Southern Fried Cabbage

Transform humble cabbage into a savory, soul-warming dish with this Southern Fried Cabbage recipe. Pan-fried with crispy bacon and tender onions, each bite bursts with rich, smoky flavor. Butter adds a velvety touch, while a hint of brown sugar balances the earthy cabbage and aromatic garlic. The addition of Dijon mustard brings a tangy depth, elevating the flavors with a touch of sharpness and complexity. This quick and easy side is a hearty classic that pairs beautifully with almost any main course or shines as a stand-alone comfort food. A simple, satisfying dish that brings Southern charm—and a tangy twist—straight to your table!

Why You’ll Love it:

• Rich, Bold Flavor: The combination of smoky bacon, caramelized onions, garlic, and a hint of brown sugar creates a flavor-packed dish that balances savory and slightly sweet notes, with a touch of tangy sharpness from Dijon mustard.
• Simple and Quick: With just a handful of everyday ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe transforms cabbage into a satisfying dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
• Comfort Food Classic: This warm, hearty side is a nostalgic Southern staple that brings a cozy, home-cooked feel to any meal, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
• Versatile Pairing: Whether served alongside roasted meats, grilled fish, or as a stand-alone dish, this cabbage recipe complements a variety of meals, making it a versatile addition to your cooking repertoire.

Ingredient Notes:

• Thick Sliced Bacon: Provides rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture that forms the base of the dish.
• Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor as it caramelizes while cooking.
• Garlic: Infuses the dish with a savory, aromatic kick.
• Butter: Contributes a creamy, velvety finish to enhance the dish’s richness.
• Green Cabbage: The star of the dish; it becomes tender yet slightly crisp, absorbing the other flavors beautifully.
• Dijon Mustard: Brings a tangy, sharp element that balances and brightens the savory and sweet notes.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness that complements the smoky bacon and balances the tangy mustard.

Dietary Restriction & Allergy-Friendly Substitutions:

• Thick Sliced Bacon:
  • Pork-Free: Use turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative for similar smoky flavor.
  • Low-Sodium: Opt for low-sodium bacon to reduce salt content.
• Butter:
  • Dairy-Free: Swap with dairy-free butter or use olive oil, ghee (if not strictly vegan), or coconut oil.
  • Lactose-Free: Use a lactose-free butter option.
• Green Cabbage:
  • Generally allergy-friendly; can substitute with red cabbage or savoy cabbage for a slightly different texture and flavor.
• Dijon Mustard:
  • Mustard Allergy: Omit or use a small splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to maintain tanginess without mustard.
  • Gluten-Free: Ensure your Dijon mustard is certified gluten-free (some brands may contain gluten as a stabilizer).
• Brown Sugar:
  • Low-Sugar or Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute like stevia, monk fruit, or a sugar-free brown sugar replacement.
  • Paleo: Opt for coconut sugar as a paleo-friendly sweetener.

Tips & Recipe Notes:

• Bacon Fat for Flavor: Allow the bacon to render its fat fully in the pan before adding other ingredients. This step ensures maximum smoky flavor throughout the dish and provides a delicious cooking fat for the cabbage and onions.
• Brown Sugar Balancing Act: The addition of brown sugar not only balances the acidity of the Dijon mustard but also helps the cabbage to caramelize, enhancing 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, avoiding overcooking, which can make it soggy. Aim for a balance of tenderness and a hint of crispness.
• Deglaze for Extra Flavor: If you notice browned bits on the bottom of the pan, you can deglaze with a small splash of water or broth. This adds depth of flavor and ensures you don’t miss out on any tasty browned bits.
• Adjust Seasoning Last: The saltiness of the bacon can vary, so taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, or more mustard) once everything is cooked to prevent an overly salty dish.

More Side Dish Recipes You Will Love:

• Roasted Vegetable Orzo Pasta Salad with Creamy Garlic Herb Dressing
• Bacon & Gorgonzola Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Fig Jam Dressing
• Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Honey Cinnamon Balsamic Dressing
• Honey Garlic Creamed Corn
• Honey Cornbread & Sausage Dressing
• Candied Sweet Potatoes
• Roasted Broccoli, Butternut Squash & White Bean Salad
• Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts
• Cheesy Asiago, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
• Easy Cheese Stuffed Garlic-Butter Crescent Rolls

If you try this recipe, please leave a star rating and review in the recipe card below! Your feedback is incredibly valuable. Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more delicious recipes, travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content.

Southern Fried Cabbage

Southern Fried Cabbage is a savory, comforting dish featuring tender cabbage pan-fried with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, garlic, and a hint of brown sugar for balance. Finished with a touch of tangy Dijon mustard, this flavorful side is quick, easy, and packed with Southern charm.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Servings 6

Calories 166 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 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

Instructions

 

• Cook the Bacon: Add chopped bacon to a large deep frying pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until browned and crispy. Remove the bacon pieces and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Drain most of the grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
• Sauté the Onions: Add diced onions to the pan and stir to incorporate with the bacon grease. Cook for 4-6 minutes, until the onions are tender.
• Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.
• Cook the Cabbage: Add butter, sliced cabbage, and a light sprinkle of salt and pepper to the pan. Stir well to coat the cabbage in the butter and seasonings. Cook for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Incorporate Remaining Ingredients: Add the Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and cooked bacon back to the pan. Stir to combine, and continue cooking for 6-9 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and caramelized.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste and add more salt, pepper, mustard, or brown sugar as needed to adjust the seasoning to your preference. Serve warm.

Notes

• Gluten-Free: Ensure your Dijon mustard is certified gluten-free (some brands may contain gluten as a stabilizer).
• Dairy-Free: Swap with dairy-free butter or use olive oil, ghee (if not strictly vegan), or coconut oil.
• Brown Sugar Balancing Act: The addition of brown sugar not only balances the acidity of the Dijon mustard but also helps the cabbage to caramelize, enhancing its natural sweetness and creating beautifully browned edges.
• Adjust Seasoning Last: The saltiness of the bacon can vary, so taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, or more mustard) once everything is cooked to prevent an overly salty dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 166kcalCarbohydrates: 13.2gProtein: 7.3gFat: 9.2gSaturated Fat: 4.4gFiber: 3.9gSugar: 6.5g

Keyword southern fried cabbage

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!