12 Delicious Southern Smothered Cabbage Recipes

Get ready to transform your kitchen into a Southern haven with these 12 Delicious Southern Smothered Cabbage Recipes! Perfect for those cozy nights in or when you’re craving some hearty comfort food, each dish promises to bring warmth and flavor to your table. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, these recipes are sure to inspire your next meal. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

Classic Southern Smothered Cabbage with Bacon

Rustic yet refined, this dish brings comfort to any table with its hearty flavors and simple preparation.

Ingredients

• 1 lb thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon, diced
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 head green cabbage, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup chicken stock, preferably homemade
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to season

Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, render the diced bacon until crisp, about 8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon; set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté the sliced onion in the bacon fat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Increase heat to medium-high. Add the chopped cabbage in batches, stirring to wilt slightly before adding more.
4. Pour in the chicken stock and apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle with smoked paprika and red pepper flakes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
5. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender.
6. Stir in the reserved bacon. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.

Generously spoon the smothered cabbage over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. The cabbage should be tender but retain a slight bite, with the smoky bacon adding depth to every forkful.

Vegan Southern Smothered Cabbage

Whip up a comforting bowl of Vegan Southern Smothered Cabbage with this straightforward recipe. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that brings a touch of Southern charm to your table.

Ingredients

• 1 large head green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add sliced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.
4. Add sliced cabbage to the skillet, tossing to combine with onions and garlic.
5. Pour in vegetable broth and apple cider vinegar, stirring to deglaze the pan.
6. Season with smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until cabbage is tender, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Uncover and cook for an additional 5 minutes to reduce any remaining liquid.

Yield a dish where the cabbage is melt-in-your-mouth tender, with a smoky, slightly tangy flavor profile. Serve it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside cornbread for a complete meal.

Southern Smothered Cabbage with Sausage

Nothing beats the comfort of a hearty, flavorful dish that brings the family together. Southern Smothered Cabbage with Sausage is a classic that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 1 large head green cabbage, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp clarified butter
• 1 cup chicken stock, low-sodium
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt, to precise measurement (1/2 tsp)

Instructions

1. Heat clarified butter in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
2. Add sliced sausage, cooking until lightly browned on both sides, approximately 4 minutes total. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent, about 3 minutes. Tip: Stir frequently to prevent burning.
4. Incorporate chopped cabbage, stirring to coat with the onion mixture. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly wilted.
5. Pour in chicken stock, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
6. Return sausage to the skillet, mixing well. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Tip: The cabbage should be tender but not mushy.
7. Season with salt, adjusting only if necessary after tasting. Tip: The smoked sausage adds saltiness, so additional salt may not be needed.

Kick up the flavor by serving this dish over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or with a side of cornbread. The cabbage turns buttery soft, absorbing the smoky, spicy notes of the sausage and spices, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Spicy Southern Smothered Cabbage

Whip up a comforting dish that packs a punch with this Spicy Southern Smothered Cabbage. Perfect for a hearty side or a main, it’s a flavorful twist on a classic.

Ingredients

• 1 large head green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken stock, low-sodium
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt, to precise taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to precise taste

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, render the diced bacon until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving fat in the skillet.
2. Add the thinly sliced onion to the skillet. Sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the skillet. Toss to coat in the bacon fat and onion mixture.
5. Pour in the chicken stock and apple cider vinegar. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
6. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.
7. Uncover and cook for an additional 5 minutes to reduce any remaining liquid.
8. Return the crispy bacon to the skillet. Toss to combine and heat through for 1 minute.

Kick up your meal with this Spicy Southern Smothered Cabbage, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a smoky, spicy kick. Serve alongside cornbread or over creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying dish.

Southern Smothered Cabbage with Ham Hocks

Hearty and comforting, this dish brings Southern charm to your table with minimal fuss. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels like home.

