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Irresistible German Red Cabbage Recipe with Apples & Bacon

German red cabbage recipe - featured image

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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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 sautΓ© 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

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