Bring the heartwarming flavors of the South to your table with this recipe for Southern Style Cabbage, a true comfort food classic. Tender, bite-sized cabbage is simmered to perfection in a savory blend of smoky bacon, onions, and garlic, all enriched with a flavorful mix of chicken broth, butter, and a hint of apple cider vinegar for a subtle tang. A touch of sugar balances the richness, while crushed red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat. Ready in under an hour, this easy one-pot dish is perfect as a soul-satisfying side or a main course when paired with cornbread. Whether you're hosting Sunday dinner or craving a cozy weeknight meal, this Southern Style Cabbage recipe delivers traditional taste with minimal effort.
Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage and cut it into quarters. Remove the core and cut the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Rinse thoroughly in a colander and let it drain.
Dice the smoked bacon and set it aside. Peel and finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic cloves.
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon grease in the pot.
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté them in the bacon grease until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the cabbage to the pot and stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften slightly.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the butter, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer the cabbage for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is tender but not mushy.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Stir in the cooked bacon pieces just before serving.
Serve hot as a side dish or enjoy on its own with cornbread for a hearty meal. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Calories |
1006 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 74.3 g | 95% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.8 g | 169% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 192 mg | 64% | |
| Sodium | 5090 mg | 221% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 44.5 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.4 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 21.0 g | ||
| Protein | 47.1 g | 94% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 253 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 4.7 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 1768 mg | 38% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.