Fried Cabbage with Sausage

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Southern Fried Cabbage with Sausage brings together simple ingredients for a comforting, flavor-rich meal! This one-pan creation combines caramelized cabbage with smoky sausage for a dish that works beautifully for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings.

Fried cabbage and sausage served on a plate with a roll of bread.

There’s something so comforting about this Southern fried cabbage with sausage recipe! It’s the kind of meal that takes simple ingredients and turns them into a flavorful comfort food that you won’t be able to get enough of. With just cabbage, sausage, some aromatics, and a little Cajun seasoning, you’ll have yourself a simple old-fashioned Southern meal, perfect for busy weeknights!

Feel free to serve it on its own, or with some bread and butter on the side for a heartier option. If you love easy Southern meals like this one, you can also try my Southern-style green lima beans recipe!

Nikki’s Recipe Highlights for Fried Cabbage with Sausage

Taste: Rich, smoky, and slightly sweet with a tangy finish from the vinegar!
Texture: Tender cabbage with caramelized edges alongside juicy, savory sausage.
Ease: The one pan method makes this an approachable weeknight meal!
Pros: Budget-friendly and results in impressive flavor from few ingredients.
Considerations: Cooking time varies based on your preferred level of caramelization, so plan accordingly.

Ingredients for Southern Fried Cabbage with Smoked Sausage

Labeled photos of the ingredients needed to make Southern fried cabbage and sausage.

Butter: Use butter to sear up the sausage and start building lots of flavor!
Andouille Sausage: You can use your choice of andouille sausage or kielbasa sausage.
Yellow Onion: Adds aroma and sweetness as it caramelizes.
Green Bell Pepper: For a fresh flavor and a subtle crunch!
Garlic: For a savory depth of flavor.
Brown Sugar: A little bit of brown sugar balances the flavors and helps everything caramelize beautifully.
Green Cabbage: Green cabbage will soak up all the flavors and pairs perfectly with the rest of the ingredients.
White Wine Vinegar: For just a hint of tang! If you don’t have white wine vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar instead.
Cajun Seasoning: For a salty, spicy kick.
Salt: Add more salt to taste if needed.
Parsley: For garnish, if desired.

How To Make Fried Cabbage with Sausage

✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!

Step 1 | Sauté the Sausage

In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and pan is hot, add the sausage rounds in a single layer. Cook until golden brown, about 4-6 minutes per side. You want a nice charred color on the sausage for flavor. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage and set aside.

Side by side photos of butter and sliced sausage in a pan.

Step 2 | Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan, add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Side by side photos of sautéing onions, green bell pepper and garlic.

Sprinkle in the brown sugar and stir until it begins to dissolve into the veggies.

Side by side photos of adding brown sugar to the sauteed veggies.

Step 3 | Add the Cabbage

Add the chopped cabbage in batches if needed, stirring after each addition. Pour in the vinegar and seasoning, and stir well. Cover and let steam for 3-4 minutes. Stir, then cook another 3-4 minutes until tender.

Chopped cabbage added to the skillet with Cajun seasoning.

Step 4 | Combine & Serve

Return the sausage and juices to the pan. Stir well and cook for another 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Cook (without a lid) until the cabbage is as caramelized and charred as you like. I like lots of color on mine and nice and golden brown.

Side by side photos of seared sliced sausage added to the cabbage mixture in a skillet.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy!

Side by side photos of cooking down the cabbage in a skillet.

Recipe Tips

Don’t rush the browning process for either the sausage or cabbage – those caramelized bits are where the flavor lives.
Cut your cabbage pieces consistently for even cooking, but not too small or they’ll become mushy. You want them to be al dente, with a bit of a bite!
Use a pan large enough to give your ingredients room to brown rather than steam.
For maximum flavor, deglaze the pan with your vinegar by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

Fork with a bite of sliced sausage and cabbage on it with more in the background.

Variations and Substitutions

Southern Fried Cabbage with Smoked Sausage and Bacon

Meat options: Add bacon for a classic Southern twist! Alternatively, you can use turkey kielbasa for a lighter option.
Vegetable add-ins: Carrots, celery, or red bell peppers work beautifully alongside the cabbage if you want some extra veggies added in.
Spice it up: The creole seasoning will add a bit of a kick, but if you want it extra spicy you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for extra heat.

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Recipe FAQs

Can I use red cabbage instead of green?

Technically yes, though it will change the flavor profile slightly and give your dish a purple hue!

How do I know when the cabbage is done?

It should be tender but still have a slight bite – not mushy.

Is fried cabbage and sausage spicy?

It all depends on your sausage and seasoning choices. Use kielbasa and Lawry’s for a milder version. If you like it spicy, use andouille sausage and Cajun seasoning.

Fried cabbage and sausage served on a plate with a fork.

Storage

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

Freeze: If freezing, cool completely first, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve with Fried Cabbage and Sausage

This Southern fried cabbage dish works beautifully as a complete one-pot meal, but also pairs well with cornbread muffins, butter swim biscuits, or dinner rolls to soak up any juices. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, parmesan roasted potatoes, or grits cakes. If you’re looking to add more vegetables, serve it with broccoli salad or pea salad on the side!

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Fried Cabbage and Sausage

Nikki’s Recipe Highlights for Fried Cabbage with Sausage

Ingredients for Southern Fried Cabbage with Smoked Sausage