Easy Southern Fried Cabbage: A Delicious Comfort Food!

Sometimes, the simplest things are the most comforting. For me, nothing says “home” quite like a skillet full of Southern Fried Cabbage. It’s funny because I didn’t grow up eating it! I actually discovered it while searching for easy ways to get my kids to eat more veggies.

My little guy, bless his heart, is not a fan of green things. But I remembered my own grandma always found ways to make everything taste amazing. So I thought, let’s try frying some cabbage with bacon, and see if that does the trick. It was a dinnertime win!

It’s now a family favorite. Even my picky eater enjoys it. I love seeing their faces light up when they smell the cabbage and bacon frying. Fellow comfort seekers, I’m sharing my simple recipe so you can bring this bit of happiness to your own table.

Trust me, this Southern Fried Cabbage ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store.

Shopping tip: I usually buy pre-shredded cabbage to save time. It’s a sanity-saver! Also, feel free to use turkey bacon if you prefer. The taste is still amazing. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute with white vinegar.

My family gets extra comfort when I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. This Southern Fried Cabbage proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive. It’s a budget-friendly way to feed your family well. I keep bacon on hand so I can make it when needed!

1. First, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. The crispy bacon adds so much flavor to the fried cabbage recipe!
2. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. But don’t drain the bacon grease! We’re going to cook the veggies in it for max flavor. This is a comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook in the bacon grease until softened. It takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. The aroma should be amazing by now. Don’t let the garlic burn!
5. Now, add the shredded cabbage to the skillet. Stir well to coat the cabbage with the bacon grease, onion, and garlic. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Southern Fried Cabbage – I didn’t realize how much the initial stir matters! Learn from my experience!
6. Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle with sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together. This combination of flavors really makes this fried cabbage recipe special.
7. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the Southern Fried Cabbage simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. Stir occasionally. Don’t worry if your Southern Fried Cabbage looks slightly wilted – that’s exactly what we want!
8. Uncover the skillet and increase the heat to medium. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is slightly browned and the liquid has evaporated. This step helps to caramelize the cabbage and add even more flavor.
9. Finally, crumble the cooked bacon over the Southern Fried Cabbage. Stir to combine. While your Southern Fried Cabbage is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family!
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

My family enjoys this comforting Southern Fried Cabbage in so many ways. The kids devour this comforting Southern Fried Cabbage when I serve it with mashed potatoes and fried chicken. It’s the perfect Southern comfort food meal!

It’s also great as a side dish with grilled pork chops or even just a simple burger. I love making a big batch of this easy cabbage skillet on Sundays. Then, we can enjoy it throughout the week.

This Southern Fried Cabbage is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! Sometimes, I add sausage to make it a complete one-pan meal. It’s also fantastic as a collard greens substitute if you’re in a pinch! This comforting Southern Fried Cabbage reminds me of another family favorite, Southern Squash Casserole!

Presentation tip: A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it look extra appealing. For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out Fried Brie Bites. We even love to eat the leftovers! It’s great the next day.

• Is this Southern Fried Cabbage really filling enough for growing kids?

Absolutely! Cabbage is packed with nutrients and fiber. The bacon adds protein and healthy fats. It’s a surprisingly satisfying meal, especially when paired with a hearty side. My kids always feel full and happy after eating it.

• What if my picky eater won’t try this Southern Fried Cabbage?

Don’t give up! Offer a small portion alongside something they already love. Let them see you enjoying it. Sometimes, just the visual is enough to pique their interest. You could also try adding a little cheese on top to make it more appealing. Persistence and patience are key!

• Can I meal prep this Southern Fried Cabbage for busy weeks ahead?

Yes! This Southern Fried Cabbage is perfect for meal prepping. Cook a big batch on the weekend and store it in the fridge. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop. It tastes great for up to 3-4 days.

• Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Just omit the bacon or substitute with a plant-based alternative. You can also add other veggies like carrots or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients. Southern Fried Cabbage is easily adaptable.

• What’s the best way to shred the cabbage?

You can use a sharp knife to thinly slice the cabbage. Or, use a mandoline for even faster results. I often buy pre-shredded cabbage to save time. It’s one of my sanity-saving comfort hacks!

• Can I use different types of cabbage?

Green cabbage is the most traditional choice for Southern Fried Cabbage, but you can experiment with other varieties like red cabbage or Savoy cabbage. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of cabbage you use.

• Can I freeze this Southern Fried Cabbage?

While you can freeze it, the texture of the cabbage might change slightly after thawing. It might become a bit softer. However, it’s still perfectly safe to eat and will still taste delicious.

This Southern Fried Cabbage is more than just a recipe. It’s a way to bring comfort and connection to your family’s table. It supports my family’s comfort food goals because it’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. It reminds me of childhood memories, even though I didn’t grow up eating it! My daughter’s favorite food to eat with it is sausage! Sunday lunch/dinner: fried cabbage, collard greens, sausage … – check it out! Southern Fried Cabbage, collard greens, and sausage

• Pre-shredded cabbage: Saves time and effort!
• Bacon grease is gold: Don’t drain it all! It adds tons of flavor.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds a touch of tanginess that balances the richness of the bacon.

Some family-tested variations include adding smoked sausage, using turkey bacon, or sprinkling a bit of Parmesan cheese on top before serving. My son loves the sausage version, while my daughter prefers it with just bacon.

I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own version of Southern Fried Cabbage and share it with your loved ones. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for your family’s taste buds. This recipe for Southern Fried Cabbage And Sausage is another one of my favorites! I wish you many dinnertime wins! You can try this comforting Southern Fried Cabbage, which reminds me of the flavors of Southern Pecan Pie Bars, at Southern Pecan Pie Bars!

Fellow moms, give this satisfying Southern Fried Cabbage a try. You’ll be surprised how much your family enjoys it. And don’t forget to share your creations with me! Join us over at Other foods to eat with cabbage skillet!