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If you need some inspiring new ways to use cabbage, you’ll love this collection of 41 Best Cabbage Recipes! Recipes include cabbage soup, coleslaw, casserole and salads, and the post also includes handy information on the different varieties, how to cut it, health benefits and more!
I think it’s safe to say that most people only think of St. Patrick’s Day and coleslaw when it comes to cabbage. I know I was guilty in the past, which is why I chose to feature it in this produce guide.
I’m inspired to use it a lot more often after working on this guide. It’s got great health benefits, and it’s extremely versatile, which makes it very easy to incorporate into a wide variety of recipes. It’s absolutely delicious when it’s raw or cooked!
Growing up, I was exposed to cabbage once a year on St. Patrick’s Day. It was pressure cooked along with the corned beef and potatoes, so to say that it was overcooked is an understatement.
My memories of mushy cabbage kept me from eating it more often until I got a lot older. That’s a shame, because when it’s cooked properly, it’s just as good (or better) than it is raw.
Different types of cabbage
Cabbage is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which also includes bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower and kale.
There are many different types of cabbage, but this guide will focus on the following (4) main varieties:
1. Green cabbage (aka Cannonball). This is the most common variety. It’s referred to as “cannonball” because of its compact, round shape. It has a mild, slightly peppery flavor when raw, but once it’s cooked, the flavor is nice and sweet.
2. Napa cabbage. This is a Chinese variety. It’s oblong in shape, with frilly greenish yellow leaves and crisp, white stalks. It has a soft texture and sweet flavor.
3. Red or purple cabbage. This variety is dense and round in shape, with a reddish purple color. The color changes based on the ph level of the soil that it’s grown in, and the flavor is bold and peppery.
4. Savoy cabbage. This variety is named after the Savoy region of France. It’s round in shape, with crinkly leaves that are yellowish-white with bright green edges. It’s crisp yet soft in texture and mild in flavor.
Health benefits of cabbage
Cabbage has so many impressive health benefits, which makes it surprising that this vegetable is often overlooked.
It’s also an excellent source of Vitamins C, B6 and K, as well as minerals such as folate and manganese. It can also help reduce inflammation and improve digestion.
The head should be firm to the touch, nice and heavy, with healthy, bright leaves that have no discoloration.
How long does cabbage last?
Whole heads will keep longer, so don’t cut it until you’re ready to use it. Store the whole head in a loose plastic bag in the crisper for up to 5 days.
After cutting, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the crisper, or an airtight container for up to 3 days.
How to cut cabbage
It’s extremely easy to cut, especially when following the simple steps below!
1. Remove the stem and cut in half. The stem may be removed with a regular or paring knife. To cut in half, stand upright on a cutting board and cut down the middle from top to bottom. 2. Remove the core. Stand upright and cut along the sides of the core in a triangular shape. It’s much easier to do this with a paring knife. 3. Cut into wedges. Place cut-side down on the cutting board and cut into (4) wedges. 4. Cut each wedge into strips. Place the wedge cut-side down and cut into strips.
Can you freeze cabbage?
Yes, here’s how to freeze cabbage:
1. Remove the outer leaves (they’re very tough) and rinse under running water. 2. Cut the cabbage into wedges. 3. Drop the wedges into boiling water and cook for 3 minutes. 4. After 3 minutes, immediately submerge in ice water. 5. Once cool, thoroughly pat dry. 6. Seal inside a freezer bag, label, and freeze for up to nine months.
How to cook cabbage
There are so many ways to cook cabbage! It’s great in sautés, soups and casseroles, and it can be boiled and even grilled. Refer to the list of easy cabbage recipes below for some ideas on how to cook cabbage. Note that the list contains green and purple cabbage recipes.
If you love produce recipes, be sure to check out my other collections below:
There are so many cabbage dishes you can make using red, green, napa, or savoy cabbage. Below you’ll find 40+ easy recipes that run the gamut of slaws, casseroles, stir-fries, and more.
For even more inspiration, be sure to check out the cabbage recipes on my site.
Napa Cabbage Salad with Asian Dressing
Napa Cabbage Salad is crisp, crunchy and utterly addictive! This vegan salad is sweet, savory and tossed in an Asian dressing!
Stuffed cabbage casserole is a delicous version of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls. This deconstructioned “unstuffed” cabbage casserole is so easy to make!
Stuffed Cabbage Soup recipe that tastes just like the stuffed cabbage rolls, but done in one pot and in less than 45 minutes. This dish freezes well and is a great way to feed a crowd.
Egg Roll in a Bowl is the healthy, low carb way to enjoy an egg roll! This egg roll in a bowl recipe is high protein, loaded with veggies, and is on the table in 30 minutes!
Cabbage Salad with Braeburn Apples & Spiced Pecans
This cabbage salad with Braeburn apples and spiced pecans is the perfect winter salad. It’s crunchy, spicy, and tossed with an Asian-flavored dressing.
Fried Cabbage With Bacon, with tender cabbage and savory bacon, makes a quick and easy, super flavorful Southern side dish, especially for St. Patrick’s Day.
You will love this vegetarian soup to warm you! Vegetable Soup with Cabbage is a healthy, hearty soup that is packed with vegetables, beans and tiny pasta.
