Cabbage Rolls are a traditional dish in many cultures. They are made by wrapping a filling, typically ground meat and rice, in a cabbage leaf. The rolls are then cooked in broth or water until tender.
Cabbage rolls for a crowd are a great option if you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to serve a lot of people, but what do you serve with them.
You can even make them ahead of time and reheat cabbage rolls.
These hearty yet healthy dishes are perfect for any night of the week. But what do you serve with them? Here are a few ideas:
19 Dishes That Go Great with Cabbage Rolls in 2024
There are a few reasons why cabbage rolls need side dishes. First, the cabbage roll itself is often quite bland.
Adding a flavorful side dish can help to round out the meal and make it more enjoyable.
Second, cabbage rolls by themselves do not really make a meal. Adding a light side dish can help balance the meal and make it more satisfying.
Ultimately, deciding what side dishes to serve with cabbage rolls is up to you. There are no hard and fast rules.
However, keep in mind that the goal is to create a balanced meal that is enjoyable to eat. You can quickly achieve this with a bit of thought and planning.
Here are 19 of our favorite recipes for cabbage rolls:
Sauteed Mushrooms
This classic dish is the perfect complement to the savory flavors of cabbage rolls, and it’s so simple to make.
Mushrooms are a great source of dietary fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to any meal. Plus, they’re low in calories and fat, so you can enjoy them without guilt.
Sauteed Beets
Beets are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and they pair perfectly with the savory flavor of cabbage rolls. Plus, they add a beautiful pop of color to your plate.
Simply wash and slice two or three beets into thin pieces to make sauteed beets. Then, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the beets to the pan and cook for about five minutes, occasionally stirring, until they’re tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve alongside your cabbage rolls.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Grilled sweet potatoes are the perfect side dish to complement cabbage rolls. The potatoes’ natural sweetness pairs well with the savory flavors of the cabbage, and the two ingredients work together to create a healthy and filling meal.
Grilled sweet potatoes are also a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C. In addition, they’re low in calories and fat and a good source of complex carbohydrates. All of these make them a healthy choice for any meal.
Rye Bread
If you’re looking for a delicious side dish to serve with your cabbage rolls, look no further than rye bread! This hearty bread pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of cabbage rolls, and it’s also a great way to add some extra nutrients and fiber to your meal.
Plus, rye bread is relatively low in calories, so you can enjoy it guilt-free! So next time you’re making cabbage rolls, be sure to serve them with some delicious rye bread on the side.
Garlic Roasted Carrots
Carrots and cabbage are two vegetables that go great together. Carrots are a root vegetable that is sweet and crunchy, while cabbage is a leafy green vegetable that is slightly bitter. When these two vegetables are roasted together, they create a delicious side dish that pairs well with many main courses.
One of the reasons why carrots and cabbage go so well together is because they have similar cooking times. Both vegetables are fairly hearty and can withstand a long roasting time without becoming mushy or overcooked. This means that they will both come out of the oven perfectly roasted, with a slight char on the edges.
German Spätzle
German Spätzle is a type of egg noodle popular in many parts of Germany. It is often served as a side dish with cabbage rolls. The two dishes go together perfectly because the noodles and the cabbage flavors complement each other.
Spätzle is made from a simple dough of flour, eggs, and water. The dough is then extruded through a special tool called a spätzle maker or spätzle press. This creates long, thin noodles cooked in boiling water until they float to the surface.
Braised Leeks
Braised leeks are a fantastic side dish to serve with cabbage rolls. They have a slight sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory filling of the cabbage rolls, and their creamy texture helps offset the roll’s crispy exterior.
Additionally, the green color of the leeks ties in nicely with the green cabbage leaves. Overall, braised leeks are a wonderful way to round out a meal of cabbage rolls.
Mashed Potatoes
There are a few reasons why mashed potatoes and cabbage rolls go so well together. First, both dishes are hearty and filling. They’ll stick with you long after you’ve finished eating, so you won’t be looking for a snack an hour later.
Second, the mashed potatoes help balance the cabbage rolls’ flavors. The cabbage can be a bit overwhelming on its own, but the potatoes help to tone it down and make it more palatable. Finally, mashed potatoes are just plain delicious. They’re creamy and comforting, and they go with just about anything. So if you’re looking for a side dish that will make your cabbage rolls even better, look no further than mashed potatoes.
Mashed Cauliflower
Mashed cauliflower is a great side dish to serve with cabbage rolls. The two dishes complement each other perfectly, and the mashed cauliflower helps balance the cabbage rolls’ heaviness.
