Name: Easy Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 6 slices thick-cut bacon (chopped); 2 cups diced yellow onion; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 2 tbsp butter; 1 head cabbage (sliced/stem removed); 2 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1/2 tsp brown sugar; salt & pepper (to taste)

Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

This Easy Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions is a classic Southern side dish that’s packed with flavor, texture, and comfort. Crispy bacon, tender caramelized cabbage, and sweet sautéed onions come together in a rich, buttery skillet dish that’s perfect for any meal. A touch of Dijon mustard and brown sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the cabbage while adding a hint of tangy depth. Whether you’re serving it alongside fried chicken, pork chops, or cornbread, this Southern-style cabbage recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a humble vegetable in the most flavorful way!

Last updated February 18th, 2025.

Contents (show)

Why You’ll Love this Southern Side Dish:

Rich, Bold Flavor: The combination of smoky bacon, caramelized onions, and garlic, with a touch of brown sugar, creates a flavor-packed dish that balances savory, sweet, and tangy notes. The Dijon mustard adds just the right amount of sharpness to elevate the dish.
Simple and Quick: With just a handful of everyday ingredients and minimal prep time, this easy fried cabbage recipe transforms a humble vegetable into a satisfying, skillet-cooked side that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Comfort Food Classic: This warm, hearty side dish is a Southern staple, bringing a cozy, home-cooked feel to any meal. Whether you grew up eating Southern fried cabbage or are trying it for the first time, it’s the perfect comfort food for family dinners and gatherings.
Versatile Pairing: Serve this Southern-style cabbage with roasted meats, grilled fish, cornbread, or even as a stand-alone dish. It’s a versatile addition to your recipe collection and pairs well with a variety of meals.

Ingredient Notes:

Thick Sliced Bacon:
- Provides a rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture that forms the base of this Southern-style cabbage dish. As it renders, the bacon grease infuses the cabbage with deep, savory goodness.
Yellow Onion:
- Adds sweetness and depth as it caramelizes while cooking, blending perfectly with the buttery, smoky flavors of the dish.
Garlic:
- Brings a savory, aromatic kick that enhances the overall depth of flavor in this fried cabbage recipe.
Butter:
- Adds a creamy, velvety finish, enriching the dish while helping to coat the cabbage in a smooth, flavorful glaze.
Green Cabbage:
- The star ingredient, green cabbage becomes tender yet slightly crisp, soaking up all the bacon drippings, butter, and seasonings for an irresistible bite.
Dijon Mustard:
- Adds a tangy, sharp element that balances the dish, cutting through the richness of the bacon and butter while brightening the overall flavor.
Brown Sugar:
- A touch of brown sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the caramelized onions and complements the smoky bacon while balancing the tangy mustard.

Dietary Restriction & Allergy-Friendly Substitutions:

Gluten-Free:
- This Southern fried cabbage recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check that your Dijon mustard and bacon are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain additives with gluten.
Dairy-Free:
- To make this dish dairy-free, simply swap butter for a dairy-free butter substitute or use extra bacon grease or olive oil for richness.
Low-Carb/Keto:
- This fried cabbage with bacon is already a low-carb, keto-friendly dish! To keep the carbs as low as possible, reduce or omit the brown sugar or replace it with a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol.
Vegetarian:
- For a vegetarian version, replace bacon with a vegetarian bacon alternative or omit it entirely. You can enhance the smoky flavor with a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
Vegan:
- To make this recipe vegan, use vegan bacon or mushrooms as a replacement for bacon, swap butter for a plant-based butter substitute, and ensure your Dijon mustard is vegan (some brands contain honey).
Low-Sodium:
- For a low-sodium version, use unsalted butter, low-sodium bacon, and reduce the added salt.

Additional Substitutions & Variations:

Make It Spicier: For a little heat, add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also toss in chopped jalapeños for extra spice.
Swap the Bacon: If you don’t have bacon, try using ham, smoked sausage, pancetta, or turkey bacon for a different but still savory and smoky flavor.
Different Cabbage Options: Instead of green cabbage, try using red cabbage for a more vibrant dish or Savoy cabbage for a more delicate texture. Both absorb the flavors beautifully.
Add Extra Vegetables: Bulk up this Southern cabbage recipe by adding bell peppers, shredded carrots, sliced mushrooms, or collard greens. These add color, texture, and even more nutrients.
Protein Boost: Turn this into a main dish by adding a protein such as shredded chicken, smoked sausage, or ground turkey and serve with rice or beans for a protein-packed meal.
Tangy Kick: If you like a bit more tang, add a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end of cooking for a bright, acidic contrast.

southern fried cabbage with onions and bacon

Expert Tips & Recipe Notes:

Bacon Fat for Flavor:
- Let the bacon fully render its fat before adding other ingredients. This step ensures maximum smoky flavor throughout the dish and provides a rich cooking fat for the cabbage and onions, enhancing their taste.
Brown Sugar Balancing Act:
- The addition of brown sugar not only balances the acidity of the Dijon mustard but also helps the cabbage caramelize, bringing out its natural sweetness and creating beautifully browned edges.
Don’t Overcook the Cabbage:
- For the perfect texture, cook the cabbage until just tender with a slight bite. Overcooking can make it soggy, so aim for a balance of tenderness and a bit of crispness.
Deglaze for Extra Flavor:
- If you notice browned bits on the bottom of the pan, deglaze with a small splash of water, broth, or even apple cider vinegar. This picks up the flavorful bits and prevents them from burning, adding extra depth to the dish.
Adjust Seasoning Last:
- The saltiness of the bacon can vary, so taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Add more salt, pepper, or mustard if needed to keep the flavors balanced without making the dish overly salty.

Southern Fried Cabbage FAQ’s:

Can I make Southern fried cabbage without bacon?
- Yes! If you want a meatless version, you can omit the bacon and use butter, olive oil, or a plant-based alternative instead to coat the pan and cabbage for frying. To keep the smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
What type of cabbage works best for fried cabbage?
- Green cabbage is the best choice because it holds up well during cooking while absorbing all the flavors. You can also use red cabbage for a colorful twist (such as in this Honey Balsamic Fried Red Cabbage with Goat Cheese & Walnuts) or Savoy cabbage for a more delicate texture.
How do I keep cabbage from getting soggy?
- Avoid overcooking! Cook the cabbage just until it’s tender with a slight bite, stirring occasionally. Cooking it too long will release excess moisture, making it mushy instead of caramelized.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes! Southern fried cabbage stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture. You can also add a splash of broth or butter to refresh the flavors.
Is fried cabbage keto-friendly?
- Yes! This fried cabbage recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly. Just be mindful of the brown sugar—you can substitute it with a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol.
Can I freeze fried cabbage?
- Fried cabbage can be frozen, but it may lose some texture. If you do freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop in a frying pan to avoid sogginess.
How can I add more spice to this dish?
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce while cooking. A little bit of Creole or Cajun seasoning also adds a nice kick!

10 Side Dish Recipes You Will Love:

Tried this Easy Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Onions? I’d love to hear how it turned out! ⭐ Please leave a star rating and review in the recipe card below—your feedback helps others find this delicious, comforting side dish. Enjoy, and happy cooking! Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more delicious recipes, travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content.