Irresistible German Red Cabbage Recipe with Apples & Bacon

The smell of sweet apples, tangy vinegar, and smoky bacon simmering together with vibrant red cabbage is enough to make your mouth water. This irresistible German-style red cabbage recipe with apples and bacon is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, and the gorgeous purple hue makes it a standout side dish for any meal. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more!

I first tasted this dish at a family gathering where my great-aunt served it alongside hearty bratwurst and creamy mashed potatoes. It was love at first bite! Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to fit my own preferences, adding smoky bacon for an extra layer of flavor and sweetness from crisp apples to balance the tangy vinegar. Now, every time I make this dish, it takes me back to that lively dinner table surrounded by loved ones.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or simply want to elevate your weeknight meals, this German red cabbage recipe is a must-try. Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: Sweet apples, smoky bacon, and tangy vinegar come together in the most delicious harmony.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Gorgeous Presentation: The deep purple color of the cabbage makes this dish a showstopper on any table.
• Versatile: Pair it with roast chicken, pork chops, or bratwurst for a perfect side dish.
• Comfort Food Vibes: It’s hearty, warm, and satisfying—a true culinary hug.

This German red cabbage recipe with apples and bacon isn’t just delicious—it’s a little piece of tradition served on a plate. It’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and enjoy the comforting warmth of home-cooked food. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more veggies into your meals without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients You Will Need

This dish is made from simple, wholesome ingredients that create a symphony of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Red Cabbage: One medium head, thinly sliced. This is the star of the show with its vibrant color and subtle sweetness.
• Apples: Two large apples, peeled and diced. I recommend a sweet variety like Gala or Honeycrisp to balance the tanginess.
• Bacon: Four slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped. Adds a smoky, savory element to the dish.
• Onion: One medium onion, finely diced. Provides depth and a little sweetness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons. The tangy kick that ties everything together.
• Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons. Adds a touch of caramelized sweetness.
• Butter: 1 tablespoon, unsalted. Helps create a silky texture.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste. Essential for seasoning and balance.
• Water: ½ cup. Helps the cabbage cook down to tender perfection.

If you’re missing any of these ingredients, don’t worry! You can easily make substitutions. For example, swap the bacon with turkey bacon for a slightly leaner option or substitute white vinegar for apple cider vinegar in a pinch. This recipe is flexible and forgiving!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need anything fancy to make this German red cabbage recipe with apples and bacon. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Perfect for sautéing and simmering the cabbage.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for thinly slicing the cabbage and dicing the apples and onion.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for all your chopping.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir everything together without scratching your pan.

If you don’t have a Dutch oven, a large, heavy-bottomed pot will work just as well. And while a mandoline slicer can be helpful for cutting the cabbage, a sharp knife will do the trick just fine!

Preparation Method

1. Start by preparing your ingredients. Thinly slice the red cabbage, dice the apples into small cubes, and finely chop the onion. Set everything aside.
2. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the bacon drippings. Once melted, add the diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
4. Add the sliced red cabbage to the pan. Stir to coat the cabbage in the butter and bacon drippings. Don’t worry if the pan looks full—the cabbage will cook down significantly.
5. Stir in the diced apples, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and water. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
6. Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid and let the cabbage simmer over low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should become tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
7. Remove the lid and stir in the crispy bacon. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and any excess liquid to evaporate.
8. Serve warm and enjoy! This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or mashed potatoes.

Pro tip: If your cabbage looks dry during cooking, add an extra splash of water or apple cider vinegar to keep it moist and flavorful.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Cut the Cabbage Thinly: Thin slices cook down evenly and give the dish a tender, luxurious texture.
• Use Fresh Apples: Sweet, crisp apples like Gala or Honeycrisp work best. Avoid overly tart varieties unless you prefer a tangier flavor.
• Balance the Sweetness: Adjust the brown sugar and vinegar to suit your taste buds. Start small and add more as needed.
• Don’t Skip the Bacon: The smoky, savory flavor makes this dish irresistible—trust me, it’s worth it!
• Low and Slow: Simmering the cabbage over low heat ensures it’s tender and full of flavor without turning mushy.

If you’re short on time, you can speed up the process by using a pressure cooker. Just be cautious not to overcook the cabbage—it should still have a little bite!

Variations & Adaptations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. You can also use plant-based bacon substitutes.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap the brown sugar with a low-carb sweetener like stevia or monk fruit for a keto-friendly version.
• Spiced-Up Variation: Add a pinch of ground cloves or cinnamon for a warm, holiday-inspired twist.
• Seasonal Adaptation: In fall, experiment with pears instead of apples for a unique flavor profile.

Personally, I’ve tried adding a splash of orange juice and zest to the recipe—it gave the dish a citrusy brightness that was so refreshing!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This German red cabbage with apples and bacon is best served warm, straight from the skillet. Pair it with pork chops, roast chicken, or bratwurst for a classic German-style meal. For a complete feast, add a side of creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or vinegar if needed. You can also freeze the cabbage for up to 2 months; thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Fun fact: The flavors deepen and become even more delicious after a day or two, so don’t be afraid to make this recipe ahead of time!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This dish is not just tasty—it’s nutritious too! Here’s what you’re getting:

• Red Cabbage: Packed with antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and fiber for a happy gut.
• Apples: Rich in fiber and natural sweetness, making this dish healthier and more flavorful.
• Bacon: Adds protein and a satisfying savory touch.
• Low-Calorie: Despite its rich taste, this dish is relatively light, making it a great addition to any meal.

If you’re watching your sodium intake, simply use low-sodium bacon and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Conclusion

This irresistible German-style red cabbage recipe with apples and bacon is everything you could want in a side dish—flavorful, comforting, and so easy to make. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through generations, tweaked to perfection, and loved by everyone who tries it.

Irresistible German Red Cabbage Recipe with Apples & Bacon

Print Recipe

This irresistible German-style red cabbage recipe with apples and bacon is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, making it a standout side dish for any meal.

• Author: paula
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Cuisine: German

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 medium head of red cabbage, thinly sliced
• 2 large apples, peeled and diced (Gala or Honeycrisp recommended)
• 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions

1. Thinly slice the red cabbage, dice the apples into small cubes, and finely chop the onion. Set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the bacon drippings. Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
4. Add the sliced red cabbage to the pan and stir to coat the cabbage in the butter and bacon drippings.
5. Stir in the diced apples, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and water. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
6. Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid and let the cabbage simmer over low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors meld.
7. Remove the lid and stir in the crispy bacon. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and any excess liquid to evaporate.
8. Serve warm and enjoy! This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or mashed potatoes.

Notes

Thinly slice the cabbage for even cooking. Adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your taste by modifying the brown sugar and vinegar. If the cabbage looks dry during cooking, add a splash of water or apple cider vinegar.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 12
• Sodium: 250
• Fat: 7
• Saturated Fat: 3
• Carbohydrates: 18
• Fiber: 4
• Protein: 4

Keywords: German red cabbage, apples, bacon, side dish, comfort food, easy recipe