This old-fashioned Southern fried cabbage is cooked low and slow with crispy bacon, onions, and simple seasoning. It’s savory, slightly sweet, and full of that “grandma’s kitchen” flavor.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 medium head cabbage (chopped)
- 5–6 slices bacon
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional but recommended)
🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the bacon
In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the grease in the pan.
2. Sauté onion & garlic
Add sliced onion to the bacon grease and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add cabbage
Add chopped cabbage and stir well to coat with the bacon flavor.
4. Season & cook
Add salt, pepper, and paprika. Cover and cook on medium-low for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Finish it off
Crumble bacon back into the pan and add a splash of apple cider vinegar. Stir and cook for 2 more minutes.
🔥 Tips for the best flavor
- Don’t overcook—cabbage should be tender but not mushy
- Add a pinch of sugar if you want a slight sweet balance
- A dash of hot sauce gives it a Southern kick
🍽️ Serving ideas
This goes perfectly with:
- Fried chicken
- Pork chops
- Cornbread
- Smoked sausage
⭐ Why people love it
It’s cheap, easy, and packed with flavor—exactly the kind of nostalgic comfort food that reminds people of Sunday dinners.
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