11 Best Red Cabbage Fall Recipes

Red cabbage is a fall favorite that’s colorful, crunchy, and surprisingly versatile. It’s not just a salad ingredient or garnish. This deeply hued veggie shines in hearty dishes, warm sides, and even sweet-savory combos that suit chilly weather perfectly. Packed with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, red cabbage adds nutrition and color to your plate. Here are 11 red cabbage recipes you’ll want to try this fall.

Warm Red Cabbage Slaw with Apples

This warm slaw is a perfect side dish for roasted meats. Sauté thinly sliced red cabbage with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, a touch of maple syrup, and crisp apple slices. It’s slightly sweet, tangy, and soft but still has a bite. Serve it hot with pork chops, sausages, or roasted chicken.

Braised Red Cabbage with Onions

This is one of the most classic ways to enjoy red cabbage in the fall. Slowly braise the cabbage with onions, vinegar, and a bit of brown sugar. Let it simmer until it’s soft and flavorful. It pairs wonderfully with meatloaf or any kind of roast.

Red Cabbage and Potato Soup

Red cabbage works great in soups. For a hearty fall version, sauté onions and garlic, then add diced potatoes, shredded cabbage, vegetable stock, and herbs. Simmer until everything is soft. Blend or keep it chunky. It’s colorful and comforting for cool nights.

Roasted Red Cabbage Wedges

Thick wedges of red cabbage roasted with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of sea salt transform into a charred, tender dish that’s packed with flavor. Add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or a bit of tahini dressing for extra richness. It’s a simple side that feels fancy.

Red Cabbage Stir-Fry

For something quicker, try a red cabbage stir-fry. Toss thin cabbage slices into a hot skillet with sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Add mushrooms, tofu, or shredded carrots. It’s an easy vegetarian meal that comes together in minutes.

Red Cabbage and Quinoa Bowl

Build a healthy grain bowl with cooked quinoa, roasted red cabbage, chickpeas, and tahini-lemon dressing. Add some roasted sweet potatoes or sliced avocado for extra flavor and texture. It’s great for meal prep and full of fall vibes.

Pickled Red Cabbage

Quick pickled red cabbage brings zing to tacos, sandwiches, and grain bowls. Mix shredded cabbage with hot vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let it sit for an hour or store it in the fridge for up to a week. The flavor gets better each day.

Red Cabbage Gratin

Yes, you can bake red cabbage with cheese. Layer sautéed cabbage with béchamel sauce and grated cheddar or gruyere in a baking dish. Bake until golden and bubbling. It’s rich, creamy, and makes cabbage taste indulgent.

Autumn Slaw with Red Cabbage and Pear

This slaw is crunchy, sweet, and refreshing. Toss red cabbage with sliced pear, toasted walnuts, and a honey-mustard vinaigrette. It’s a great way to balance heavier fall dishes and adds brightness to any meal.

Red Cabbage Tacos

Tired of the same old taco fillings? Use sautéed red cabbage as a flavorful base. Add black beans, roasted squash, or pulled chicken, then top with lime crema or chipotle mayo. The color alone makes them stand out on the table.

Red Cabbage and Sausage Skillet

This one-pan dish is hearty and full of flavor. Brown your favorite sausages, then cook onions and red cabbage in the same pan. Add caraway seeds, a splash of cider vinegar, and let it all cook down until tender. Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Why Red Cabbage is Great for Fall Recipes

Red cabbage grows well in cooler weather and keeps well in the fridge for weeks. Its hearty texture stands up to roasting, braising, and sautéing, and its vibrant purple color adds beauty to otherwise beige fall meals. It’s also budget-friendly and super nutritious.

Some of the benefits of red cabbage include:

• Rich in vitamin C and vitamin K
• High in antioxidants like anthocyanins
• Good source of fiber
• Supports digestion and heart health

Plus, it pairs well with fall ingredients like apples, pears, onions, nuts, squash, and root vegetables.

Tips for Cooking with Red Cabbage

• Slice it thin for slaws and stir-fries
• Cook it slow for braises and stews
• Add acid like vinegar or lemon to keep its color bright
• Don’t overcook unless you want it soft and mellow
• Use a sharp knife or mandolin to get even slices

Final Thoughts

Red cabbage is more than just a colorful addition to your plate. It’s flavorful, flexible, and fits perfectly into fall cooking. Whether you roast it, braise it, or toss it raw into a slaw, this veggie deserves a permanent spot in your cold-weather meal plan. With these 11 red cabbage recipes, your fall menu will never feel boring. Try one or all of them and see how easy it is to make cabbage the star of the season.