The subtle flavor of mashed cauliflower goes well with the savory flavor of cabbage rolls, and the creamy texture pairs nicely with the hearty filling. If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to serve with your cabbage rolls, mashed cauliflower is a great option.
Garlic Bread
Cabbage rolls are a delicious and hearty dish, but they can be a bit heavy on their own. Adding a side of garlic bread is the perfect way to lighten things up and add some extra flavor. The savory taste of garlic bread pairs perfectly with the rich filling of cabbage rolls, making for a truly delicious meal. Plus, who doesn’t love a good piece of garlic bread?
Something about that crispy, oven-baked bread smothered in garlic butter makes it impossible to resist. So next time you make cabbage rolls, add a side of garlic bread for the ultimate dining experience. Trust us; your taste buds will thank you.
Potato Pancakes
Potato pancakes make a great side dish to cabbage rolls. They are both hearty and filling, but the potato pancakes have a crunch that pairs well with the softness of the cabbage rolls. The potato pancakes’ savory flavors also complement the cabbage rolls’ slightly sweet taste.
Overall, these two dishes make a great combination that will please any appetite. So if you are looking for a new side dish to try with your next batch of cabbage rolls, give potato pancakes a try. You won’t be disappointed.
Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is the perfect accompaniment to cabbage rolls. The rich, tomatoey flavor pairs perfectly with the savory filling of the cabbage rolls, and the soup helps to round out the meal.
Plus, tomato soup is easy and can be made ahead of time, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights. So next time you’re making cabbage rolls, make some extra tomato soup to go with them. You’ll be glad you did!
Egg Drop Soup
Egg drop soup is a popular Chinese dish served as a side dish or main course. The soup is made with eggs, broth, and vegetables and often has a slightly thickened consistency. Egg drop soup is typically served with rice or noodles and can be garnished with green onions, cilantro, or sesame seeds.
Egg drop soup is a perfect complement to cabbage rolls. The soup’s richness pairs nicely with the hearty, savory filling of the cabbage rolls. The two dishes also share similar flavors and textures, making them a natural match. Serve egg drop soup and cabbage rolls together for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Bean Salad
Bean salad is a great compliment to cabbage rolls. The beans provide a filling protein, while the veggies add crunch and freshness. This dish is also very versatile – you can add whatever veggies you like or swap out the beans for another type of protein.
And it’s easy to make ahead of time, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. Give it a try next time you’re looking for a delicious side dish everyone will love.
Cucumber Salad
As a side dish, cucumber salad goes great with cabbage rolls. The cool, crispness of the cucumbers helps to balance out the rich flavor of the cabbage rolls, and the acidity in the dressing helps to cut through the richness of the filling.
Plus, the colorful salad is a nice contrast to the deep green of the cabbage rolls.
Cornbread
When it comes to side dishes, cornbread is a classic. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any meal, but it goes particularly well with cabbage rolls. First, both cornbread and cabbage rolls are typically made with simple, hearty ingredients. This means they share a certain rustic quality that makes them a perfect match.
Second, the flavors of cornbread and cabbage rolls complement each other perfectly. The sweetness of the cornbread offsets the savoriness of the cabbage rolls and vice versa. Finally, cornbread and cabbage rolls are both traditional comfort foods. This means they’re bound to bring back happy memories for anyone who grew up eating them.
Garlic Butter Noodles
Garlic butter noodles are the perfect side dish to accompany cabbage rolls. The savory flavors of the garlic and butter blend well with the tenderness of the cabbage, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
The noodles add a nice layer of texture and bulk to the dish, making it filling and satisfying.
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is a traditional German side dish made from cabbage fermented in salt and water. It is an excellent accompaniment to cabbage rolls because it has a similar taste and texture. The two dishes complement each other perfectly, making them a popular choice for German meals.
Sauerkraut is high in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. It is a healthy option for those looking for a nutritious side dish. Sauerkraut is also low in calories, making it a good choice for people watching their weight.
Best Side Dishes Serve with Cabbage Rolls
Many different side dishes go well with cabbage rolls. Some of the best options include sauteed mushrooms, grilled sweet potatoes, rye bread, garlic roasted carrots, German Spätzle, braised leeks, mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower, garlic bread, potato pancakes, tomato soup, egg drop soup, bean salad, cucumber salad, cornbread, garlic butter noodles, and sauerkraut.
These options provide different flavors and textures that complement the cabbage rolls nicely. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite!