Around here, comfort food doesn't have to take all day. This fried cabbage and sausage is packed with smoky bacon, savory sausage, and tender cabbage, making it one of those easy 30-minute dinners that taste as if they simmered for hours. It's simple, filling, and loaded with flavor in every bite.
The real surprise? My daughter isn't a cabbage fan at all, but this is one of the few ways she'll happily eat it without a single complaint. I don't know if it's the bacon, the sausage, or all those Cajun-seasoned flavors coming together, but whatever it is, I'm not asking questions. I'm just adding it to the dinner rotation.
If you're planning a comfort food dinner, this fried cabbage and sausage makes a great main dish with something sweet to finish the meal. For drinks, Bourbon Smash is a refreshing option if you're keeping things simple, while an Apple Spritz is perfect if you're looking for something a little lighter and fruitier. And when it's time for dessert, you can't go wrong with a slice of Oreo Delight or a bowl of Trefoil Banana Pudding.
Equipment
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Ingredients
- Thick-cut bacon strips
- Smoked sausage – 1 (14 oz) package
- Small head of cabbage
- Small onion
- Cajun seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Pepper
Directions
Add the bacon and sausage to a large skillet over medium heat, and cook until the bacon is crispy and the sausage has browned. Remove the meat from the pan, leaving about 3 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pan.
Add the cabbage, onion, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper to the pan and cook until the cabbage has softened, about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir the sausage and bacon into the cabbage. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the sausage is warmed through.
How do I serve my Fried Cabbage and Sausage?
- Traditionally, it is served as a side dish for meats such as chicken, beef, or pork. But sometimes it is nice to just enjoy a bowl of this savory, tender cabbage with hearty sausage all on its own.
- In our house, we serve this as a main, easy meal.
FAQs (Because Life’s Too Busy for Guesswork)
When cutting up the cabbage, cut it in half first. You will see the stem or core of the cabbage. This is where the cabbage used to be connected to the plant. There is a thick white piece that goes up the center about 1 inch in. This is the part you will want to cut out and remove. Do not add it to the pan.
When picking a cabbage, go for one that is bright in color, doesn't have black spots, and is firm, not soft or soggy.
Use an 8- to 10-inch sharp, straight-bladed knife to cut the cabbage.
The thick-cut bacon holds up better for texture in the cabbage and doesn't burn or crumble to nothing in the dish.
What are substitutions that I can make?
- Bacon strips – It is best to use savory-flavored bacon or original bacon instead of sweeter ones like maple-flavored.
- Cabbage – Green cabbage was used here, but purple cabbage can be used if you prefer.
- Small onion – White and yellow onions are good choices for cooking, but purple onions can be used.
- Cajun seasoning – Alternative options include Creole seasoning, Italian seasoning, or barbecue seasoning.
How should I store my Fried Cabbage and Sausage?
- Fried Cabbage and Sausage should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave for 60-90 seconds at a time or until thoroughly reheated.
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Fried Cabbage and Sausage
Equipment
- Measuring Spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 5 thick-cut bacon strips chopped
- 1 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 small head of cabbage cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Add the bacon and sausage to a large skillet over medium heat, and cook until the bacon is crispy and the sausage has browned. Remove the meat from the pan, leaving about 3 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pan.
- Add the cabbage, onion, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper to the pan and cook until the cabbage has softened, about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir the sausage and bacon into the cabbage. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the sausage is warmed through.
