My 10 Favorite ways to make cabbage

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My Favorite 10 Cabbage Recipes (Simple, Cozy & Surprisingly Versatile)

Cabbage is one of those quietly magical ingredients. It’s inexpensive, available year-round, endlessly adaptable, and shows up in cuisines all over the world. Whether you’re cooking low-carb, feeding a family on a budget, or just craving something hearty and comforting, cabbage deserves a permanent place in your kitchen rotation.

These are my 10 favorite cabbage recipes—the ones I come back to again and again because they’re flavorful, satisfying, and easy to make without fuss.

1. Butter-Braised Cabbage with Garlic & Herbs

This is the cabbage recipe that converts skeptics.

Slowly braised in butter with garlic, thyme, and black pepper, cabbage becomes tender, lightly caramelized, and deeply savory. It’s perfect as a side for roast chicken, sausages, or pork chops.

Why I love it: Simple ingredients, rich flavor, and very low carb.

2. Old-Fashioned Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A true comfort classic. My German grandmother made this ALL the time (no surprise).

Shredded cabbage sautéed with bacon, onions, and a splash of apple cider vinegar creates a dish that’s smoky, slightly tangy, and deeply satisfying.

Make it your own: Add kielbasa, ham, or leftover roast meat for a one-pan meal.

3. Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Simplified Version)

Traditional cabbage rolls without the stress.

Instead of perfectly rolling every leaf, I often layer cabbage with seasoned meat and sauce—same flavor, far less work (Think lasagne style). This is a classic that satisfies with the sweet and tangy sauce combination. Check out this recipe if you're new to making cabbage rolls.

Bonus: This reheats beautifully and freezes well.

4. Cabbage & Ground Beef Skillet

This is a weeknight lifesaver.

Ground beef, cabbage, onion, garlic, and spices cooked in one skillet make a filling, budget-friendly dinner that checks every box: low carb, high protein, and comforting.

Great for: Meal prep and busy nights.

See more low carb ground beef recipes here.

5. Creamy Coleslaw (No Sugar Required)

Crisp, creamy, and refreshing without being sweet. Coleslaw is without question one of my favorite foods. I often say it is the perfect food because it has: crunch, creamy, sweet, sour, filling and goes with many things.

This version skips added sugar and lets vinegar, salt, and a touch of seasoning do the heavy lifting.

Perfect with: Grilled meats, fish, or summer plates even as a sandwich condiment.

You may like the new coastal plate collection for indoor outdoor summer entertaining.

6. Asian-Inspired Sesame Cabbage Stir Fry

Fast, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable.

Cabbage cooks quickly in a hot pan with sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce (or coconut aminos).

Add-ins: Shrimp, chicken, or tofu work beautifully here.

7. Creamed cabbage

Simple, nourishing, and deeply comforting.

My family has always made this by chopping up cabbage into 2-3" chunks then boiling in salted water til very tender, the adding it to a bechamel with salt pepper and a bit of fresh nutmeg. This recipe from 1930 uses only heavy cream.

I like it boiled so much that it feels melt-in-your-mouth.

8. Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Thick slices of cabbage roasted until golden and crisp on the edges. This recipe uses the airfryer for a create crisp without a lot of fat.

Finished with olive oil, salt, and pepper—or a sprinkle of Parmesan—this dish proves cabbage can be elegant.

Why it works: Roasting brings out natural sweetness.

9. Sausage, Cabbage & Mustard Skillet

Savory, bold, and deeply satisfying.

Sautéed sausage paired with cabbage and finished with whole-grain or Dijon mustard creates a dish with real depth.

Serve with: A simple green salad or roasted vegetables.

10. Escalloped Cabbage

This vintage recipe made my list of holiday table-worthy side dishes, and it's cousin, the escalloped Brussels sprouts.

It takes the creamed cabbage a step further, by topping with buttered soft bread crumbs and baking it.

Why Cabbage Is Always in My Kitchen

• Budget-friendly and widely available
• Naturally low carb
• Stores well for weeks
• Adapts to countless cuisines
• Comforting without being heavy

Whether you’re cooking for health, history, or simple everyday comfort, cabbage is one of the most reliable ingredients you can keep on hand.

Want more cozy, practical recipes like this?

I share simple, nourishing meals, vintage-inspired cooking, and everyday kitchen ideas that fit real life—no stress required.

And check out my amazon favorite kitchen must haves.