Ingredients

• 1 large head green cabbage, cored and roughly chopped
• 2 smoked ham hocks
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup chicken stock, low-sodium
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat until foaming subsides.
2. Add sliced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Place ham hocks in the pot, browning on all sides for 8 minutes to render fat.
4. Stir in chopped cabbage, coating it in the rendered fat and butter mixture.
5. Pour in chicken stock and apple cider vinegar, scraping the bottom to deglaze.
6. Season with crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, and sea salt.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until cabbage is tender.
8. Remove ham hocks, shred the meat, and return it to the pot, discarding bones.
9. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot.

Delightfully tender cabbage absorbs the smoky richness of the ham hocks, creating a deeply flavorful dish. Serve over creamy stone-ground grits for a traditional Southern meal.

Slow Cooker Southern Smothered Cabbage

Rustic yet refined, this dish transforms humble cabbage into a comforting Southern classic. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that delivers deep flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 large green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken stock, low-sodium
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to season

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, render the diced bacon until crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
2. Add the sliced onion to the skillet, sautéing in the bacon drippings until translucent, about 3 minutes. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Tip: Garlic burns quickly, so keep the heat moderate.
4. Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet, tossing to coat in the drippings. Cook until slightly wilted, about 5 minutes.
5. Transfer the cabbage mixture to a slow cooker. Pour in the chicken stock and apple cider vinegar, then sprinkle with smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Tip: The vinegar brightens the dish, balancing the richness of the bacon.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or until the cabbage is tender but not mushy.
7. Stir in the reserved crispy bacon before serving.

Buttery soft cabbage with a smoky, tangy undertone makes this dish a standout. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or alongside cornbread for a hearty meal.

Southern Smothered Cabbage with Cornbread

Cabbage takes center stage in this hearty Southern dish, paired perfectly with crumbly cornbread. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that brings comfort to any table.

Ingredients

– 1 medium green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
– 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
– 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken stock
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper
– 1 batch homemade cornbread, for serving

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, render the diced bacon until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving fat in the skillet.
2. Add the sliced onion to the skillet, sautéing in the bacon fat until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.
4. Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the skillet, tossing to coat in the bacon fat and onion mixture.
5. Pour in the chicken stock and apple cider vinegar, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
6. Season with smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
7. Cover and simmer over low heat until the cabbage is tender, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Return the crispy bacon to the skillet, stirring to combine.
9. Serve hot alongside a slice of homemade cornbread.

Smothered cabbage offers a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a smoky, slightly tangy flavor. For a twist, top with a fried egg or serve over creamy mashed potatoes.

Southern Smothered Cabbage and Potatoes

Must-try comfort food that blends hearty potatoes with tender, flavorful cabbage. This dish is a staple in Southern kitchens for good reason.

Ingredients

• 1 large head green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
• 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken stock, low-sodium
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to season

Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, render the diced bacon until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving fat in the pot.
2. Add butter to the bacon fat. Once melted, sauté onions until translucent, about 3 minutes. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Stir in minced garlic and smoked paprika, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Add diced potatoes to the pot, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to lightly brown.
5. Pour in chicken stock, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer.
6. Layer sliced cabbage over the potatoes. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Tip: Do not stir to keep the cabbage layer intact.
7. Remove lid, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes and reserved bacon. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes to reduce any remaining liquid.
8. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Tip: Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Best enjoyed when the cabbage is silky and the potatoes are perfectly tender. Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up the savory juices.

Southern Smothered Cabbage with Turkey Neck

Zesty and hearty, this dish brings comfort to any table with its rich flavors and tender textures. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, it’s a staple that satisfies.

Ingredients

• 1 lb turkey necks, cleaned
• 2 tbsp clarified butter
• 1 large head green cabbage, cored and chopped
• 1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken stock, low-sodium
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt, to precise taste

Instructions

1. Preheat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add clarified butter, allowing it to melt evenly.
2. Season turkey necks generously with salt. Sear in the Dutch oven until golden brown on all sides, about 3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add diced onion. Sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the turkey.
4. Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Return turkey necks to the pot. Pour in chicken stock, ensuring it covers the necks halfway. Bring to a simmer.
6. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 1 hour, or until turkey is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
7. Add chopped cabbage to the pot, stirring to combine. Cover and cook for an additional 20 minutes, or until cabbage is wilted and tender.
8. Adjust seasoning with salt if necessary. Serve hot, ensuring each portion has a piece of turkey neck.

