Classic Southern Smothered Cabbage – A Comfort Food Favorite

Well if you’re lookin’ for a dish that’ll take you straight back to Mama’s kitchen, where the smell of slow-cooked goodness filled the air, then you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re fixin’ up a big ol’ pot of Southern smothered cabbage – tender, sweet cabbage cooked down with smoky bacon, onions, and a touch of spice.

It’s the kind of down-home comfort food that hugs your soul, and honey, it’s as easy as it is delicious. So grab a cast iron skillet, and let’s get to cookin’—this here’s a recipe you’ll wanna pass down for generations.

Related Cabbage Recipes:

• Fried Cabbage
• Smoked Cabbage
• Braised Cabbage

Most smothered cabbage recipes feature either bacon or smoked sausage plus cajun seasonings. I prefer to use both bacon and sausage. And in addition to the cajun seasoning, I add a taste of the Caribbean with some good ole Trini green seasoning which like a sofrito and holy trinity mix is a great flavor base.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with fried cabbage)

Bobby Gentry's song "Hurry Tuesday Child" pairs so well with Southern smothered cabbage because both evoke a deep sense of Southern nostalgia and heartfelt simplicity. The song's soulful, melancholic tone mirrors the slow-cooked, comforting nature of smothered cabbage—a dish that's rich in flavor, tradition, and warmth.

Just like the song, which reflects themes of longing and tenderness, smothered cabbage is a humble yet deeply satisfying dish that brings people together and reminds them of home.

The song’s rhythm has a steady, comforting pace, much like the process of cooking the cabbage low and slow, allowing flavors to blend harmoniously. Together, they create a soulful, Southern experience—one through melody, the other through taste.

Ingredients Needed For This Smothered Cabbage Recipe

This is an easy delicious recipe. The base seasoning is a homemade cajun seasoning mix. You can make this or use your favorite store-bought creole seasoning.

For the Cabbage

• Green Cabbage - outer loose cabbage leaves removed.
• Andouille Sausage
• Bacon
• Yellow Onion
• Garlic Cloves
• Trini Green Seasoning
• Water
• Smoked Paprika
• Cayenne Pepper
• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Dried Thyme
• Olive Oil
• Optional (red pepper flakes)

For the Gravy

ButterAll-purpose Flour

Buttermilk

Onions

Sausage

How To Make Smothered Cabbage (step by step)

Render Bacon and Sausage Fat

Chop the bacon and sausage into smaller pieces as evenly as possible. Set aside ¼ cup of the sausage and reserve until later.

Mix seasonings together in a small bowl or ramekin.

Heat dutch oven pot on medium heat. Add bacon plus the diced sausage.

Add onions and garlic. Season with about a fourth of the spice mix.

Add the green seasoning if using and mix in well, stirring occasionally.

Add cabbage and stir trying to coat all the cabbage pieces in all the flavor from the rendered fat and sauteed vegetables.

Add a half cup water plus half the remaining spice mix.

Cover the dutch oven with the lid and cook over medium high heat for 20 minutes.

Add butter and cook another 20 minutes.

Remove the lid and allow the cabbage to cook to desired tenderness stirring frequently.

Make The Gravy

Using a separate skillet heat to medium heat. Add the butter and melt. Add a ¼ cup diced onions plus ¼ cup of diced sausage and a pinch of the seasoning mix. Stir well.

Add the flour and mix well.

Mix in the buttermilk and give a good stir. Add more buttermilk if needed to achieve desired consistency.

Bake Cabbage

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Add gravy to the cabbage. Mix in well. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes. Serve.

What To Serve With Smothered Cabbage

Smothered cabbage can act as a one dish meal or it pairs beautifully with a variety of Southern sides and main dishes. Here are some delicious options to serve alongside it:

1. Cornbread – Sweet or savory, cornbread is a classic companion that complements the tender cabbage perfectly.
2. Fried Chicken – Crispy fried chicken adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts the soft texture of smothered cabbage.
3. Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the cabbage’s flavorful juices, making a comforting combo.
4. Pork Chops – Smothered cabbage works well with grilled or fried pork chops for a soul-satisfying meal.
5. Black-eyed Peas – These Southern staples offer earthy flavor and pair nicely with the tender cabbage.

Cooking Considerations and Tips

• Choose Fresh Cabbage: Pick a firm, fresh head of cabbage with crisp leaves for the best texture and flavor.
• Cut the Cabbage Evenly: Slice the cabbage into uniform pieces to ensure it cooks evenly. You can chop it into larger chunks for a heartier texture or slice it thinner if you prefer a more tender result.
• Use Bacon or Smoked Meat for Flavor: Smoked bacon, ham hocks, or sausage are common additions that lend a rich, smoky flavor. Cook the meat first to render the fat, which you’ll use to sauté the onions and cabbage.
• Sauté Onions and Garlic First: Start by sautéing onions and garlic in your cooking fat (from bacon or oil). This adds depth to the dish, ensuring the cabbage absorbs the aromatics.
• Don’t Overcook: Cabbage should be tender but not mushy. Cook on medium heat and stir occasionally to soften the cabbage while keeping a slight bite to it.
• Season Gradually: Adjust the seasoning toward the end, as the flavors will intensify while cooking.
• Add Liquid Sparingly: Add a small amount of broth or water, just enough to help steam the cabbage as it cooks down. Too much liquid will make it soupy instead of smothered.
• Low and Slow is Key: Cook the cabbage on low heat and cover it to allow it to steam and soften, letting the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Finish with a Vinegar Splash: A little apple cider vinegar or hot sauce added at the end will brighten the dish, cutting through the richness and adding a bit of tang.
• Let it Rest: After cooking, let the smothered cabbage sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to develop even more.

Variations and Substitutions

Meat Substitutions:

• Smoked Turkey: Replace bacon or ham hocks with smoked turkey (wings or legs) for a lighter, leaner option without losing that smoky flavor.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Skip the meat entirely and use olive oil or plant-based butter. You can also add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to get a smoky flavor without the meat.

2. Spice it Up:

• Cajun or Creole Seasoning: For a bolder flavor, add Cajun or Creole seasoning to the cabbage while it cooks.
• Red Pepper Flakes or Hot Sauce: For extra heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce into the dish for a spicy kick.

3. Add Extra Vegetables:

• Bell Peppers: Diced bell peppers give the dish more texture and a pop of flavor.
• Collard Greens or Kale: Add some collard greens or kale to the mix for extra greens, cooking them down with the cabbage.

4. Different Cooking Fats:

• Butter or Ghee: Use butter or ghee for a richer, creamier flavor.

5. Healthier Substitutions:

• Olive Oil: For a lighter, heart-healthy option, use olive oil instead of bacon grease or other animal fats.

Make This Recipe

If you make this smothered cabbage recipe or any other recipe please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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