Fried cabbage with bacon is a classic southern soul food dish that is full of flavor and perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas or almost any holiday gathering. With a few ingredients and simple steps this is an ideal recipe to cook to for a company potluck, weeknight dinner or just because. This is an easy vegetable recipe that is low-carb, keto and paleo friendly.
What is purple cabbage good for?
First off, cabbage is so very good to eat, both raw and cooked! According to the Farmer’s Almanac, cabbage has numerous health benefits including reducing inflammation, aiding in weight loss, improving digestion and so much more! I’ve always loved fried cabbage — when its done right! A standard soul food classic, I’ve always looked forward to this dish at family gatherings and holidays. But all fried cabbage is not created equal! I’ve had it when it has been too watery, cooked to death and not salted accurately, so I had to take matters into my own hands. Although fried cabbage is commonly made with green cabbage, I’ve taken a liking to making it with organic purple cabbage with all of its wonderful phytochemicals, antioxidants and other nutrients, vitamins and minerals. This recipe recommends using a clean meat source for the bacon, Snake River Farms American Korubata Bacon, as it is some the most delicious bacon I have ever tasted and is also ethically raised ad produced.
When to make fried cabbage?
Anytime you’re hungry! I’ve been making this recipe for years and besides a holiday favorite, it is a weekly staple in my household. I often make a big pot of it and take it for lunch along with other greens and a protein. This recipe is easy, the end result freezes well and can be made vegan style also! Fried cabbage is also highly versatile and and be added to salads, sandwiches and dips! This dish is a perfect accompaniment to my Blackened Ribeye Steak!

Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Ingredients
- 6 slices Bacon
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 1 medium cabbage , purple or green, thinly sliced
- 2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 4-6 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Using a dutch oven or a large cast iron skillet fry bacon over high heat until bacon is well done and plenty of bacon grease is in the skillet. Remove bacon and set aside.
- Place onions in skillet with bacon grease and fry for 1 minute and then add salt and pepper to taste as well as sliced cabbage. Stir well so the bacon grease and onions are well integrated with the cabbage. Continue to cook on medium-high heat stirring often to allow the cabbage to cook evenly, approximately 15-20 minutes, until cabbage softens and begins to turn translucent in color.
- Remove cabbage from heat and stir in vinegar. Chop bacon into small pieces and stir into cabbage mixture. Service immediately.
Notes
For a vegan or vegetarian version of this recipe replace the bacon grease with 1/4 cup of coconut or avocado oil.

Wow, I never had Cabbage with Bacon, but this sounds very good!
I hope you try it an you like it!
Please give it a try!
Beautiful photo! It makes want try it right now! Yum Yum!
Thank you!
Thank you! Please do try and let me know how you like it!
Woah I’ve never had fried cabbage, but this makes me want to try it!!
Great! Enjoy!
I never had fried cabbage before, and looking at this, I can see that I’m obviously not living my best life!! hahah Thanks for the recipe – I’l definitely try this!!
LOL! Then its definitely time to live your best life! 🙂
I love how you used purple cabbage–my favorite color!
Right? I think Prince would have loved this dish too! 😉