10+ Cabbage Recipes to Brighten Up Your Dinner Table

Cabbage is an easy, affordable veggie you can toss into all sorts of dishes. It works well in salads, soups, stir-fries, and as a side.

You don’t need fancy skills or ingredients to make cabbage taste great.

Cabbage cooks up fast or stays crisp when raw, depending on your mood. It adds crunch, flavor, and a little health boost to whatever you’re making.

Let’s look at some easy, genuinely tasty ways to use cabbage in your kitchen.

1) Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Southern fried cabbage with bacon is a classic, no-fuss dish. Bacon brings savory flavor and just the right amount of fat to cook the cabbage until it’s soft and delicious.

Start by frying chopped bacon in a skillet. Once it’s crispy, add diced onions and garlic to the bacon fat.

Toss in chopped cabbage and your favorite seasonings. Stir everything together and cook until the cabbage is tender but still has a little bite.

This dish brings out cabbage’s natural sweetness and lets the smoky bacon shine. It’s quick, simple, and doesn’t require anything fancy.

Ingredients:

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large head cabbage, cored and sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until soft.
4. Add cabbage and stir well.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Cook cabbage until tender, about 10-15 minutes, stirring often.
7. Stir the cooked bacon back in before serving.

2) Classic Braised Green Cabbage

Braised green cabbage is all about comfort and simplicity. Just slice a fresh green cabbage into wedges or thick strips.

Melt butter or heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent.

Toss in the cabbage and stir a bit. Pour in a splash of chicken stock or water to keep things moist.

Cover and let everything cook slowly on low heat. The cabbage will soften up and soak in the flavors.

Add salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar if you want a little tang. This side dish goes with just about anything.

Ingredients

• 1 medium green cabbage (about 2 lbs)
• 1 large onion
• 2 tbsp butter or oil
• 1/4 cup chicken stock or water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1-2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut off the stem and slice the cabbage into wedges.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add sliced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Add cabbage and stir well.
5. Pour in chicken stock or water, then cover the pan.
6. Cook on low heat for 20-30 minutes until cabbage is tender.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and vinegar before serving.

You can find more details at the World’s Best Braised Green Cabbage page.

3) Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a classic, hearty dish. Wrap a filling of ground meat and rice inside cabbage leaves, then bake them in tomato sauce until everything’s tender.

You can use beef, pork, or a mix. The cabbage softens in the oven and soaks up all those good flavors.

It takes a little time, but the result is worth it. Every bite is savory, cozy, and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of green cabbage
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or pork
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 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 ground meat, cooked rice, onion, salt, and pepper.
4. Place filling on each leaf and roll tightly.
5. Spread tomato sauce in a baking dish.
6. Arrange rolls in the dish and cover with remaining sauce.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
8. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes uncovered.

4) Slow-Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage

Slow-cooker corned beef and cabbage is as easy as it gets. Place the corned beef and root veggies in the slow cooker and let them cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.

Add the cabbage in the last 45 minutes so it doesn’t get too mushy. When it’s done, you’ll have tender beef and flavorful veggies.

Serve with boiled potatoes and carrots for a filling dinner. This recipe is a lifesaver when you want a tasty meal without hovering over the stove.

Ingredients

• 3 to 3 1/2 pounds cured corned beef, with spice packet
• 1 medium white onion, quartered
• 2 cloves garlic, whole
• 3 cups water
• 4-5 potatoes, quartered
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut
• 1 small head of cabbage, cut into wedges

Cooking Instructions

1. Place corned beef, onion, garlic, and vegetables except cabbage in slow cooker.
2. Add water and the spice packet.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
4. Add cabbage wedges during the last 45 minutes.
5. Check tenderness and serve hot.

For more details, see Slow-Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe.

5) Healthy Sautéed Cabbage with Garlic

Sautéed cabbage with garlic is a quick, healthy side. The garlic brings out the cabbage’s sweetness and adds a punch of flavor.

Heat oil in a pan, toss in chopped garlic, and cook until it smells good but isn’t burnt. Add shredded or chopped cabbage and cook until it softens and gets a little golden.

You might add a splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of lime if you like. It’s low-cal, full of vitamins, and just plain good.

