Braised Red Cabbage – Easy Cozy Cabbage Recipe Side Dish
There's nothing quite as comforting as a pot of braised red cabbage simmering low and slow, filling the kitchen with sweet, spiced aromas. This easy braised red cabbage recipe turns a humble head of cabbage into a silky, tangy-sweet side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats, sausages, or a simple weeknight dinner.
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Braised Red Cabbage – Easy Cozy Cabbage Recipe Side Dish
Sweet, tangy, and tender braised red cabbage slow-cooked with apples, vinegar, and warm spices for the ultimate cozy side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: German-inspired
Ingredients
- 1 small head red cabbage, cored and thinly sliced (about 2 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Melt the butter with the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the diced apples and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the sliced red cabbage to the pot and toss well to combine with the onions and apples.
- Pour in the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and water or broth. Stir to combine.
- Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, bay leaf, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is very tender.
- Remove the lid and cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to let excess liquid reduce, if needed.
- Discard the cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar as desired.
- Serve warm as a cozy side dish.
Notes
Braised red cabbage tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead and reheat gently on the stovetop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is braised red cabbage made of?
Braised red cabbage is made from thinly sliced red cabbage slow-cooked with onion, apples, vinegar, sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves until soft and tangy-sweet.
Can I make braised red cabbage ahead of time?
Yes, braised red cabbage actually improves in flavor after a day or two in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead side dish for holidays and busy weeknights.
What can I serve with braised red cabbage?
Braised red cabbage pairs wonderfully with roasted pork, sausages, duck, turkey, or even a simple bowl of mashed potatoes for a cozy meal.
Why is my braised red cabbage tough?
If your braised red cabbage is tough, it likely needs more cooking time. Simmer it low and slow, covered, until the cabbage turns silky and tender, usually 45-60 minutes.
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