Name: Flavorful Southern Fried Cabbage & Crispy Beef Bacon Onions
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: Beef Bacon; Green Cabbage; Onions; Garlic; Smoked Paprika; Garlic Powder; Onion Powder; Freshly Ground Black Pepper; Salt; Red Pepper Flakes (optional); Vegetable Broth or Apple Cider Vinegar

Southern Fried Cabbage With Crispy Beef Bacon Onions

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about a dish that is about to become your new obsession: Southern Fried Cabbage With Crispy Beef Bacon Onions. I know what you might be thinking – cabbage? But trust me, this isn’t just any cabbage. This is the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite, a true testament to the magic of simple ingredients done right.

What makes this recipe so incredibly special, you ask? It’s the harmonious blend of textures and deeply satisfying flavors that come together in one skillet. We take humble green cabbage and transform it into something truly extraordinary, frying it down until it’s wonderfully tender and infused with savory goodness. But the real game-changer here is the star duo: perfectly crispy, smoky beef bacon and sweet, caramelized onions. These aren’t just additions; they’re integral to the soul of the dish, providing that delightful crunch and burst of umami that elevates the entire experience.

You are going to absolutely love this recipe because it’s the ultimate comfort food, whether you’re serving it as a hearty side dish or enjoying it as a light, flavorful meal all on its own. It’s warm, inviting, and packed with so much flavor that even the most skeptical eaters will be asking for seconds. Get ready to fall head over heels for the tender, savory cabbage mingling with those irresistible bursts of crispy beef bacon and the sweet notes of onions – it’s a culinary hug in a bowl!

Ingredient Notes

When it comes to my Southern Fried Cabbage With Crispy Beef Bacon Onions, every ingredient plays a crucial role in building that authentic, comforting flavor we all love. Getting these right will make all the difference, trust me!

Beef Bacon: This is truly the star that sets the stage for our dish. I always recommend using a good quality, thick-cut beef bacon. Why? Because as it renders down, it provides that incredible, smoky, savory fat that we’ll use to cook our cabbage and onions. This rendered fat is the soul of the dish, infusing everything with deep flavor. After crisping, the crumbled bacon adds texture and an irresistible savory bite. If you absolutely can’t find beef bacon, you could use smoked beef brisket bits or even a smoked beef sausage, but slice it thinly and crisp it up first. Just remember, the rendered fat from the beef bacon is truly irreplaceable for that authentic taste.

Green Cabbage: You’ll want a fresh, firm head of green cabbage for this recipe. It’s important to remove the tough outer leaves and the core before chopping it into bite-sized pieces or shreds. I prefer a roughly chopped texture, not too fine, so it can hold up to frying. There really isn’t a substitute for green cabbage in this dish; it’s fundamental to its identity.
Onions: I lean towards sweet onions, like Vidalia, or regular yellow onions for their ability to caramelize beautifully and add a gentle sweetness that balances the savory bacon and cabbage. They soften and absorb all those lovely flavors from the pan.

Garlic: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for me. Minced garlic adds a pungent warmth and depth that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Avoid pre-minced garlic if you can; the fresh stuff truly makes a difference.
Seasonings: We keep it simple but impactful. I use a combination of smoked paprika to enhance the smoky notes, garlic powder, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Salt is important, but remember that beef bacon is already salty, so I always taste and adjust towards the end. A pinch of red pepper flakes is optional if you like a little heat, which I often do!
Vegetable Broth or Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of liquid is great for deglazing the pan and adding a touch of moisture and flavor without overdoing it. I usually opt for a good quality vegetable broth to add an extra layer of savory depth. Alternatively, a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar can provide a lovely tang that brightens the whole dish, cutting through the richness. Both are excellent non-alcoholic choices.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking Southern Fried Cabbage With Crispy Beef Bacon Onions is less about complicated techniques and more about patient, flavorful layering. Here’s how I bring this comforting dish to life:

Prep Your Ingredients: First things first, get everything ready. Slice your beef bacon into about ½-inch pieces. Core and chop your green cabbage into bite-sized pieces – I aim for rough squares or wide shreds. Slice your onions thinly, and mince your fresh garlic. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Crisp the Beef Bacon: Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (my trusty cast iron is perfect here!) over medium heat. Add your sliced beef bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully crispy and has rendered most of its fat. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Don’t discard that precious rendered beef bacon fat in the skillet – that’s our flavor gold!

Sauté the Onions: Leave about 2-3 tablespoons of the rendered beef bacon fat in the skillet (drain any excess if you have a lot). Add your sliced onions to the hot fat. Sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until they’ve softened and started to turn translucent and slightly golden. This caramelization adds a wonderful sweetness.
Add the Garlic: Now, add your minced garlic to the skillet with the onions. Cook for just about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
Cook the Cabbage: Add your chopped cabbage to the skillet. It might seem like a lot, but don’t worry, it will cook down significantly. Sprinkle generously with your seasonings: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Toss everything together, making sure the cabbage is well coated in the beef bacon fat and seasonings.

