10+ Cabbage Recipes to Brighten Up Your Dinner Table

Cabbage is a simple and affordable vegetable you can use in many delicious ways. It’s easy to find and fits into a variety of meals, from quick sides to main dishes.

You don’t need to be a chef to make tasty cabbage recipes your whole family will enjoy. Cooking with cabbage adds flavor, nutrition, and variety to your kitchen.

1) Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Onion

This simple Southern fried cabbage recipe is smoky, savory, and full of flavor thanks to crispy bacon and tender onions. The cabbage softens as it cooks and soaks up all the good tastes.

Serve this dish as a side for dinner, especially with roasted meats or fried chicken. It’s fast to prepare and needs only a few ingredients.

Cook the bacon first until crispy. Add onions and cabbage to the bacon fat, stirring until the cabbage wilts and becomes tender.

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 large head cabbage, cored and sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook bacon in a large pan over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove bacon and set aside; keep the bacon fat in the pan.
3. Add onions to the pan and cook until soft.
4. Stir in garlic, cooking for 1 minute.
5. Add cabbage and salt; cook, stirring, until cabbage is tender.
6. Return bacon to the pan, mix well, and serve warm.

For more detail, see the fried cabbage with bacon recipe on Allrecipes.

2) Lemon Garlic Sautéed Cabbage

This lemon garlic sautéed cabbage is a quick and tasty way to enjoy cabbage. Cook it in a skillet with olive oil, garlic, and fresh lemon for bright flavor.

The cabbage gets soft and lightly browned, making it a perfect side dish. Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if you like.

This recipe takes about 15 minutes, so it’s great when you need something fast and healthy. It pairs well with chicken, fish, or as a meatless option.

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of green cabbage, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add sliced cabbage, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is soft and lightly browned.
5. Add lemon juice, zest, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
6. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, then serve warm.

For more details, see this lemon garlic sautéed cabbage recipe.

3) Oven-Braised Green Cabbage with Caramelized Red Onions

Oven-braising brings out the sweetness in green cabbage. The slow cooking makes the cabbage tender while keeping some texture.

Caramelized red onions add a rich, deep flavor that pairs well with the cabbage’s mild taste. Start by slicing the cabbage and onions.

Cook the onions slowly until they turn soft and sweet. Arrange the cabbage, carrots, and onions in a baking dish and braise them in the oven with a splash of aged balsamic vinegar.

Ingredients

• 1 head green cabbage, sliced
• 2 large red onions, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, sliced into coins
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
3. In a baking dish, layer cabbage, carrots, and caramelized onions.
4. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss gently.
5. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45-60 minutes, until cabbage is tender.
6. Serve warm.

This recipe is based on ideas from World’s Best Braised Green Cabbage.

4) Polish Bigos Cabbage Stew

Bigos is a traditional Polish stew made with fresh cabbage and sauerkraut. It uses different kinds of meat, like sausage and bacon, for a rich and hearty flavor.

Mushrooms and sometimes dried fruits, like prunes, add a slight sweetness. Cook this stew slowly to blend all the flavors.

You can use leftover meats, making it an easy way to avoid waste. Spices like marjoram and paprika add depth.

Ingredients

• Fresh cabbage
• Sauerkraut
• Mixed meats (sausage, bacon, or leftover meats)
• Mushrooms (fresh or dried)
• Prunes (optional)
• Tomato puree
• Onion
• Garlic
• Marjoram
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Water or broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak dried mushrooms in hot water for 15 minutes.
2. Brown the meats in a large pot over medium heat.
3. Add chopped onions and garlic; cook until soft.
4. Stir in fresh cabbage, sauerkraut, mushrooms, and prunes.
5. Add tomato puree, marjoram, paprika, salt, pepper, and water or broth.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
7. Stir occasionally and add water if it gets too thick.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Learn more about making Bigos on Polish Hunter’s Stew.

5) Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a tasty way to enjoy cabbage with a savory filling. Wrap ground beef or pork mixed with rice inside tender cabbage leaves.

Bake the rolls in a rich tomato sauce until they are soft and full of flavor. This dish is great for a family dinner and is easy to make ahead.

You can simmer the rolls on the stove or bake them in the oven. The tomato sauce keeps the cabbage moist and adds a nice tang.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork (optional)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Boil cabbage leaves until soft, then drain.
3. Mix beef, pork, rice, onion, egg, salt, and pepper.
4. Place filling on each leaf and roll tightly.
5. Spread a bit of tomato sauce in a baking dish.
6. Arrange rolls seam side down in the dish.
7. Pour remaining tomato sauce over rolls.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.

