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If you need some inspiring new ways to use cabbage, you’ll love this collection of 25+ 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. Cabbage has great flavor, 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!
You’ll find a variety of information on the different varieties of cabbage, how to cut it, and how to cook and store it.
Most importantly, this produce guide includes a variety of recipes below to inspire you to use cabbage more often!
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.
25+ best cabbage recipes
There are so many cabbage dishes you can make using red, green, Napa or savoy cabbage. Below you’ll find easy recipes, including slaws, casseroles, stir-fries, and more.
Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole
Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is an easy, one pot dinner. It's made without rice and makes a satisfying low carb option, and it's ready in 30 minutes!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
This Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe is crunchy blend of cabbage, carrots and green onions and it's tossed in a tangy coleslaw vinaigrette. It's a healthy side dish that can be prepped entirely in advance!
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!
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!
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
8 Comments on “25+ Best Cabbage Recipes (+ Produce Guide)”
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!
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!
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!
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!