Ingredients

• 1 small head of cabbage, shredded
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add shredded cabbage and stir to coat with oil.
4. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender and slightly browned.
5. Stir in soy sauce and lime juice if you want.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

6) Rustic Cabbage Soup

Rustic cabbage soup is simple and filling. You’ll need cabbage, potatoes, onions, and beans—nothing fancy.

Cook everything slowly so the flavors mingle. Chicken and vegetable broth give it a little extra depth.

Some folks add a splash of white wine, but you can skip it. This soup is great for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner.

You don’t really need much seasoning. A bit of salt, pepper, and maybe some Italian herbs do the trick.

Ingredients

• 1 medium cabbage, thinly sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can white beans, drained
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup white wine (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté onion and garlic in a large pot until soft.
2. Add potatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Pour in chicken and vegetable broth, then add white wine if you want.
4. Stir in cabbage, beans, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
5. Simmer for 20–25 minutes until cabbage is tender.
6. Serve warm and enjoy.

Find more on rustic cabbage soup here.

7) Kimchi Soup

Kimchi soup is bold, spicy, and totally comforting. It uses tangy, fermented kimchi and broth for a punchy flavor.

You can add pork or chicken for a heartier meal. Key ingredients are kimchi, broth, and seasonings like garlic and chili paste.

This soup comes together fast. It’s great on a cold day or when you want something simple but packed with flavor.

Serve kimchi soup with rice on the side. It helps balance out the heat and rounds out the meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups kimchi, chopped
• 4 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
• 1/2 cup pork or chicken, sliced
• 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• Green onions, chopped (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a pot, sauté garlic and meat until cooked.
2. Add kimchi, gochujang, sugar, and soy sauce. Stir well.
3. Pour in broth and bring to a boil.
4. Lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Garnish with green onions before serving.

8) Roasted Cabbage with Capers and Garlic

Roasting cabbage brings out a gentle sweetness and crispy edges. Capers and garlic add a salty, tangy kick that really wakes up the flavor.

Cut the cabbage into wedges and drizzle olive oil over them. Sprinkle chopped garlic and capers on top.

Roast in the oven until the cabbage is golden and tender. A squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of chili flakes can jazz it up even more.

Enjoy it as a side for meat or fish, or just snack on it straight from the pan. Sometimes simple really is best.

Ingredients

• 1 head of cabbage
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons capers
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 teaspoon chili flakes, juice of 1 lemon

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Cut the cabbage into 1.5-inch thick wedges.

3. Place the wedges on a baking tray and drizzle them with olive oil.

4. Sprinkle garlic, capers, salt, and pepper evenly over the wedges.

5. Roast for 25-30 minutes. Turn them once halfway through. Cook until they look browned and feel tender.

6. Squeeze on some lemon juice or toss on chili flakes before serving if that sounds good to you.

9) Bubble and Squeak

Bubble and Squeak is one of those classic dishes that makes leftovers shine. It’s a British staple, and honestly, it’s perfect for using up cabbage and potatoes.

Just chop up the cabbage and mix it with mashed or diced potatoes. Fry the whole thing in butter until the outside gets brown and crispy.

You can toss in onions, leftover ham, or even some extra greens if you want to mix it up. It’s flexible, cozy, and helps cut down on food waste.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cabbage, shredded
• 2 cups mashed or diced cooked potatoes
• 1 medium onion, sliced (optional)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons butter
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.

2. If you’re using onions, add them and cook until they’re soft.

3. Add the cabbage and potatoes to the pan.

4. Press everything down and let it cook until the bottom turns brown and crispy, usually 5-7 minutes.

5. Gently flip or stir and cook the other side until it crisps up.

6. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then serve it up.

Check out more details at Bubble and Squeak Recipe – Allrecipes.

10) Low-Carb Cabbage Slaw

If you’re after a crunchy, refreshing side, this low-carb cabbage slaw is hard to beat. It’s super quick to throw together and pairs nicely with grilled meats or even stands alone for a light lunch.

The creamy dressing uses mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar, which gives it a nice tang. You can toss in a bit of Monk Fruit sweetener if you want it on the sweeter side, but that’s totally up to you.

Ingredients

• 5 cups shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 tsp Monk Fruit sweetener (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Grab a large bowl and toss in the shredded cabbage.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and Monk Fruit sweetener.

3. Pour that creamy dressing over the cabbage. Mix everything together until it looks well coated.

4. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste.

5. Pop the bowl in the fridge and let it chill for at least 30 minutes before you serve it up.