Southern Fried Cabbage is the epitome of comfort food, bringing together the smoky flavors of bacon, the savory goodness of sausage, and the tender sweetness of cabbage. This dish is perfect as a side or even as a main course, thanks to its hearty ingredients and bold flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
Vegetables & Meats:
- 1 whole cabbage, chopped
- 5 strips of bacon, chopped
- Sausage (your choice), sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 shallot, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
Seasonings & Spices:
- Salt (only if needed)
- Black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Chicken bouillon powder, to taste
- Red crushed chili flakes, to taste
Liquids:
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon distilled vinegar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by washing and chopping the cabbage, onion, shallot, and bell peppers. Slice the sausage and chop the bacon into small pieces.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. This will render out the fat, which will be used to cook the vegetables and sausage. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Brown the Sausage: Add the sliced sausage to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook the sausage until it’s browned on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside with the bacon.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, diced shallot, and bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables in the remaining bacon grease until they start to soften, about 5 minutes. This step builds a rich flavor base for the cabbage.
- Add the Cabbage: Once the vegetables are softened, add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir the cabbage to mix it with the sautéed vegetables, and allow it to cook down for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should start to soften and become slightly translucent.
- Season the Dish: Sprinkle the cabbage and vegetables with black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, chicken bouillon powder, and red crushed chili flakes. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Stir everything together to ensure the cabbage is evenly coated with the spices.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and distilled vinegar. Stir well to combine, and let the cabbage continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Combine Everything: Finally, return the cooked bacon and sausage to the skillet with the cabbage. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 3-5 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Once everything is well combined and heated, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Southern Fried Cabbage hot, either as a side dish or as a main course. This dish pairs wonderfully with cornbread or rice.
Conclusion:
This Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Sausage is a true comfort food classic. With its rich, smoky flavors and tender, well-seasoned cabbage, it’s a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it as a hearty main course, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the comforting taste of the South with this delicious dish!