Wilt and Fry the Cabbage: Continue to cook the cabbage over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. I like to let it sit for a minute or two between stirs to get some nice browning on the edges. If your skillet is very full, you can cover it for 3-5 minutes to help the cabbage wilt down faster. Cook until the cabbage reaches your desired tenderness – some like it tender-crisp, others prefer it softer and more well-fried. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on the heat and how soft you like it.
Deglaze and Finish: Once the cabbage is nearly done, pour in a splash (about ¼ cup) of vegetable broth or a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan – those are concentrated pockets of flavor! Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the liquid has mostly evaporated.
Combine and Serve: Finally, stir in the reserved crispy beef bacon crumbles. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt if necessary (remember the bacon adds salt!). Serve immediately and enjoy the incredible flavors of this Southern classic!

Tips & Suggestions

To truly elevate your Southern Fried Cabbage With Crispy Beef Bacon Onions and make it sing, I’ve gathered a few of my favorite tips and suggestions:

Don’t Overcrowd Your Pan: This is a golden rule for fried cabbage. If you pack too much cabbage into the skillet at once, it will steam instead of fry, resulting in a less flavorful and sometimes watery dish. If you’re making a large batch, it’s always better to cook the cabbage in two smaller batches after the onions and garlic are sautéed. You can combine everything at the end.
Embrace the Beef Bacon Fat: Seriously, this is where a huge portion of the flavor comes from! Don’t be shy about using that rendered beef bacon fat. It’s the essential oil that gives the cabbage its rich, smoky, and deeply savory character. If you find you don’t have enough, you can supplement with a neutral oil like vegetable oil, but try to use as much of that beef bacon goodness as possible.

Achieve Your Desired Cabbage Texture: The beauty of this dish is that you can customize the texture to your liking. Some folks prefer their fried cabbage with a bit of bite, keeping it tender-crisp. Others love it cooked down until it’s meltingly soft and caramelized. Adjust your cooking time accordingly – just keep tasting until it’s perfect for you.
Season as You Go (and Taste!): Beef bacon can be quite salty, so be mindful when adding your initial salt to the cabbage. My recommendation is to add your other seasonings first, then taste the cabbage towards the end of cooking before adding more salt. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Spice it Up (or Down): If you love a bit of a kick, don’t hesitate to add extra red pepper flakes with your other seasonings, or drizzle a little hot sauce (like your favorite pepper sauce) over the finished dish right before serving. If you prefer mild, simply omit the red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions: This Southern Fried Cabbage makes an incredible side dish! It pairs perfectly with classics like fried chicken, baked ham, smoked brisket, or even just some simple cornbread and black-eyed peas. It’s also hearty enough to be a light meal on its own, perhaps with a slice of toasted artisanal bread.

Storage

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this delicious Southern Fried Cabbage With Crispy Beef Bacon Onions, here’s how I recommend storing them to keep them as fresh and tasty as possible:

Cool Completely: First, ensure the fried cabbage has cooled down to room temperature before you pack it away. Storing warm food can create condensation, which might make the dish watery and shorten its shelf life.

Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled cabbage and bacon mixture into an airtight container. This helps prevent odors from permeating other foods in your refrigerator and keeps the cabbage fresh.
Refrigeration: Stored properly in the refrigerator, your Southern Fried Cabbage With Crispy Beef Bacon Onions will typically stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. While the flavors meld wonderfully overnight, the crispy texture of the beef bacon may soften somewhat upon storage.
Reheating: To reheat, I prefer to use a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a tiny splash of vegetable broth or water to prevent it from drying out, and stir gently until heated through. This method helps to revive some of the texture. You can also reheat it in the microwave, though the texture might be slightly softer.

Freezing: I generally don’t recommend freezing cooked fried cabbage. While technically possible, cooked cabbage can become quite mushy once thawed, and the beautiful crispiness of the beef bacon will be completely lost. This dish is truly best enjoyed fresh or within a few days from the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’re excited to try your hand at making Southern Fried Cabbage With Crispy Beef Bacon Onions! This isn’t just another side dish; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something incredibly special and satisfying. The magic happens when the tender, flavorful cabbage perfectly mingles with the salty crunch of the crispy beef bacon and the delightful sweetness of the caramelized onions.

Each bite offers a wonderful combination of textures and deep, savory flavors that truly capture the essence of comforting Southern cooking. It’s hearty, it’s wholesome, and it’s utterly delicious. I promise, once you experience the unique charm of Southern Fried Cabbage With Crispy Beef Bacon Onions, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. It’s a must-try for anyone looking for a dish that’s both easy to prepare and profoundly rewarding!

February 28, 2026 by Melissa

Flavorful Southern Fried Cabbage & Crispy Beef Bacon Onions

Southern Fried Cabbage With Crispy Beef Bacon Onions

Ingredient Notes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Tips & Suggestions

Storage

Final Thoughts

Flavorful Southern Fried Cabbage & Crispy Beef Bacon Onions

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutrition