German Red Cabbage (2024)

This braised German Red Cabbage recipe (Rotkohl) is as traditional as it gets and never absent at German festivals or restaurants. It’s sweet and sour flavor comes from brown sugar, vinegar and apple. Whole cloves add to its unique flavor and aroma.

For a complete meal make German Red Cabbage with Rouladen and Spaetzle. It’s also great served with bratwurst and boiled yellow potatoes or our traditional potato salad .

I always have to give a shout out to my wonderful parents for a great introduction to international foods as a teenager. My dad lived in Germany as a young adult and knowing his love for German food, our long time German friends used to bring delicious homemade food by the house. Soon enough, my mom mastered several basic German dishes and it’s with her help, that I get to present them to you on TBFS.

What we love about German Red Cabbage with apples is that it’s easy, cheap, healthy and only gets better every time you warm it up! It’s great for a quick lunch to heat up at work along with the starch and meat you have selected.

It’s satisfying to know as you munch that cabbage is extra healthy, full of fiber and antioxidants and also high in vitamin K.

Ingredients for German Red Cabbage:

• Red cabbage (also called purple cabbage). You need one whole head of cabbage, thinly sliced.
• Apple: any kind will do, but Granny Smith, McIntosh or other tart apple are especially delicious.
• Apple cider vinegar: or white vinegar will substitute. The vinegar and apple help the cabbage to retain its vibrant color.
• Brown sugar: or granulated white sugar will work too.
• Whole cloves.

How to make German Red Cabbage:

• Shred the cabbage.
• Put half the cabbage into a pot. (Medium sized and heavy: Dutch oven works great!)
• Grate half an apple on top of the cabbage.
• Spick the other half apple with cloves and add to pot.

• Add remaining cabbage to pot.
• In a small bowl, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt and pepper and pour over cabbage. Add 2 Tablespoons butter and cover the pot with a lid.

• Bring to boil, then simmer for 1 ½ hours.
• Remove clove-spicked apple and discard.

• Stir and serve!

Make Ahead Instructions:

To Make Ahead: You can make this easy German Red Cabbage recipe up to a week ahead of time, stored in the refrigerator. It keeps and warms up really well.

Have you tried these recipes?

Check back soon for more German offerings. In the meanwhile, check out these other European categories: French, Greek and Mediterranean, Italian.

I originally shared this recipe February 2021. Updated July 2023.

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