Wings, Fried Cabbage and Loaded Red Skin Mashed Potatoes
A cozy Southern comfort dinner featuring crispy honey BBQ wings, smoky fried cabbage with bacon, and creamy loaded red skin mashed potatoes. This meal is pure soul food that tastes like home.

- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 45 min
- Total Time
- 60 min
- Servings
- 4–6 servings
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View on AmazonAvailable on AmazonIn this post, you’ll discover how to make wings, fried cabbage and loaded red skin mashed potatoes a Southern comfort classic that’s crisp, creamy, and full of flavor. We’ll cover what makes each dish special, why you’ll love this combo, how to prepare it step-by-step, and the best ways to serve and store it for later.

Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Whats is Wings, Fried Cabbage and Loaded Red Skin Mashed Potatoes
There’s something about a plate of crispy wings, buttery fried cabbage, and creamy loaded red skin mashed potatoes that feels like home. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, reminding you of Sunday dinners that lingered long past sunset.
Growing up, I spent summers helping my grandmother fry cabbage in her cast-iron skillet while wings sizzled nearby. She’d say, “The secret’s in the patience let it brown, not burn.” Those words shaped how I cook today: slow, intentional, and from the heart.
This spread isn’t fancy it’s honest comfort. Golden honey-glazed wings with a sticky BBQ kiss, smoky cabbage tossed in bacon, and mashed potatoes loaded with cheddar and crisp bits of bacon. Together, they make a meal that’s hearty, familiar, and downright irresistible.
And the best part? You don’t need a restaurant. You can make this southern-inspired comfort trio right in your own kitchen tonight.
For more cozy dinner inspirations, check out our twist on Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole it’s another weeknight hero.
Why You’ll Love This Southern Combo
When you sit down to a plate of wings, fried cabbage and loaded red skin mashed potatoes, it’s more than dinner it’s comfort in its truest form. The smoky scent of bacon mingling with buttery cabbage, the crisped-up skin of honey-glazed wings, and the cheesy, velvety potatoes all come together like a Southern hymn on a Sunday night.
Every bite offers contrast the crunch of caramelized edges from the cabbage, the sticky-sweet glaze clinging to the chicken, and the creamy potatoes grounding it all. It’s a trio that feels both indulgent and deeply familiar, like a hug from the kitchen.
A Meal That Feeds the Soul
You’ll love how this combo checks every comfort-food box: easy prep, simple ingredients, and flavors that taste slow-cooked even when they’re not. The wings deliver that crisp, crave-worthy texture without needing deep frying, and the fried cabbage adds a down-home touch that balances the richness perfectly.
If you’ve ever tried our Crack Potatoes, you already know how we feel about loaded potato sides they turn any meal into an experience. Pair that with cabbage sautéed in bacon and golden wings that glisten under a sweet BBQ glaze, and you’ve got a dinner that wins hearts at first bite.
Real Ingredients, Real Comfort
This meal uses everyday pantry staples no fuss, no complicated steps. The wings bake or air fry crisp with just olive oil and spices. The fried cabbage sizzles to perfection in bacon drippings. The loaded mashed potatoes come creamy with sour cream, cheese, and a touch of butter.
For another simple but satisfying pairing, try our Popeyes Fried Chicken Recipe it delivers that same golden crunch that makes these wings so addictive.
You’ll love this combo because it’s the kind of meal that makes any night feel special, yet requires nothing fancy just time, care, and good ingredients.
How to Make Wings, Fried Cabbage and Loaded Red Skin Mashed Potatoes
When you crave a cozy, homestyle dinner, this trio brings it all together. These dishes may look like a Sunday feast, but they’re weeknight easy. With just a skillet, a pot, and your oven or air fryer, you’ll have everything golden, creamy, and ready to serve in under an hour.
Quick Overview
Here’s a look at how everything comes together:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Serves: 4–6
- Total time: Around 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
- Main Flavor Notes: Smoky, buttery, and sweet-savory
If you’ve made our Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs before, you’ll notice similar creamy, cheesy comfort but with a rustic twist here.
Ingredients

| Dish | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Honey BBQ Wings | 2 lbs chicken wings (split, tips removed), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, ½ cup BBQ sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp butter |
| Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Peppers | ½ head green cabbage (chopped), 5 slices bacon (chopped), ½ onion (sliced), ½ green and ½ red bell pepper (sliced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt & pepper to taste |
| Loaded Red Skin Mashed Potatoes | 2 lbs red potatoes (unpeeled, quartered), ½ cup sour cream, ½ cup warm milk, 4 tbsp butter, 1 cup cheddar cheese, 4 slices bacon (crumbled), 2 tbsp green onions, salt & pepper to taste |
Step-by-Step
1. Make the Wings
Preheat your oven or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the wings dry and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Arrange them on a wire rack or tray and cook for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
In a saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, honey, and butter. Warm until glossy, then toss your wings in this sticky glaze. Return to the oven for 5 minutes to caramelize.
For another flavor-packed twist, check out our Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe another southern comfort that pairs beautifully with these wings.
2. Cook the Fried Cabbage
In a skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove it, leaving the drippings.
