Southern Fried Cabbage with Sausage and Bacon is a quick and delicious dish that brings the best of Southern comfort food to your table. This recipe combines the smoky richness of bacon and Andouille sausage with tender cabbage, all seasoned to perfection.
Enjoy with some Old Fashioned Skillet Cornbread for a comforting dinner.
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Southern Fried Cabbage is a popular dish in Southern cuisine. Traditionally served as a side dish, it can also be enjoyed as a main course and is common in many Southern households.
If you like this Southern recipe, you may also love our Cajun Roasted Chicken with Smoked Andouille Sausage and Potatoes or our Easy Instant Pot Ham and Beans Recipe.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Savory: The combination of bacon and Andouille sausage adds a rich, smoky flavor that complements the tender cabbage.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is ready in just 40 minutes.
- Versatile: Works well as a side dish for various main courses or can be enjoyed on its own.
- Comfort Food: A classic Southern comfort food that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Southern Fried Cabbage Ingredients
- Cabbage: Provides a hearty, nutritious base for the dish. Choose a firm, fresh head of cabbage for the best texture.
- Andouille Sausage: Adds a spicy, smoky flavor. Slice it evenly for consistent cooking. Have leftover sausage? Add some to these Cowboy Potatoes for breakfast!
- Bacon: Adds crispiness and a rich, savory taste. Chop into small pieces for easy mixing.
- Bell Peppers: Use a mix of red and yellow for sweetness and color. Dice them finely.
- Onion: Provides sweetness and depth of flavor. Dice it finely to blend well with the other ingredients.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor. Mince it finely.
- Cajun Seasoning: Enhances the dish with a blend of spices. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
- Sugar: Balances the flavors and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adds a bit of heat. Adjust to your preference.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the dish.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Andouille Sausage: Can be substituted with Polish sausage or another smoked sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Cajun Seasoning: Replace with another seasoning blend that has a similar flavor profile.
- Diet: Use turkey bacon and chicken sausage for a lower-fat alternative.
How to Make Southern Fried Cabbage Sausage and Bacon
STEP ONE: Cook the Bacon and Sausage
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the grease in the skillet. Add the sliced Andouille sausage to the skillet and cook until browned. Remove sausage and set aside with the bacon.
STEP TWO: Drain Excess Grease
Carefully drain all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease from the skillet. Add more oil or grease if needed.
STEP THREE: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
STEP FOUR: Cook the Cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir to coat the cabbage in the remaining grease. Season with Cajun seasoning, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender, about 10-15 minutes.
STEP FIVE: Combine and Serve
Once the cabbage is tender, return the bacon and sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through. Add the unsalted butter and stir until melted and well incorporated. Serve hot as a side dish.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Cook the bacon until crispy. This adds a crispy texture to the tender cabbage.
❌ DO NOT Overcook the cabbage. It should be tender but still have a slight bite.
Storage
Store leftover southern fried cabbage in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This dish is not freezer-friendly. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking.
Recipe FAQs
To make Southern Fried Cabbage vegetarian, substitute the bacon and sausage with plant-based alternatives such as tempeh bacon or vegetarian sausage. Use olive oil or vegan butter instead of bacon grease for sautéing the vegetables.
To keep cabbage from getting mushy when frying, make sure to cook it over medium-high heat and stir frequently. Avoid covering the skillet for too long, as this can trap steam and cause the cabbage to overcook. Cook the cabbage just until tender but still slightly crisp, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
Yes, you can use any type of smoked sausage or even Polish sausage for a different flavor.
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📖 Recipe
Easy Southern Fried Cabbage with Sausage and Bacon
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp Knife
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- ½ large head of cabbage chopped
- 12 ounces Andouille sausage sliced
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper diced
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the grease in the skillet.
- Add the sliced Andouille sausage to the skillet and cook until browned. Remove sausage and set aside with the bacon.
- Carefully drain all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease from the skillet. Add more oil or grease if needed.
- Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir to coat the cabbage in the remaining grease.
- Season with Cajun seasoning, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Once the cabbage is tender, return the bacon and sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Add the unsalted butter and stir until melted and well incorporated. Serve hot as a side dish.
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Notes
- Andouille Sausage: Can be substituted with Polish sausage or another smoked sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Cajun Seasoning: Replace with another seasoning blend that has a similar flavor profile.
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