A Simple Southern Cabbage Recipe with Smoky Ham Hocks
Home Style Cabbage is a classic Southern comfort dish that transforms humble ingredients into a flavorful, satisfying side. Slow-cooked with smoky ham hocks and seasoned with a touch of vinegar, this recipe delivers the rich, savory flavors that have long been a staple on Southern dinner tables.
This version from Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon is easy to prepare and pairs beautifully with cornbread, fried chicken, pork chops, or other Southern favorites. The ham hocks add depth and richness while the cabbage becomes tender and infused with delicious flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 head cabbage (shredded)
- 2 pounds ham hocks
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 Tablespoon red vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place a large pot of water over high heat and bring it to a boil.
- Add the shredded cabbage, ham hocks, water, red vinegar, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Stir everything together, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil.
- Cook the cabbage, stirring occasionally, until it becomes tender and the ham hocks have flavored the broth.
- If needed, add a little additional water during cooking to prevent the cabbage from drying out.
- Continue cooking over low heat for approximately 25 minutes, or until the cabbage reaches your desired tenderness.
- Remove from heat and serve warm.
Closing Summary / Pro Tips
- This traditional Southern cabbage recipe is packed with smoky, savory flavor from the ham hocks.
- Red vinegar adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the meat.
- Serve alongside cornbread, black-eyed peas, or fried chicken for a complete Southern meal.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully and often develop even more flavor the next day.
💡 Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a few slices of smoked sausage during cooking.
About the Creator
Ethel Rayson Dixon, a Louisiana native, shares recipes inspired by generations of Southern home cooking. Her cookbook highlights comforting dishes rooted in Black culinary traditions and celebrates the warmth of homemade meals prepared with simple ingredients and care.
Ethel Rayson Dixon | Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes
Where to Find This Recipe
This recipe is adapted from Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon.
Find more amazing recipes like this in the book, available through local booksellers and online retailers.