Add onion and bell peppers, sautéing for a few minutes until soft. Stir in garlic, then add chopped cabbage, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender and caramelized.
Return bacon to the pan and toss for a final smoky finish.
3. Prepare the Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Boil red potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes, then drain. Mash with butter, sour cream, and warm milk until creamy. Stir in half the cheese and bacon, then season with salt and pepper.
Transfer to a baking dish, top with the remaining cheese and bacon, and broil for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with green onions or parsley.
If you love potatoes as much as we do, try our Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole next it’s a cozy cousin to these mashed potatoes.
Pro Tip:
When making all three, start the potatoes first so they’re mashing while the wings finish crisping. The cabbage cooks last it stays warm and smoky right off the stove.
What to Serve Wings, Fried Cabbage and Loaded Red Skin Mashed Potatoes With
A plate of wings, fried cabbage and loaded red skin mashed potatoes doesn’t need much else it’s rich, savory, and deeply satisfying on its own. But if you’re setting the table for a full Southern-style dinner or hosting friends, a few sides and sips can round it out perfectly.
Southern-Inspired Pairings
When we make this trio for family nights, we love serving it alongside a chilled glass of sweet tea or a tangy lemonade. The sweetness balances the smoky and spicy notes of the wings beautifully.
For something heartier, try pairing this combo with Crack Potatoes for extra creaminess, or a simple green salad for balance. You could even add cornbread or buttered rolls if you want that traditional comfort finish.
If you’re serving guests, a tray of deviled eggs or pickled cucumbers adds a cool contrast to the warmth of the wings and cabbage.
And because mashed potatoes love company, you might also try our Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs as a bite-sized twist perfect for soaking up extra honey-BBQ sauce.
Drinks and Desserts
Naomi’s rule of thumb? Always finish comfort food with a little sweetness. A slice of lemon icebox pie, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a no-bake bar from our No-Bake Oreo Lasagna page makes a fine ending to this hearty meal.
To sip, reach for something that cuts through the richness: iced tea with a squeeze of lemon, a citrus mocktail, or even a light beer if you’re keeping things classic.
And if you want to share your table setup or dinner results, tag us on
Facebook or Pinterest we love seeing how you bring these recipes to life.
Pro Tip:
This trio makes great leftovers. If you’re meal prepping, cook an extra batch of cabbage and potatoes they reheat beautifully and taste even richer the next day.
Top Tips for Perfecting Wings, Fried Cabbage and Loaded Red Skin Mashed Potatoes
The secret to getting every bite right in this meal lies in small details the kind passed down through family kitchens and perfected over time. Here’s how to make your wings, fried cabbage and loaded red skin mashed potatoes turn out beautifully every time.
Perfectly Crispy Wings
- Pat the wings dry before seasoning moisture is the enemy of crispness.
- Use a wire rack instead of laying wings flat on a pan; this lets hot air circulate for even browning.
- Flip halfway through baking so both sides turn that deep golden brown.
- For an extra glaze, brush the honey-BBQ sauce twice: once after tossing, and again before that final caramelizing bake.
If you like your chicken a little spicier, try using a drizzle from our Firecracker Steak and Shrimp recipe it adds just the right kick without overwhelming the sweetness.
Fried Cabbage with Flavor
- Cook your bacon first and save every drop of that smoky drippings that’s your flavor base.
- Don’t rush the cabbage. Let it sit for a minute or two without stirring so it can caramelize and pick up color.
- A splash of apple cider vinegar right at the end brightens everything and cuts the richness.
- For a little color and balance, add a handful of chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
This dish pairs wonderfully with the creamy sides from our Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole it’s another comfort-food winner on our table.
Loaded Red Skin Mashed Potatoes
- Don’t peel the potatoes. The red skins give a rustic texture and earthy flavor.
- Warm your milk and butter before adding it keeps the potatoes fluffy, not gummy.
- Mix cheese in while the potatoes are hot so it melts right in.
- Top with bacon just before serving for a crisp bite every time.
If you love this kind of hearty side, try pairing it with Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie for another classic comfort meal that’s all flavor, no fuss.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Good food tastes even better the next day, and this meal proves it. The beauty of wings, fried cabbage and loaded red skin mashed potatoes is that they all reheat beautifully making them ideal for meal prepping or lazy Sunday leftovers.
How to Store
Keep each dish in separate airtight containers to preserve their flavors and textures.
| Dish | Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Honey BBQ Wings | Store in a sealed container in the fridge. Line the bottom with a paper towel to absorb moisture. | 3–4 days |
| Fried Cabbage with Bacon | Cool completely before storing in a covered container. | 3 days |
| Loaded Red Skin Mashed Potatoes | Keep in a glass dish or meal-prep container with a tight lid. | 4–5 days |
If you plan to freeze them, freeze the wings and potatoes separately for best results. Cabbage doesn’t freeze as well it’s better enjoyed fresh or reheated from the fridge.
For another make-ahead comfort recipe that stores beautifully, see our Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole it keeps its flavor even after a few days in the fridge.
