Hearty Southern Comfort: The Best Fried Cabbage and Potatoes Recipe

There’s something uniquely comforting about a simple, hearty dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. Fried Cabbage and Potatoes, a true culinary gem, embodies this sentiment perfectly. This classic Southern staple, cooked to perfection in rich bacon drippings and seasoned with a handful of everyday spices, offers an incredibly satisfying experience that’s both easy to prepare and deeply flavorful. It’s a dish cherished across generations, often gracing tables for celebratory occasions like New Year’s Day lunch, promising a taste of tradition and good fortune for the year ahead.

From the bustling kitchens of the American South to quiet family homes, this recipe has been a timeless favorite. Grandmas, known for their culinary wisdom and ability to turn simple ingredients into extraordinary meals, have perfected this dish for countless occasions. It’s a dish that transcends mere sustenance, becoming a symbol of heritage and the warmth of Southern hospitality. Beyond its Southern roots, this versatile side dish also finds a special place on the menu for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, offering a comforting complement to other Irish-inspired fare.

Why This Southern Fried Cabbage and Potatoes Recipe is an Absolute Must-Try

In a world where elaborate meals often dominate, the beauty of this fried cabbage and potatoes recipe lies in its elegant simplicity and profound flavor. It’s a dish that consistently delivers on taste while offering numerous practical benefits, making it a beloved choice for home cooks everywhere. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

• Incredibly Budget-Friendly: In today’s economic climate, finding delicious recipes that don’t break the bank is a huge plus. Cabbage and potatoes are two of the most affordable and readily available vegetables, making this dish a smart choice for feeding a family without compromise on taste or quality. The use of simple, everyday ingredients ensures you can create a satisfying meal without a hefty grocery bill.
• Rich in Tradition and Culture: Eating Fried Cabbage and Potatoes is more than just a meal; for many, especially in the South, it’s a cherished New Year’s Day tradition. It symbolizes good luck and prosperity for the coming year, often served alongside black-eyed peas. This dish connects you to a rich culinary heritage, a comforting reminder of family customs and simpler times. Its widespread appeal also extends to Irish-American culture, making it a fitting dish for St. Patrick’s Day.
• Effortlessly Simple, Deeply Satisfying: Despite its rich flavor profile, this recipe is remarkably simple to make, requiring minimal culinary expertise. The straightforward steps and common ingredients mean you can have a delicious, soul-warming meal on the table in under an hour. It’s the kind of dish that requires little fuss but delivers immense satisfaction, making it the epitome of true comfort food.
• Nutrient-Packed Goodness: While undeniably indulgent, fried cabbage and potatoes also offer notable nutritional benefits. Cabbage is a fantastic source of Vitamin C and K, and dietary fiber, supporting immune health and digestion. Potatoes provide essential carbohydrates for energy, along with potassium and Vitamin B6. When prepared with fresh ingredients, this dish can be a surprisingly wholesome addition to your meal rotation, especially when enjoyed in moderation.

This recipe isn’t just about feeding your body; it’s about nourishing your soul with a taste of home, tradition, and uncomplicated joy.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Fried Cabbage and Potatoes

The magic of this dish lies in its quality, yet simple, ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor that make this Southern classic so irresistible.

• Green Cabbage: A firm, vibrant head of green cabbage is the foundation. When cooked, it becomes tender and slightly sweet, soaking up all the savory flavors. Look for fresh, crisp leaves for the best texture.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are ideal for frying due to their creamy texture and slightly buttery flavor. They hold their shape well while cooking, developing a delightful tenderness without turning mushy, making them superior to starchier varieties like Russets for this application.
• Bacon: The undisputed star that imparts unparalleled flavor. Thick-cut bacon renders a generous amount of drippings, which are essential for frying the vegetables and infusing them with a smoky, savory richness. The crispy bacon bits added back in at the end provide a wonderful textural contrast.
• Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic adds a fragrant, pungent depth that elevates the entire dish. It complements the bacon and vegetables beautifully, creating a more complex flavor profile.
• Creole Seasoning: This blend of spices is key to achieving that authentic Southern kick. It typically includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and other herbs, delivering a balanced heat and savory notes.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance all other flavors. Adjusting them to taste is crucial for balancing the dish. Remember, the bacon contributes significant saltiness, so be mindful when adding extra salt.

For precise quantities and detailed measurements, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Delicious Fried Cabbage and Potatoes

Follow these straightforward steps to create a skillet of perfectly fried cabbage and potatoes that will delight your taste buds and impress your family and friends. This method ensures maximum flavor and a delightful texture.