6) Slow-Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage

Slow-cooker corned beef and cabbage is an easy, hands-off meal. Place the corned beef and harder veggies like potatoes and carrots in the slow cooker.

Cook them on low heat for 8 to 10 hours. Add the cabbage during the last 45 minutes of cooking to keep it tender but not mushy.

When done, the brisket will be tender and full of flavor. Add spices and broth or beer for extra taste.

Ingredients

• 3 to 3 1/2 pounds corned beef with spice packet
• 1 medium white onion, quartered
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 3 carrots, peeled and cut
• 4 medium potatoes, cut
• 1 small head of cabbage, cut into wedges
• 3 cups water or broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Place corned beef, onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and spice packet in the slow cooker.
2. Add water or broth.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours (about 200°F / 93°C).
4. Add cabbage wedges, cook for another 45 minutes.
5. Remove corned beef and let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
6. Serve with vegetables.

For more details, visit this slow cooker corned beef and cabbage recipe.

7) Healthy Cabbage Slaw

Make a healthy cabbage slaw that tastes fresh and crunchy. Use green cabbage and add shredded carrots for color and sweetness.

Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro give extra flavor. Skip heavy mayonnaise and try a light dressing with lemon juice or yogurt.

Add a little heat with jalapeño if you like spice. Toasted seeds like sunflower add a nice crunch.

This slaw works as a side dish or topping for sandwiches. It’s simple to make and keeps well in the fridge.

Ingredients

• ¼ head green cabbage, shredded
• 2 carrots, shredded
• Handful of fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, minced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt or olive oil
• 2 tablespoons toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Shred the cabbage and carrots into a bowl.
2. Add chopped herbs and jalapeño if using.
3. Mix lemon juice and yogurt or olive oil to make the dressing.
4. Pour dressing over veggies and toss well.
5. Sprinkle toasted seeds on top before serving.

8) Spicy Kimchi Soup

Spicy kimchi soup is a warm, tangy dish with bold flavors. Use fermented kimchi for a spicy, sour kick.

Add pork, garlic, and hot pepper paste for rich taste. This soup is simple to make and perfect for chilly days.

It cooks quickly, letting the flavors blend into a comforting meal. Enjoy it with rice or eat it on its own.

It’s a great way to use cabbage in a tasty, spicy dish. For more details, check this kimchi soup recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 cups kimchi, chopped
• 1/2 cup kimchi juice
• 1/2 pound pork, sliced
• 1 tablespoon hot pepper paste (gochujang)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Put kimchi, kimchi juice, pork, garlic, hot pepper paste, and sugar in a pot.
2. Add water and bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Lower the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Serve hot with rice or on its own.

9) Sautéed Cabbage with Olive Oil

Sautéed cabbage with olive oil is a simple and tasty way to enjoy this crunchy vegetable. Start by heating olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

The oil handles the heat well and helps cook the cabbage until it becomes tender. Add salt and pepper for basic seasoning.

As the cabbage cooks, it softens and develops a mild, slightly sweet flavor. This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare.

For extra flavor, add garlic or onions while cooking. This adds a nice aroma and taste.

Sautéed cabbage pairs well with many meals. It’s a great way to add veggies to your plate.

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
2. Add chopped cabbage to the skillet.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Stir often and cook for 8-10 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
5. Optional: Add garlic in the last 2 minutes of cooking for extra flavor.
6. Serve warm.

For more tips, visit this easy sautéed cabbage recipe.

10) Rustic Cabbage Soup

Rustic cabbage soup is a simple and healthy meal. Start by slicing cabbage into thin ribbons.

Cook the cabbage with potatoes, onions, beans, and garlic for a hearty flavor. This soup works well for a quick lunch or dinner.

It uses basic ingredients you likely have on hand. You can add your favorite seasonings like salt, pepper, or Italian herbs.

The cabbage becomes tender after cooking for about 5 to 10 minutes. Using chicken broth or vegetable broth gives the soup more flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 small head of cabbage, thinly sliced
• ½ pound potatoes, cut into small cubes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup white beans (cooked or canned)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add potatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in cabbage and beans.
5. Pour in broth.
6. Add seasoning.
7. Bring to a simmer.
8. Cook for 10 minutes until cabbage is tender.

Learn more about making this type of soup here.