the kind of dish I make when I want something comforting, familiar, and filling without a lot of effort.

I often serve this alongside skillet dinners or Southern-style meals. If you enjoy cabbage recipes like this, you might also like my Baked Cabbage Steaks, my hearty Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet, or this comforting Stick of Butter Rice.

Variations

• Add sausage: Slice smoked sausage and brown with the bacon
• Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes
• Garlic-forward: Add minced garlic with the onion
• Vinegar: Finish with a splash of apple cider vinegar

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Onion is proof that simple ingredients can make incredibly comforting food. Fried in a skillet and full of flavor, it’s a dish that belongs on the table again and again.

Whether served as a side or enjoyed on its own, this is a classic recipe worth keeping.