• Step 1: Crispy Bacon Foundation. Begin by placing your bacon slices into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, preferably a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution. Cook over medium heat until the bacon is beautifully crispy. This process allows the fat to render out, creating the flavorful bacon drippings that are essential for our dish. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the skillet and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Don’t discard the glorious bacon drippings left in the pan – that’s where the magic happens! Once cooled slightly, chop the cooked bacon into small, bite-sized pieces and set aside.
• Step 2: Infuse the Aromatics and Vegetables. With the bacon drippings still hot in the skillet, add your prepped vegetables: the chopped green cabbage, cubed Yukon Gold potatoes, and minced garlic. Immediately follow with your Creole seasoning, black pepper, and half of the recommended salt. The goal here is to get all these ingredients into the flavorful fat.
• Step 3: Cover and Cook to Tender Perfection. Give all the ingredients in the skillet a good, thorough stir to ensure everything is evenly coated in the bacon drippings and seasonings. Then, cover the skillet tightly with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium-low to allow the vegetables to steam and soften. Cook for approximately 25 minutes, stirring occasionally every 5-7 minutes to prevent sticking and to promote even cooking. The lid traps steam, helping the potatoes and cabbage cook through without excessive frying.
• Step 4: The Finishing Touch. After 25 minutes, check the potatoes for tenderness. They should be easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. Once the potatoes are fork-tender and the cabbage is wilted and translucent, it’s time to reintroduce the star of the show: the crispy, chopped bacon. Add the bacon pieces back into the pot and stir gently to combine, allowing the bacon to warm through and mingle with the cooked vegetables.
• Step 5: Serve Immediately. Your incredibly flavorful Fried Cabbage and Potatoes are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve this comforting dish immediately as a hearty side or a light main course.

Chef’s Tip: Resist the urge to stir constantly. Allowing the vegetables to sit undisturbed for a few minutes between stirs lets them develop a beautiful, slightly caramelized crust on the bottom of the skillet. These little dark, sticky bits are packed with intense flavor and are known as “fond.” At the very end of cooking, be sure to scrape them up and stir them into the dish for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Creative Variations and Substitute Ideas to Elevate Your Dish

While the classic Fried Cabbage and Potatoes recipe is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly versatile, lending itself beautifully to various creative twists and substitutions. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these ideas to tailor the dish to your personal taste or dietary preferences:

• For a Lighter Alternative: Olive Oil – If you’re looking to reduce the richness or simply prefer not to use bacon drippings, you can substitute olive oil or another healthy cooking oil. While it won’t replicate the deep, smoky flavor imparted by bacon, it still allows for a delicious sautéed vegetable dish. Trust me, the bacon drippings are key for that authentic taste!
• Potato Power: Russet Potatoes – While Yukon Golds are recommended for their creamy texture, Russet potatoes can be used as an alternative. They tend to be starchier, so they might create a slightly different texture, but will still be delicious. Just be mindful of how long they cook to achieve desired tenderness.
• Irish-Inspired Twist: Corned Beef – To truly lean into the Irish spirit, especially around St. Patrick’s Day, consider adding some cooked, shredded corned beef to the skillet along with the bacon. This transforms the dish into a hearty meal reminiscent of corned beef and cabbage, bursting with savory flavors.
• Aromatic Depth: Yellow Onion – Sautéing some chopped yellow onion with the cabbage and potatoes adds another layer of sweet and savory aroma and flavor. Add it at the same time as the cabbage and potatoes.
• Color and Crunch: Red Cabbage – Experiment with red cabbage instead of green for a vibrant visual appeal and a slightly different, often earthier flavor profile. Keep in mind that for the New Year’s tradition of good luck, green cabbage is typically preferred.
• Boost of Moisture and Flavor: Chicken Broth – If you find the vegetables are sticking too much, or if you prefer a slightly softer texture, a small splash of chicken broth (or vegetable broth) can be added during the cooking process. It helps deglaze the pan and adds extra depth.
• Kick Up the Heat: Red Pepper Flakes – For those who enjoy a bit of spice, a pinch or two of red pepper flakes added with the seasonings can provide a pleasant warmth and zing to the dish.
• Enhanced Savory Notes: Onion Powder / Garlic Powder – If you want an extra boost of allium flavor without adding fresh ingredients, a teaspoon of onion powder or garlic powder can be incorporated with the other seasonings.
• Ham it Up: Leftover Ham – Instead of bacon, consider using diced leftover ham. This is an excellent way to use up holiday ham and will lend a different, but equally delicious, savory flavor to the dish.
• Exotic Spice: Cumin Seeds / Caraway Seeds – For a more adventurous flavor profile, a small amount of cumin seeds or caraway seeds can be toasted in the bacon drippings before adding the vegetables. These add a subtle, earthy, and aromatic note that some people find incredibly appealing.
• Tangy Brightness: Apple Cider Vinegar – A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end of cooking can brighten the dish and cut through some of the richness, adding a delightful tangy finish.
• Sweet Touch: Sugar – A pinch of sugar (brown or white) can enhance the natural sweetness of the cabbage and help with caramelization, creating a more balanced flavor.
• Freshness Factor: Green Onions / Fresh Herbs – Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh herbs like parsley or dill just before serving. These additions provide a burst of fresh flavor and color.
• Creamy Indulgence: Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream stirred into individual servings adds a luxurious richness and creamy texture, making the dish even more decadent.

