Germany has many delicious cabbage recipes. From main dishes such as rolls to side dishes such as red cabbage, here are the best German cabbage recipes.
I have asked the members of our Facebook Group with over 30,000 members to rank the cabbage dishes for this post. See the recipes according to their popularity.
Cabbage in Germany
Cabbage is inexpensive and healthy. However, it has come out of favor in the last century. US and British soldiers called Germans "Krauts" during the First World War. This was due to the trade embargo on Germany which meant they could not import food and had to rely on homegrown cabbage.
During the 18th century, Swiss German in the US were called Krauts because they ate Sauerkraut. It had a reputation for being the vegetable of the poor. But this has changed now as nutritionists praise cabbage for its healthy benefits.
Cabbage in German
The German word for cabbage in German is "Kohl" but in South Germany and Austria it is also referred to as "Kraut".
The traditional cabbage varieties used in German dishes are white cabbage (Weißkohl), pointed cabbage (Spitzkohl), red cabbage (Rotkohl), kale (Grünkohl) and savoy cabbage (Wirsing) - other vegetables that belong to the cabbage family are also popular such as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, and broccoli.
1. Red Cabbage
German-style red cabbage was the clear favorite, voted for by 45% of our members as their favorite German cabbage recipe. To make this sweet and sour cabbage you cook it in vinegar to add tartness and apples to add sweetness. This go especially well with meaty dishes such as Beef Rouladen, Goulash, or Sauerbraten.
Get the recipe: German Red Cabbage
2. German Cabbage Rolls (Kohlrouladen)
Cabbage rolls are called "Kohlrouladen" in Germany. These had 28% of the votes. Spiced ground meat is wrapped in a cabbage leaf, sauteed, and then cooked in a yummy sauce. A simple cabbage dish to make, and perfect to prepare in advance. This will win over the biggest cabbage skeptic.
Get the recipe: German Cabbage Rolls
3. German Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut, the famous fermented cabbage is a staple in Germany. 12 % stated this to be the best German cabbage recipe. You can make it yourself by fermenting the cabbage with spices in a mason jar. Sauerkraut goes with anything from Schupfnudeln, dumplings, pork and Bratwurst.
Get the recipe: German Sauerkraut
4. Cabbage Soup (Kohlsuppe)
Kohlsuppe is a popular cabbage stew. It has nothing to do with the popular cabbage soup diet. This German soup is made with cabbage, potatoes, and sausage with caraway seeds. It has the characteristic sweet and sour taste, often served with sausages or ground beef.
Get the recipe: German Cabbage Soup
5. Creamed Cabbage (Wirsing Gemüse)
This is a popular side dish. Creamed savoy cabbage is quick and easy to make. Simply shred the cabbage, fry, and then cook it in broth and spice with nutmeg. We love this German-cooked cabbage dish with mashed potatoes and frikadellen, but it also tastes delicious as a pasta sauce.
Get the recipe: German creamed cabbage
6. Krautsalat (German Coleslaw)
A favorite cabbage side dish at BBQs. Krautsalat is a German cabbage salad which is similar to coleslaw, but without mayonnaise. The cabbage is shredded and then served in a broth, oil, and vinegar dressing. In Bavaria, they like to add some bacon to their Krautsalat. It is served as a side to meaty dishes, such as Sauerbraten, or beef rouladen.
Get the recipe: German Cabbage Salad
7. German Kale (Grünkohl)
Grünkohl, as Kale is called in Germany, is not just a dish in Northern Germany: it is a cult. The kale is stewed in goose fat, with pork belly, ham, and sausages. There are regional variations to the recipe. A sausage called Pinkel is popular in Bremen, whereas in Hannover they would serve the kale with Bregenswurst.
Get the recipe: Grünkohl mit Pinkel
8. Szegedin Goulash with Sauerkraut
This dish is not from German, but it is a dish that is very popular in Germany. Szegedin Goulash is a Hungarian dish, where it is called Szekeley Gulyas. A meaty pork and beef skew that is cooked in paprika spice with sauerkraut. It is a very hearty dish that is served with potatoes and sour cream.
Get the recipe Szegedin Goulash
9. Bratwurst Casserole with Braised Cabbage
This is another Schmorkohl variation. German sauteed cabbage with potatoes, bacon, and sausage. A hearty casserole that gives you plenty of energy to get through the colder months of the year. This Bratwurst casserole is a favorite with my readers.
Get the recipe: Bratwurst Casserole
10. Braised Cabbage with Ground Beef (Schmorkohl)
The method of first frying the cabbage and then cooking is called "Schmoren" in Germany. So these are "Schmorkohl" dishes - of which you find many variations. This recipe is shredded braised cabbage with minced meat. One of my kid's favorites, it goes with anything from rice to potatoes. A simple meal with a big taste.
Get the recipe: German braised cabbage with Beef
Chuck Snider says
Well the first one would have to be Kohlrouladen;and the second would be Kohlsuppe. These are 2 of my favorites.😊
Marita Sinden says
Good choice! There are so many to choose from.