What to Serve with Fried Cabbage – 15 Tasty Ideas

What is Fried Cabbage?

Fried cabbage is a delicious side dish made by cooking fresh cabbage in some type of fat or oil, usually butter, olive oil, or the fat of whatever meat you’re serving with the cabbage until it gets soft and a little crispy around the edges. A lot of recipes call for cooking the cabbage in the grease of cooked bacon. It’s technically more like sautéed cabbage than it is fried, but it’s popularly referred to as fried. 

Fried cabbage is my favorite way to eat cabbage, especially when it’s made in a cast-iron skillet and it’s a popular side dish in many cultures! It’s usually seasoned with spices like black pepper, red pepper flakes, or other simple ingredients like garlic to add flavor. Pan-fried cabbage is typically made with a head of green cabbage, like napa cabbage, but it can also be made with red cabbage or even purple cabbage. 

What to Serve With Fried Cabbage

1. Smoked Sausage

Smoked sausage is one of the best side dishes to serve with fried cabbage, in my opinion. The smoky, savory flavors of smoked sausage pair perfectly with the crispy and slightly sweet fried cabbage. 

2. Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic and a little sour cream add a comforting and hearty element to the dish. The garlic adds a nice kick of flavor which makes it the perfect dish to serve with cabbage since cabbage tends to have a more mild flavor. 

3. Cornbread

The sweetness and slightly grainy texture of cornbread is a great contrast to the crispy cabbage. A side of cornbread is a great way to complete any meal!

4. Barbecue Pulled Pork

The tangy and rich flavors of barbecue pulled pork makes it a great accompaniment to the fried cabbage. 

5. Grilled Chicken

The delicious flavor of tender and juicy grilled chicken complements the crunchiness of fried cabbage. Neither are particularly bold flavors, but they are delicious and satisfying together. 

6. Roasted Carrots

The earthy sweetness of roasted carrots pairs well with the savory fried cabbage. Whether you make them sweet or savory, a simple side dish of roast carrots will add a lot of flavor as a side to your fried cabbage.

7. Creamy Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a delicious side dish that most people would agree can be served with just about anything. A classic comfort food, creamy mac and cheese adds a rich and indulgent element to the dish. The combination of cheese and cabbage is surprisingly delicious.

8. Baked Ham

The salty and smoky flavors of baked ham cut through the sweetness of the fried cabbage. 

9. Fried Apples

The sweetness and tanginess of the fried apples add a burst of flavor to the dish. This is a great easy side dish to serve alongside cabbage and smoked sausage.

10. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Another member of the cabbage family, the roasted Brussels sprouts add a different flavor and texture to the dish. 

11. Pork Chops

The hearty and savory flavors of pork chops make a great accompaniment to the fried cabbage. Cooking pork chops and cabbage together in a large cast iron dutch oven or in a cast iron skillet is a great way to add tons of flavor as the cabbage cooks with the meat and seasonings. 

12. Creamy Coleslaw

A perfect side dish for a summer barbecue, creamy coleslaw adds a cool and refreshing element to the dish. The crunchiness of this quick side dish also adds a nice texture contrast. This traditional Southern side dish is an easy recipe that’s full of flavor that goes a long way for elevating the meal but keeps it on the lighter side.

13. Grilled Salmon

The healthy and flavorful option of grilled salmon pairs well with the crispy and sweet fried cabbage. 

14. Baked Beans

A classic side dish, baked beans provide a sweet and smoky flavor to the dish. Beans are a nice and filling side for a complete meal with something like pork chops. For an even heartier version try calico baked beans.

15. Corned Beef

Corned beef is a traditional food served on St. Patrick’s Day, typically with cabbage and potatoes. Usually the cabbage is steamed, but there are no rules that say you can’t use sauteed cabbage.