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Necessary Gear: Essential Equipment for This Recipe

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

To achieve the best results with this Fried Cabbage and Potatoes recipe, you won’t need an array of fancy kitchen gadgets. The key is having a good, spacious skillet. I personally rely on a nice big 12-inch skillet (you can find an affiliate link to my recommended one in the recipe card below).

A cast iron skillet would be an exceptional choice for this dish. Cast iron offers superior heat retention and even cooking, which is ideal for getting that perfect caramelization on the vegetables. The most important thing, regardless of your skillet material, is that it needs to have a well-fitting lid. This lid is crucial for trapping steam and allowing the potatoes and cabbage to soften beautifully without drying out during the cooking process.

Explore More Hearty Irish Recipes You’ll Adore

If you’ve enjoyed the comforting flavors of this Fried Cabbage and Potatoes, you’ll love diving into these other traditional Irish-inspired dishes. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any time you crave a taste of Ireland, these recipes are sure to become family favorites.

• Traditional Colcannon: A creamy, buttery Irish mashed potato dish blended with cabbage or kale, perfect for a cozy meal.
• Hearty Irish Stew with Mashed Potatoes: A classic, comforting stew packed with tender meat and vegetables, often topped with fluffy mashed potatoes.
• Traditional Irish Corned Beef Hash: A flavorful and hearty breakfast or brunch dish, repurposing corned beef with potatoes and onions.
• Simple Quick Irish Soda Bread: A no-yeast, easy-to-make bread that’s wonderfully crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, ideal for soaking up stews and gravies.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

One of the great advantages of this Fried Cabbage and Potatoes recipe is how well it holds up as leftovers. To ensure your dish remains delicious, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Transfer the cooled fried cabbage and potatoes into an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems a little dry, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Avoid overheating to prevent the vegetables from becoming mushy. This dish makes for fantastic next-day lunches!

Chef’s Insights: Expert Tips for the Best Flavor

A Crucial Seasoning Tip: When it comes to salt, always exercise caution and add it at the very end of cooking. The bacon drippings themselves contribute a significant amount of saltiness to the dish, and your Creole seasoning also contains sodium. Taste the dish once it’s fully cooked and then adjust the salt to your preference. You might find that the natural saltiness from the bacon is perfectly enough, or only a small pinch is needed to bring out the full flavors without over-salting.

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Fried Cabbage and Potatoes Recipe

A delicious Southern classic of fried cabbage and potatoes that is easy, yet so satisfyingly comforting. Perfect for New Year’s Day or St. Patrick’s Day!

Equipment

• Large 12″ Skillet (with lid)

Ingredients

• 1 Each Head of Cabbage, small, chopped
• 9 Slices Bacon
• 5 Each Yellow Potatoes, washed and chopped into 1″ cubes
• 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon Creole Seasoning
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• ½ teaspoon Black Pepper

Instructions

1. Place the slices of bacon into a large skillet and cook until almost crispy. Remove the bacon onto paper towel lined plate but keep the grease. Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
2. Add the chopped cabbage, potatoes, garlic, Creole Seasoning, Black Pepper, and ½ teaspoon Salt to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Stir well to combine.
3. Give a good stir and cover with a lid. Cook over medium-low heat for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally every 5-7 minutes.
4. Once cooked and the potatoes are fork tender, add the chopped bacon back to the skillet with the rest of the dish. Stir gently.
5. Serve immediately.

Notes

I recommend stirring only a few times during cooking. This allows some of the pieces to become slightly caramelized on the bottom of the skillet, creating delicious “fond.” Be sure to scrape up these flavorful bits and stir them into the dish once done.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 430mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g