Southern Cabbage

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a big pot of Southern cabbage simmering on the stove. It’s the kind of dish that brings the whole family to the kitchen, lured by the irresistible aroma of tender cabbage, smoky bacon, and a hint of spice. Whether served as a side or the star of the plate, this Southern staple delivers bold, hearty flavor with minimal effort.

Cabbage is often underrated, but when it’s cooked Southern-style, it transforms into something deeply savory and soul-warming. This recipe captures the essence of Southern cooking: simple ingredients layered with flavor, slowly cooked to perfection. Perfect for weeknights, Sunday dinners, or anytime you’re craving comfort food done right.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Cabbage

This Southern cabbage recipe is a celebration of comfort and simplicity. It’s budget-friendly, made with pantry staples, and feeds a crowd. The smoky richness from the bacon paired with tender cabbage leaves makes this dish incredibly satisfying. It’s easy to prepare and can be scaled up for larger gatherings or down for a cozy meal for two.

What Kind of Cabbage Works Best for This Recipe?

For this dish, green cabbage is your best choice. It holds up well during cooking and absorbs the smoky, savory flavors perfectly. You can also use Savoy cabbage if you prefer a more delicate texture, but green cabbage is traditional and brings the heartiness this recipe calls for.

Ingredients for the Southern Cabbage

Southern cabbage relies on a handful of flavorful ingredients that cook down into something rich and irresistible. Let’s break it down:

Cabbage
The main ingredient and star of the show. Choose a firm, medium-sized green cabbage and slice it into manageable chunks.

Bacon
Adds smoky, salty depth. Bacon is rendered first to provide a flavorful base and crispy bites throughout the dish.

Onion
A yellow or sweet onion enhances the overall savoriness and blends beautifully with the cabbage.

Garlic
Minced garlic adds sharpness and complexity that boosts the flavor.

Chicken Broth
Adds moisture and infuses every layer of cabbage with seasoned flavor.

Butter
Brings richness and helps caramelize the onions and cabbage.

Salt and Pepper
The essentials. Season to taste after cooking since bacon and broth already add salt.

Red Pepper Flakes
Optional but recommended for a subtle kick that complements the smoky bacon.

How To Make the Southern Cabbage

Step 1: Render the Bacon

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add butter to the bacon drippings, then toss in chopped onion. Cook until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

Add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Stir to coat the leaves in the buttery, oniony mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Simmer With Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but not mushy.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Return the bacon to the pot, season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Stir and cook uncovered for a few more minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve hot.

Serving and Storing This Southern Cabbage Recipe

This dish is hearty enough to be a main course but also makes a wonderful side. It serves 4 to 6 people generously. If you have leftovers, they store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers even better.

To reheat, just warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short bursts until hot. You can freeze leftovers too, but the cabbage may soften a bit more after thawing.

What to Serve With Southern Cabbage?

Cornbread

A classic pairing that sops up every bit of flavorful broth from the cabbage.

Fried Chicken

Crispy and juicy, it brings texture and richness that complements the soft cabbage.

Smothered Pork Chops

The savory gravy from pork chops goes hand-in-hand with the deep flavor of the cabbage.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy potatoes and buttery cabbage? Yes, please.

Black-Eyed Peas

Another Southern staple that adds protein and a satisfying bite.

Macaroni and Cheese

The creamy, cheesy pasta is pure indulgence next to a humble scoop of cabbage.

Baked Ham

Smoky ham pairs naturally with cabbage and makes this a holiday-worthy meal.

Want More Side Dish Ideas?

If you love this Southern cabbage, try these other comforting favorites:

• Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake when you want something cheesy and golden on top.
• Best Chicken and Rice Casserole for a full meal in one dish.
• One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for a smoky, savory one-pan wonder.
• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe if you’re craving rich pasta to go with your greens.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta to keep that comfort food train rolling.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest Southern favorites board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make it spicier? Use turkey bacon? Add sausage?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore more homestyle comfort food and nourishing plates on Mia Recipes on Pinterest. You’ll find dozens of delicious inspirations perfect for cozy nights in.

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