Lusciously tender turkey necks and silky cabbage make this dish a comforting classic. The smokiness from the paprika adds depth, while the cabbage absorbs all the savory juices. Try serving over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for an extra hearty meal.

Southern Smothered Cabbage with Andouille Sausage

Rustic yet refined, this dish combines tender cabbage with smoky andouille sausage for a hearty Southern classic. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels like home.

Ingredients

• 1 large head green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
• 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 2 tbsp clarified butter
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken stock, low-sodium
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt, to precise taste

Instructions

1. Heat clarified butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add andouille sausage slices. Cook until browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add sliced onion. Cook until translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
5. Stir in thinly sliced cabbage. Cook until slightly wilted, about 5 minutes.
6. Pour in chicken stock. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.
7. Season with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a precise pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
8. Return andouille sausage to the pot. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Uncover. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to reduce liquid slightly.

Tender cabbage absorbs the smoky spices and rich flavors of the sausage, creating a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant. Serve over a bed of creamy grits for a true Southern experience.

Southern Smothered Cabbage with Chicken

Forget bland sides; this dish turns humble cabbage into a savory masterpiece with tender chicken.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
• 2 tbsp clarified butter
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and sliced into 1-inch strips
• 1 cup chicken stock, low-sodium
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt, to precise measurement (1 tsp)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to precise measurement (1/2 tsp)

Instructions

1. Heat clarified butter in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
2. Add chicken thighs, seasoning with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sear until golden brown, 4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
4. Stir in cabbage, chicken stock, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, remaining salt, and pepper. Tip: The stock should just cover the cabbage for optimal braising.
5. Nestle chicken thighs into the cabbage. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until chicken is cooked through and cabbage is tender, 25 minutes.
6. Check seasoning halfway, adjusting if necessary. Tip: If the liquid reduces too much, add a splash more stock.
7. Remove from heat. Let rest, covered, for 5 minutes before serving. Tip: This allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Perfectly tender cabbage absorbs the smoky, spicy notes, while the chicken stays juicy. Serve over creamy grits for a Southern twist.

Southern Smothered Cabbage with Shrimp

Bold flavors and simple techniques make this dish a weeknight winner. Southern smothered cabbage with shrimp combines tender greens and succulent seafood in one pot.

Ingredients

• 1 large head green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 lb wild-caught shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken stock, low-sodium
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp clarified butter
• Salt, to precise taste

Instructions

1. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add diced bacon. Render until crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove bacon, leaving fat in skillet.
2. Add clarified butter to skillet. Sauté onion until translucent, 5 minutes. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.
4. Add sliced cabbage to skillet. Toss to coat in fat. Cook until slightly wilted, 5 minutes.
5. Pour in chicken stock and apple cider vinegar. Scrape up any browned bits. Tip: This adds depth to the dish.
6. Cover skillet. Reduce heat to low. Simmer until cabbage is tender, 20 minutes.
7. Season shrimp with salt. Nestle into cabbage. Cover. Cook until shrimp are opaque, 5 minutes. Tip: Do not overcook shrimp.
8. Garnish with reserved bacon. Serve hot.

Juicy shrimp and silky cabbage create a harmony of textures. Serve over stone-ground grits for a Southern twist.

Conclusion

Variety is the spice of life, and our roundup of 12 Delicious Southern Smothered Cabbage Recipes offers just that! From classic to creative, there’s a dish for every taste. We’d love to hear which recipe stole your heart—drop us a comment below. Don’t forget to share your culinary adventures by pinning this article on Pinterest. Happy cooking, y’all!