How to Reheat
Each dish has its own best reheat method to keep it tasting just-cooked:
Wings:
Preheat your oven or air fryer to 375°F. Warm wings for 8–10 minutes until the skin crisps again. Avoid microwaving it softens the glaze.
Fried Cabbage:
Reheat in a skillet on medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Stir occasionally until warmed through.
Loaded Mashed Potatoes:
Warm in the microwave or oven-safe dish at 350°F. Stir halfway through, and add a touch of milk or butter to restore creaminess.
If you’re looking for another creamy potato recipe that reheats like a dream, check out our Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs they crisp right back up in minutes.
Meal-Prep Magic
This trio makes incredible lunch leftovers. Store portions together in individual meal boxes, and you’ve got a week of cozy lunches ready to go.
And if you want to share your meal-prep setup or favorite reheating trick, tag us on Facebook or Pinterest we love seeing how our readers enjoy these homestyle meals all week long.
FAQs About Wings, Fried Cabbage and Loaded Red Skin Mashed Potatoes
What are the main ingredients for wings, fried cabbage and loaded red skin mashed potatoes?
This meal brings together simple pantry staples with big flavor. For the wings, you’ll need chicken, olive oil, BBQ sauce, honey, and spices like garlic powder and paprika. The fried cabbage calls for bacon, onion, bell peppers, and smoked paprika, while the loaded mashed potatoes use red potatoes, sour cream, butter, cheddar, and crisp bacon bits.
How do you make wings, fried cabbage and loaded red skin mashed potatoes?
Start by baking or air-frying the wings at 400°F until golden. Toss them in a glossy honey-BBQ mix and bake again for a caramelized glaze. Next, fry the bacon, sauté the cabbage with peppers and garlic, and finish with smoky paprika. For the potatoes, mash boiled red potatoes with butter, sour cream, and cheese, then top with bacon and broil until bubbly.
For a creamy comfort classic with similar prep steps, try our Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe it’s cozy, hearty, and family-approved.
What goes well with wings, fried cabbage and loaded red skin mashed potatoes?
This Southern-style spread pairs beautifully with cornbread, sweet tea, or a side of green beans. A tangy coleslaw or crisp cucumber salad adds freshness that balances the rich flavors. And for dessert, something chilled like our No-Bake Oreo Lasagna is the perfect finish.
How can I store leftovers and reheat them?
Keep each dish in separate airtight containers. The wings and potatoes will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, while the cabbage lasts about 3. Reheat wings in the oven or air fryer for crispiness, cabbage in a skillet with a splash of water, and mashed potatoes in the oven or microwave with a bit of butter stirred in.
Conclusion
There’s something timeless about this trio of wings, fried cabbage and loaded red skin mashed potatoes a plate that’s smoky, creamy, and full of soul. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with laughter, feeds every appetite, and reminds you that home-cooked comfort doesn’t need to be complicated.
So grab your skillet, toss your wings, and let your kitchen smell like Sunday dinner.
And don’t forget to share your version with us on Facebook or Pinterest we love seeing your homemade spreads.
Wings, Fried Cabbage and Loaded Red Skin Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 60 min
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
A cozy Southern comfort dinner featuring crispy honey BBQ wings, smoky fried cabbage with bacon, and creamy loaded red skin mashed potatoes. This meal is pure soul food that tastes like home.
Ingredients
Honey BBQ Wings:
2 lbs chicken wings (split, tips removed)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ cup BBQ sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp butter
Fried Cabbage with Bacon & Peppers:
½ head green cabbage, chopped
5 slices bacon, chopped
½ onion, sliced
½ green bell pepper, sliced
½ red bell pepper, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
Loaded Red Skin Mashed Potatoes:
2 lbs red potatoes (unpeeled, quartered)
½ cup sour cream
½ cup warm milk
4 tbsp butter
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled
2 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Wings: Pat wings dry. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Bake or air fry 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Sauce: In saucepan, heat BBQ sauce, honey, and butter until glossy. Toss cooked wings and return to oven for 5 minutes.
- Fried Cabbage: In skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon, sauté onion and peppers in drippings for 2–3 minutes. Add garlic, cabbage, and seasonings. Cover and cook 10–12 minutes until caramelized. Return bacon, stir 2 minutes more.
- Potatoes: Boil potatoes 15–20 minutes until tender. Drain and mash with butter, sour cream, and warm milk. Stir in half the cheese and bacon. Top with remaining cheese and bacon, broil 2–3 minutes. Garnish with green onions.
- Serve: Plate together and enjoy the trio of wings, fried cabbage, and loaded red skin mashed potatoes warm.
Notes
Reheat wings in oven or air fryer for crispness. Cabbage reheats best in a skillet. Add a touch of milk or butter to mashed potatoes when reheating. Serve with sweet tea or cornbread for the ultimate comfort dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven & Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Must‑Have Kitchen Equipment for This Recipe:
- Instant Pot Duo Plus 6‑Qt 9‑in‑1 Programmable Pressure Cooker
- Instant Vortex Plus 6‑Qt Air Fryer (ClearCook + OdorErase)
- Aucma 6.5‑Qt 6‑Speed Tilt‑Head Stand Mixer
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