Southern Fried Cabbage Recipe – From the Queen of Soul Food Cooking

Last Updated on February 11, 2026 by Barbara

This southern fried cabbage recipe is a delicious and easy side dish that is perfect for any meal. Made with cabbage, bacon, sausage, bell pepper, onions, and spices, this dish tastes great and will leave you satisfied. The cabbage is cooked until tender and slightly caramelized, and the bacon and sausage adds a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the cabbage. The vegetables add a sweetness and depth of flavor, and the spices give the dish a touch of heat. Southern fried cabbage pairs perfectly with fried shrimp, chicken, fish or pork. To complete your meal, check out these recipes by clicking on the links!

Watch Me Make Southern Fried Cabbage (Video Tutorial)

Step 1: Ingredients for Southern Fried Cabbage

Cabbage, Onion, Garlic, Red Bell Pepper, Bacon, Smoked Sausage, Garlic Powder,  Onion Powder, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt and Black Pepper

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Using medium heat bring your pan to temperature then fry your bacon. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside until later.

Step 3: Cook the Sausage

To the same pan add the sausage and allow it to brown for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, remove it from the pan and set it aside until later.

Step 4: Saute the Vegetables

Add the onion and red pepper then sauté for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and continue to sauté for an additional minute.

Step 5: Combine all ingredients

Add half of the cabbage to the pan then cover and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes. Add the remaining cabbage then season with the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt and red pepper flakes then mix until well combined. Return the bacon and sausage to the pan and mix well. Reduce your heat to medium Low cover and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes then it is ready to serve.

Southern fried cabbage is a great way to use up leftover cabbage. It can also be made ahead of time and reheated. This dish is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. No matter how you make it, it is a delicious and easy side dish that is sure to compliment your dinner.

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Fried Cabbage Recipe

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Sides

Cuisine: American, Soul Food, Southern

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1/2 Head of cabbage
• 1 Cup Onion
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1/2. Red Bell Pepper
• 5 slices Bacon
• 6 oz Smoked Sausage
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp. Black Pepper

Method

 

1. Using median heat bring a pan to temperature then fry your bacon.
2. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside until later.
3. To the same pan add the sausage and allow it to brown for 5 minutes.
4. After 5 minutes remove it from the pan and set it aside until later.
5. Add the onion and red pepper then sauté for 2 minutes.
6. Add the garlic and continue to sauté for an additional minute.
7. Add half of the cabbage to the pan then cover and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Add the remaining cabbage then season with the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt and red pepper flakes then mix until well combined.
9. Return the bacon and sausage to the pan and mix well.
10. Reduce your heat to medium Low cover and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal

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