Cozy German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl) with Apples: A Family Favorite

This German red cabbage with apples, known as “Rotkohl” in Germany, is one of those comforting side dishes that instantly reminds you of home-cooked meals and family dinners. It’s sweet, tangy, and slightly spiced, making it a perfect pairing for roasted meats or holiday meals. I grew up with this on our table during fall and winter months, and now my kids ask for it whenever we’re making schnitzel or roast pork. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, and it always tastes even better the next day hello leftovers!

Why You’ll Love This Side Dish

Rotkohl is a classic for a reason! It’s incredibly flavorful and a great way to get more veggies into your meals. The apples add a natural sweetness that balances the vinegar, and the slow simmer gives it that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or holiday leftovers.

Simple Ingredients

Here’s a look at the simple ingredients that bring this dish to life:

• Red cabbage: The star of the dish! It softens beautifully when braised and turns a deep purple hue.
• Apples: They add natural sweetness and pair wonderfully with the tang of vinegar.
• Onion: Gives a savory base flavor that balances the sweetness.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps with caramelization.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds that essential tangy kick.
• Sugar: Just a little helps bring out the natural sweetness of the apples and cabbage.
• Cloves: Optional, but traditional for a warm, slightly spiced undertone.
• Bay leaf: Adds a subtle earthy aroma.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the other flavors.

Recipe Details

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

What is Needed

• 1 medium head red cabbage, shredded
• 2 apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 whole cloves (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt the Butter In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté Onion Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Apples and Cabbage Stir in the sliced apples and shredded cabbage, mixing well to combine.
4. Add Vinegar and Seasonings Pour in the apple cider vinegar, sprinkle in the sugar, add the bay leaf and cloves (if using), then season with salt and pepper.
5. Simmer Cover and reduce heat to low. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and flavorful.
6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove bay leaf and cloves before serving.

Top Tips

1. Slice the cabbage and apples as thinly as possible so they cook evenly.
2. Let the Rotkohl rest after cooking it tastes even better the next day.
3. Use sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn for the best flavor balance.
4. Add a splash more vinegar at the end if you like it tangier.
5. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture, especially with hearty mains.

Recipe Variations

• Use red wine vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar for a deeper tang.
• Add a grated carrot for extra sweetness and texture.
• Mix in a handful of raisins for a kid-friendly twist.
• Make it vegetarian by using vegan butter.

Check out my 5 easy red cabbage recipe ideas!

Recommended Equipment

• Large pot with lid
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Vegetable peeler

Make Ahead Tips

This dish is a great make-ahead recipe. Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge flavors will continue to develop and deepen.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• Pork roast or pork chops
• Bratwurst or other German sausages
• Roasted chicken
• Spaetzle or mashed potatoes

What You Need to Know About This Recipe

Rotkohl is a traditional German side dish often served during holidays like Christmas or alongside hearty meat dishes. Its signature sweet and sour flavor profile is a staple in German cooking, and the vibrant color makes it a standout on any plate. Braised cabbage dishes like this have roots in both home cooking and festive meals, and every family seems to have their own twist.

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Germain Red Cabbage (Rotkohl)

Michelle

A sweet and tangy braised red cabbage dish with apples, perfect as a cozy side for family dinners or festive holiday meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Servings 6

Equipment

• Large pot with lid
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden Spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Vegetable peeler

Ingredients

  

• 1 medium head red cabbage shredded
• 2 apples peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 whole cloves optional
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Melt the Butter In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Sauté Onion Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add Apples and Cabbage Stir in the sliced apples and shredded cabbage, mixing well to combine.
• Add Vinegar and Seasonings Pour in the apple cider vinegar, sprinkle in the sugar, add the bay leaf and cloves (if using), then season with salt and pepper.
• Simmer Cover and reduce heat to low. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and flavorful.
• Adjust Seasoning and Serve Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove bay leaf and cloves before serving.

Notes

This recipe tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead of time. Great for meal prep and holidays.

Keyword Germain Red Cabbage (Rotkohl)

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