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This Southern fried cabbage recipe brings together bacon, andouille sausage, and bold Cajun seasoning for a dish that’s both smoky and hearty. Cooked in one pan, the cabbage wilts into tender, flavorful bites soaked in rich broth and pan drippings. Serve it up hot as a side or with main dishes like Southern Fried Catfish, you really can’t go wrong.
Key ingredients for fried cabbage
- Bacon – Renders fat and smoky flavor right from the start. It’s also your salty crunch at the end.
- Smoked andouille sausage – Brings that bold, spiced heat and a meaty bite to the dish.
- Butter – Adds richness if you want to boost the flavor even more.
- Yellow onion & green bell pepper – The classic aromatic combo for depth and sweetness.
- Garlic – Always. It adds depth and brings the flavors together.
- Cabbage – The star of the show. It wilts down and soaks up all the smoky, seasoned goodness. Use green cabbage for this soul food fried cabbage recipe. A small head will be enough. Peel away the outer green layers and throw them away.
- Cajun or Creole seasoning – Brings heat, salt, and that signature Southern flavor. Adjust to your taste.
- Chicken broth – Helps soften the cabbage and build out a bit of saucy steam without watering things down.
Southern Fried Cabbage
Ingredients
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
- ½ lb smoked andouille sausage , cut into ½ inch rounds
- 1 tbsp butter, optional
- 1 yellow onion , small, peeled and chopped
- 1 green bell pepper , chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small head of green cabbage , sliced, stem removed, peel & throw away the outer layer
- 1 tbsp cajun seasoning , or creole
- ½ cup chicken broth
Instructions
- In a large pan over medium heat, cook the bacon and sausage. Let it sit for a minute or two and then stir occasionally. It may start to burn the bottom of the pan a bit but that's ok, don't be alarmed.
- Remove the bacon and sausage and set aside. Remove some of the drippings if there’s a lot so there is only about 2 tablespoons left in the pot.
- To the same pan add the butter if using, once melted add in the onion and bell pepper and cook this for 5 minutes.
- Then add in the garlic, cabbage and cajun seasoning. Stir occasionally for about 10 minutes. Add in the chicken broth, stir and let simmer for 5 minutes. The cabbage should look slightly golden in color.
- Lastly, add in the cooked bacon and sausage, cook for about 3 more minutes while stirring.
- Serve, eat and enjoy.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
FAQs for this recipe
Absolutely. You can double the bacon or go meatless by using a plant-based sausage or chicken sausage for that same hearty feel.
Don’t overcook it, once it’s wilted and tender but still has some bite, you’re golden. The cabbage should look soft but not overdone.
You can, but the flavor will be slightly different and it won’t soften the same way. Green cabbage is best for that classic Southern texture.
What goes well with fried cabbage?
It’s great alongside cornbread, rice, or roasted potatoes. Or make it a full meal and serve it with smothered chicken.
So delicious yet so simple!