Southern Sautéed Cabbage with Bacon

Southern Sautéed Cabbage with Bacon
Smoky, savory, and full of Southern comfort flavor — this simple cabbage dish pairs perfectly with cornbread, fried chicken, or pork chops.
🛒 Ingredients
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 medium head green cabbage, cored and chopped
1 large onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional but recommended)
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
1–2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)
👩‍🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy.
Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.
2️⃣ Sauté the Onion
Add sliced onion to the bacon grease.
Cook 3–4 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3️⃣ Add the Cabbage
Add chopped cabbage to the skillet.
It may seem like a lot, but it will cook down.
Stir well to coat in the bacon fat.
4️⃣ Season & Cook
Add salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender but not mushy.
5️⃣ Finish & Serve
Stir bacon back into the pan.
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar if using — it brightens the flavor beautifully.
Serve warm.