Fried Cabbage and Sausage is one of my go-to meals I make when I want something hearty, fast, and full of flavor. Just a few ingredients, one skillet, and dinner’s done. Whether I’m using kielbasa, andouille, or whatever’s in the fridge, it always hits the spot.
If you love cabbage, try my Braised Cabbage Recipe. It is tender and delicious.
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Why this Fried Cabbage with Sausage Recipe is a Keeper
I love this recipe for cabbage and sausage skillet because it’s pure comfort, quick and super yummy; it checks all the boxes! Quick, easy and delicious.
- Simplicity and Speed: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and comes together in one pan in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
- Affordability: Cabbage and sausage are both budget-friendly ingredients, making this a delicious and economical meal.
- Versatility: It’s a fantastic base recipe that can be customized with various vegetables, spices, and types of sausage to suit your taste.
- Comfort Food Status: This dish is hearty, flavorful, and satisfying, with the perfect combination of tender-crisp cabbage and savory, browned sausage.
- Low-Carb Friendly: Naturally low in carbohydrates, it’s a great option for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
What Kind of Sausage Should I Use for this Southern Fried Cabbage with Sausage?
The recipe uses for a turkey smoked sausage link. However, smoked kielbasa is a classic choice for fried cabbage—it’s mild, pre-cooked, and browns nicely. For a spicier kick, try andouille or chorizo. Bratwurst offers a juicy, mellow flavor, while Italian sausage adds herbs and fennel, especially when crumbled. Just match the sausage to your seasoning style for a balanced, flavorful skillet
Pro Tip to Love this Recipe
Cook the sausage separately to get a good sear on them without burning the veggies.
Ingredient Notes for this Southern Recipe with Cabbage
This recipe uses easy, fresh ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Sausage: You will need a smoked turkey sausage link to make this southern fried cabbage with sausage.
- Vegetables: A fresh head of cabbage, onion and bell pepper are best for flavor.
- Chicken Stock: Chicken broth or stock is to add flavor when boiling the cabbage.
Variations for Make Southern Fried Cabbage
Feel free to use different ingredients to substitute or experiment with flavors.
- Protein: You could make fried cabbage with bacon, Italian sausage, andouille sausage, polish sausage, smoked sausage or kielbasa sausage.
- Cabbage: Feel free to use either red cabbage or green cabbage in this recipe if there’s one you prefer more.
- Veggies: In addition to, or instead of, the bell pepper and onion, try adding mushrooms, carrots or banana peppers.
- Seasoning: Add more flavor by adding some garlic powder, red pepper flakes, bacon grease,
How to Make Fried Cabbage and Sausage
This recipe comes together in just 4 easy to follow steps. This fried cabbage recipe with sausage is so easy and delicious, I come back to it again and again.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Cook the Sausage and Veggies: Heat butter and oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven. Add the sausage, peppers and onions. Cook until the veggies are soft.
- Prepare the Cabbage: Cut the cabbage and remove the center. Slice each half in half (quarters) and thinly slice. Rinse and then add the cabbage to the pan.
- Add Cabbage to Pan: Add the seasoning, then toss everything together making sure to evenly coat. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil.
- Cook the Cabbage: Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and continue to cook. Be sure you’re stirring every few minutes.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for Southern Fried Cabbage
Preparing ingredients ahead of time can help to save me time and kitchen space when it comes to making the sausage and cabbage recipe.
- Chop the Veggies: You can chop the cabbage, onions, and any other vegetables you’re using a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Slice the Sausage: Slice the sausage into rounds or chunks ahead of time to make for even quicker cooking.
- Cooked Sausage: Work ahead and add pre-cooked sausage to the cabbage and sausage dish.
Alternate Cooking Methods for Sausage and Cabbage
Make this recipe another way by using your crock pot or oven.
- Oven Roasted: For a hands-off approach, you can roast the cabbage and sausage on a large baking sheet. Toss the sliced sausage and cabbage with a little oil and your seasonings, and roast at 400°F (200°C) until the cabbage is tender and the sausage is browned.
- Slow Cooker: For a very tender version, you can combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours. This method will result in a much softer texture and is great for a comforting, stew-like dish.
Store Cabbage Dish, Reheat and Use Leftovers
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container, stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: The best way to reheat is in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat. This helps to re-crisp the cabbage. You can also microwave it, but the cabbage may lose some of its texture.
- Use Leftovers: Add leftover fried cabbage and sausage to a simple broth for a hearty chopped cabbage soup.
- Wrap/Sandwich: Use the fried sausage and cabbage leftovers as a filling for a wrap or a sandwich.
- Breakfast Hash: Combine with cubed potatoes and an egg for a delicious breakfast hash.
Questions About Skillet Cabbage and Sausage Recipe
Be sure to not overcook the cabbage to avoid sogginess.
In this cooked cabbage recipe, the cabbage isn’t supposed to be super brown!
Expert Tips for Making Cabbage and Sausage Skillet
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: This is the most important tip for getting beautifully browned cabbage. If your pan is too full, the cabbage will steam instead of fry. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Season in Layers: Add salt and pepper to the cabbage and the sausage as you cook them. This will build layers of flavor.
- Brown the Sausage First: Start by browning the sausage. This will render out some of the fat, which you can use to cook the cabbage, adding a ton of flavor.
- Slice the Cabbage Thinly: Thinly sliced cabbage will cook more quickly and evenly.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill at the end of cooking can brighten up the dish.
- Serve this Recipe: Serve with Whipped Mashed Potatoes, Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers or Oreo Dump Cake.
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Fried Cabbage and Sausage
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Unsalted butter
- ¼ cup Oil
- 1 Smoked turkey sausage link
- ¼ Bell pepper, sliced
- ¼ Onion, sliced
- 1 Cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons All Purpose Seasoning Blend
- 1-1 ½ cups Chicken stock
Instructions
- In a large pan heat butter and 2 Tablespoons of olive oil.
- Sauté sliced peppers, onions, and sliced sausage until the peppers and onions are softened, about 4-6 minutes.
- Cut cabbage in half, cut out the root (center).
- Cut the halves in half and then slice the cabbage.
- Give it a good rinse and add to the pan.
- Add in the All Purpose Seasoning and toss the cabbage with the sautéed pepper and onions and smoked sausage.
- Once the cabbage is nicely coated, continue to toss for about 3-4 minutes. Add in 1 cup chicken stock, reserving the rest in case it's needed later.
- Bring to a boil over high heat
- Reduce heat and cover for 10-12 mins, stirring every 4-5 minutes
- The cabbage should not be soggy and should still have some bite to it when you test it. If more stock is needed, add it during this phase
Christina’s Notes
- Add Different Vegetables: To make this dish even more hardy add some sliced potatoes or peppers or even tomatoes.
- Kielbasa: This protein works great in this recipe and adds a great flavor.
- Bacon: Want even more meat? Bacon bits add a wonderful flavor.
- Heat: Cajun spices can really add a punch of flavor.
- Fresh: A squeeze of lemon, lime or fresh herbs can make this dish pop.
- Dietary consideration tip: Vegan sausage can be used in this dish.
- Seasoning: Red pepper flakes or cajun seasoning can be added to taste.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.