10 Comforting German Cabbage Recipes (2024)

Sweet and Sour Slaw

Known as krautsalat in Germany, this red or green cabbage slaw uses a vinegar and sugar dressing instead of mayonnaise to create sweet and sour flavors. Mustard seeds and celery seeds are added for extra flavor. This version also adds celery, green peppers, and pimento but these are all optional.

Cabbage Borsht

This thick and cozy German cabbage, potato, and pearl barley soup can be made with bone-in chicken pieces or beef stew meat. Ladle into shallow bowls and garnish with fresh dill and a great big dollop of sour cream. Any leftovers of this soup will freeze well for an easy meal at a later date.

North German Gruenkohl and Sausage

Kale or dark green cabbage are cooked with sausages, bacon, and ham, and seasoned with mustard and nutmeg in this specialty dish from the north of Germany. Serve with rustic bread or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal during the colder months.

Oktoberfest Chicken and Red Cabbage

This Bavarian-style dish, in which crispy chicken thighs are cooked on a bed of braised red cabbage with apples and bacon, is delicious with German beer for Oktoberfest! "Having German heritage this recipe brought back memories of my Grandma's cooking," says home cook John G. "The chicken was tender and flavorful and the cabbage provided a sweet and sour compliment."

Bavarian Kohlrabi Soup

Kohlrabi is part of the cabbage family, and in this recipe it is grated and combined with white cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and green beans to create a hearty vegetable soup, otherwise known as German comfort food. "My grandmother used to add egg dumplings to the soup," says recipe contributor Coffey, "but that is optional."

Blaukraut (German Red Cabbage)

This sweet and sour German red cabbage and apple side dish is a staple on most people's home for Christmas dinner. Some versions add ground cloves and allspice for a more festive flavor. This cabbage dish pairs perfectly with pork, roast beef, goose, turkey, and game. It tastes even better the next day and is especially good in leftover roast beef sandwiches.

Fried Cabbage and Egg Noodles

"This is a German recipe from my Grandmother," says recipe contributor judi. "It's cabbage that is lightly browned in butter and mixed with egg noodles and browned lightly for a wonderful, hearty, and fast dish." Add some slices of your favorite type of smoked sausage, or smoked bacon, for a heartier meal if desired.

German Pork Chops and Sauerkraut

With just 6 ingredients, you'll be amazed how comforting and delicious this German sauerkraut, apple, and pork chop dish turns out to be! Stick to the German theme and serve this dish with fried potatoes. "This was amazing and very similar to a dish I had at the Hirschgarten in Munich!" says home cook Jade4.

Bierrocks I

These German stuffed pasty pockets are packed with cabbage, beef, onion, and cheese. They can be eaten warm, straight out of the oven, or wrapped up for picnics and eaten cold. You might want to double the recipe as they freeze beautifully and can go straight from the freezer in to the oven if unexpected guests arrive.

Sausage 'n Kraut

A jar of sauerkraut is cooked in butter, seasoned with onion, caraway seeds, brown sugar, and pepper, and topped with slices of grilled sausages in this quick and easy German dish that combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. If you're feeding a crowd, serve with German potato salad or braised red cabbage on the side.

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