Boiled Cabbage
Tender, savory cabbage simmered with smoky bacon and sweet onions. This classic Southern side dish is pure comfort food, ready in about 30 minutes and pairs perfectly with cornbread to soak up every last drop of flavorful potlikker.
For 4 servings
3 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Render Bacon and Sauté Aromatics
- b.Place a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes crisp and golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
- d.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pot.
- e.Add the chopped yellow onion to the pot and cook in the bacon fat, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- f.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Simmer the Cabbage
- b.Add the chopped cabbage to the pot. It may seem like a lot, but it will cook down significantly. Stir well to coat the cabbage with the bacon fat and aromatics.
- c.Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar (if using).
- d.Stir everything to combine, then increase the heat to bring the liquid to a boil.
- e.Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender to your liking. Stir once or twice during cooking.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Once the cabbage is tender, turn off the heat. Stir in the reserved crispy bacon and the optional tablespoon of butter until the butter has melted.
- c.Taste the cabbage and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- d.Serve hot, ideally with a side of fresh cornbread.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, avoid overcooking the cabbage. It should be fork-tender but not mushy.
- 2Cut the cabbage into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure it all cooks evenly.
- 3After sautéing the onions and garlic, pour in a splash of the chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor.
- 4Standard green cabbage works best for this recipe due to its firm texture and mild flavor.
- 5Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor often improves the next day.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian/Vegan
Omit the bacon. Sauté the onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegan butter. Use vegetable broth and add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Heartier VersionHeartier Version
Add 1-2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced, along with the cabbage. You may need to add an extra 1/2 cup of broth and increase the simmering time by 5-10 minutes.
Spicier KickSpicier Kick
Add one diced jalapeño (with seeds for more heat) along with the onion, or increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or more.
With Smoked SausageWith Smoked Sausage
Swap the bacon with 8 ounces of sliced smoked sausage, such as andouille or kielbasa. Brown the sausage first, remove it from the pot, and stir it back in at the end with the cabbage.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Cabbage is an excellent source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that is crucial for a strong immune system and healthy skin.
Supports Digestive Health
Packed with insoluble fiber, cabbage helps keep the digestive system healthy by promoting regular bowel movements and fueling beneficial gut bacteria.
High in Vitamin K
Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and plays a vital role in bone health by helping the body absorb calcium.
Contains Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Cabbage contains various antioxidants and compounds like sulforaphane, which have been shown to help reduce chronic inflammation.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Southern Boiled Cabbage contains approximately 180-220 calories, depending on the thickness of the bacon and whether butter is used.