Best Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2-3 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the skillet. This is your cooking gold!
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the sliced onion to the hot bacon drippings. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
3. Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, and salt. Cook for just 30 seconds to 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
4. Cook the Cabbage: Add all of the sliced cabbage to the skillet. It will seem like a lot, but it will wilt down significantly. Toss the cabbage in the drippings and onions until it’s evenly coated.
5. Simmer and Wilt: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. The cabbage will release its liquid and steam/wilt in the pan. Cook until it reaches your desired tenderness. For authentic Southern-style, cook until it’s very tender but not mushy.
6. Finish the Dish: Once the cabbage is tender, remove the lid. Increase the heat to medium-high to cook off any excess liquid (about 2 minutes). Stir in the apple cider vinegar, sugar (if using), and the reserved crispy bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
7. Serve immediately! This dish is best enjoyed hot.

Tips for the BEST Results:

· Don’t Skip the Bacon Drippings: This is the foundation of the flavor. Using butter or oil just isn’t the same.
· Don’t Overcook: You want the cabbage to be tender but still have a slight crispness (al dente). Overcooking will make it soggy.
· The Vinegar is Key: The splash of vinegar at the end brightens the entire dish and cuts through the richness of the bacon. Don’t skip it!
· Additions: Feel free to add other ingredients in with the onions. Sliced bell peppers or a diced apple are fantastic additions.
· For a Creamy Version: Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of cream or a pat of butter right at the end for a richer, silkier dish.

Serving Suggestions:

· The Ultimate Comfort Meal: Serve alongside fried chicken, pork chops, or meatloaf with a side of cornbread.
· With Seafood: Pairs wonderfully with blackened catfish or shrimp.
· As a Low-Carb Main: Top with a fried egg and call it dinner!
· Over Grains: Serve it over rice, grits, or mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious juices.

Enjoy! This is a family favorite for a reason.