Raw Cauliflower “Couscous” with kale, cabbage, walnuts, cranberries, and lemon-mustard vinaigrette is packed with nutrients. Vegan, paleo, keto side dish!
Classic beet soup with a whole foods twist – vegan borscht with lentils and piles of winter vegetables. The traditional soup is made into a full meal here.
These Vietnamese spring rolls are fresh, not fried! This veggie-packed recipe is easy to follow, with step-by-step photos. Vegan and easily gluten free.
Our low FODMAP Macaroni Slaw is a mash-up of classic macaroni salad and coleslaw! A creamy mayonnaise and lactose-free sour cream dressing ties it all together.
Jamaican Cabbage is a gluten free side dish that is quick and easy to prepare using just 6 simple ingredients and loaded with the flavors of the Caribbean.
Instant pot stuffed cabbage rolls are equally delicious as the oven or stove top version but made quicker and without any fuss. If you are looking for recipes that use leftover rice, this is it!
This Classic Vinegar Based Coleslaw is a vinegar coleslaw that calls for no mayo. This no mayo coleslaw is the perfect addition for your summer barbecues or family gatherings!
Vegan Coleslaw with Creamy Curry Dressing is crunchy and addictive with golden raisins, cashews and a delicious vegan coleslaw dressing. It's the perfect side dish for picnics and barbecues!
This Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner with Cabbage and Carrots is an easy and delicious meal, made on one pan in about 45 minutes. You’re going to love it for busy weeknights!
Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Bowls are the easiest, tastiest ways to make cabbage rolls in the electric pressure cooker. This makes a great St. Patrick’s Day dinner!
Easy Mango Cabbage Coleslaw is light, easy to make and perfect as a summer side dish, on tacos or with avocado or grilled chicken added in. This salad is healthy, sweet with a hint of spice.
Traditional Borscht Soup recipe is made with beef bone broth, beets, and cabbage. This delicious healthy soup is a great comfort meal for the Fall and Winter seasons!
A healthy Chinese chicken salad full of crunchy veggies like cabbage, carrots, sprouts, and snap peas! Served with a light, flavorful soy sesame dressing!
Corned Beef Sliders are slices of tender, Guinness braised corned beef topped with crisp coleslaw on a slider roll. They're perfect for gatherings or using up leftover corned beef!
Cabbage Roll Casserole is much easier than making traditional cabbage rolls! This yummy casserole is slowly baked and full of ground beef, rice and cabbage in a light tomato sauce. Hearty, simple to make and delicious!
Creamy No Mayo Coleslaw with Apples and Fennel is a crunchy and addictive cabbage slaw with apples and fennel, tossed in a creamy no mayo coleslaw dressing!
Fish Taco Bowls are filled with grilled fish, cilantro lime rice, avocado and mango salsa. They're a hearty, flavorful meal that's ready in 30 minutes!
Such a comprehensive guide to cabbage, Marcie! We love cabbage in our home and actually grew some last year! I love how versatile, hearty and tasty it is! Can’t wait to try some of these recipes – they all look delicious! Thanks a bunch for including my cabbage soup 🙂 XO
Thanks so much for this product guide – I have had no idea that cabbage is so good for you! I am afraid that I also suffer from the childhood memories of overcooked cabbage which we had a LOT. The list of recipes showcasing cabbage is also mouthwatering – thank you so much for including this and inspiring me to use cabbage more often!
Growing up we had green cabbage every Sunday with our ‘jigg’s dinner’. Veggies (including cabbage, potato, carrot and turnip) boiled with salt meat (which I’m guessing is similar to corned beef?). Needless to say, like you, I was a bit turned from the mushy cabbage. Nowadays, I prepare it in many different ways, and purple cabbage is a staple in our house! Thanks for another great produce guide Marcie!
8 Comments on “41 Best Cabbage Recipes (+ Produce Guide)”
Such a comprehensive guide to cabbage, Marcie! We love cabbage in our home and actually grew some last year! I love how versatile, hearty and tasty it is! Can’t wait to try some of these recipes – they all look delicious! Thanks a bunch for including my cabbage soup 🙂 XO
I’ve never tried growing it! Thanks Dawn and I can’t wait to try your soup!
Thanks so much for this product guide – I have had no idea that cabbage is so good for you! I am afraid that I also suffer from the childhood memories of overcooked cabbage which we had a LOT. The list of recipes showcasing cabbage is also mouthwatering – thank you so much for including this and inspiring me to use cabbage more often!
It seems that everyone experienced mushy cabbage growing up! lol Thanks Katerina!
Growing up we had green cabbage every Sunday with our ‘jigg’s dinner’. Veggies (including cabbage, potato, carrot and turnip) boiled with salt meat (which I’m guessing is similar to corned beef?). Needless to say, like you, I was a bit turned from the mushy cabbage. Nowadays, I prepare it in many different ways, and purple cabbage is a staple in our house! Thanks for another great produce guide Marcie!
That meal does sound like corned beef! I love purple cabbage too and need to use it a lot more often!
I totally do not cook with cabbage and definitely should start playing around with it more! That veggie cabbage soup sounds up my alley.
I’ve been missing out and need to use it a lot more!