Pinterest

Best German Braised Cabbage Recipe – Oma’s Bavarian Weisskraut 

Oma Gerhild

by: Gerhild Fulson  /  Cookbook Author, Blogger, German Oma!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

Soups & Stews Just Like Oma - Available Now!

Looking for an easy braised cabbage recipe? Bayrisches Weisskraut, aka Bavarian white cabbage, is a great recipe that has simple ingredients.

Although sauerkraut is probably the most common cabbage recipe associated with Germany, this easy braised cabbage side dish is a long time favorite among locals in the southern part of Germany.

Not only is this a super simple recipe, but it's a great way to use a head of cabbage, the main ingredient. Usually made with green variety (though in German, it's called white) it can also be made using savoy cabbage, with the end result being a milder taste.

Either way, it's one of the favorite ways to use the humble cabbage.

Make the BEST Bavarian braised cabbage recipe just that’s perfect for Oktoberfest or anytime you’re wanting a traditional German side dish. It’s Weisskraut, just like Oma makes it.

There's a certain sweet/sourness to this braised cabbage dish that's just like eating candy! It really does taste great with almost anything. The seasonings make this dish a traditional German food.

If you like your cabbage a bit tangy, add a touch of vinegar at the end for extra flavor. The resulting sweet-sour taste is one I just love - I remember it so well from my Mutti's kitchen. 

This braised cabbage, stemming from the Bavarian region is one that is also loved during the Oktoberfest celebrations. If you're planning on creating your own Oktoberfest party, then include this cabbage dish as one of your sides.

It's a good thing to make it the day ahead, since it really does taste better the next day.

Are There Benefits To Eating Cabbage?

Cabbage is VERY healthy for you and your body in many ways. While it is low in calories, its nutrient profile speaks for itself! It's exceptionally high in vitamin K, vitamin A and vitamin C. It's high in fibre, folate, magnesium and potassium.

When it is fermented, think sauerkraut, it even has natural probiotics. Of course, fresh cabbage is super healthy, think coleslaw! 

I can't forget to mention the greatest benefit of all...it is oh-so tasty and inexpensive (a large cabbage goes a long way!), besides being good for you! That's what makes cabbage so wunderbar.

Has this veggie earned its spot on your plate yet?

Celebrate Oktoberfest right at home with these German recipes found right here in Oma's Oktoberfest e-Cookbook.  

Take a look at Just like Oma’s eCookbook and enjoy the traditional taste of German cuisine!

Take a peek at all Oma's eCookbooks. They make sharing your German heritage a delicious adventure!

What is Braising?

Braising, known as schmoren in German, is the method whereby meat or vegetables are first browned over high heat. A small amount of flavorful liquid, such as chicken stock, is added, the pot is covered, and then it's slowly simmered until the meat or vegetables are tender.

In the dish below, browning (or caramelizing) the onions gives such a delicious flavor. Add the cabbage to these browned onions and continue browning the cabbage for a little while. The caramelized cabbage will add such delicious flavors, you'll be absolutely amazed.

How to cut cabbage?

  • After washing the cabbage, remove any loose outer leaves.
  • Cut the bottom part of the stem off.
  • Cut the cabbage in half from top to bottom.
  • Cut the cabbage pieces into into several wedges, again from top to bottom.
  • Cut off the stem and the center core from each piece.
  • Cut the cabbage wedges by placing them cut side down and slicing as thinly or as thickly as desired

For this Weisskraut dish, I don't slice the wedges of cabbage too thinly. We like to have a bit more body to the final dish, as you can see in the photo above.

Lydia Remembers...

I have so many wunderbar memories in the kitchen with my Oma, and have had MANY of her most popular and traditional recipes, like this braised cabbage. 

Though this braised green cabbage side dish is not my favorite things (I absolutely LOVE red cabbage though), I still enjoyed making it with Oma from time to time. This recipe is VERY German and very much loved by the rest of my family.

Cabbage is so versatile. It can be served on it's own, served over bratwurst, and even in a salad! Oh, and don't forget to try Oma's red cabbage. It's my absolute fav!

But first, try Oma's super German braised cabbage recipe below, add your own little flare to it and enjoy!

 Learn a little bit about me, Lydia, and my kitchen adventures with Oma!

What to serve with braised cabbage?

There's very little that doesn't go with braised cabbage, but below are my favorite meats. If you're not wanting meat with this, perhaps making Krautflecken with the cabbage would be an interesting alternative.

Oma's Fun Fact:

The caraway seed isn't just in there for flavor! 

Did you know that adding caraway seed is a very natural way for helping to reduce the 'gas' problem that seems to follow some people when eating cabbage!

Ready to make this braised cabbage?

Soups & Stews Just Like Oma - Available Now!

Best German Braised Cabbage Recipe – Oma’s Bayrisches Weisskraut 

Looking for an easy braised cabbage recipe? Bayrisches Weisskraut, aka Bavarian white cabbage, stems from Bavaria, the home of Oktoberfest in Munich. Although sauerkraut is probably the most commonly associated with Germany, this easy side dish is a long time favorite recipe with locals in the southern part of Germany,

Usually made with green cabbage (though in German, it's called white) it can also be made using savoy cabbage, with the end result being a milder taste. If you're wanting the northern version, try this braised cabbage. It's the one I grew up with.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

45 minutes

Total Time

60 minutes

Servings:

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

  • 2 - 3 tablespoons olive oil or bacon fat
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • ½ large green (white) cabbage, coarsely shredded
  • salt, freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (to taste, optional)

Instructions:

  1. In large skillet or dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and brown slightly.
  2. Stir sugar and some of the shredded cabbage. Continue to saute over medium heat until some of the cabbage is browned as well.
  3. Add garlic, caraway seeds, and broth. Stir to scrape up any browned bits at the bottom of the pan. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Bring to boil and lower temperature. Cover and simmer on low heat for about ½ hour or until cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally and adding extra broth or water if needed.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and vinegar.

Notes/Hints:

  • To thicken sauce, dissolve 1 to 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a bit of cold water. Slowly add just enough to boiling liquid until thickened.
  • Use vegetable broth if you're making this vegan. Water can also be substituted for this.
  • You can substitute with apple cider vinegar, if you wish.
  • You can decrease or increase the cooking time depending on how 'tender' you like the cabbage.
  • Add a bay leaf, if desired.
  • For another great side dish that's from northern Germany, braised cabbage recipe.
  • If you've got a purple cabbage lying around, then here's the absolute best way to make that.

Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com

08.11.2021 revision update

You might like these

Before you go ...

Follow Oma on Social Media:

Buy me a coffee?

Leave a comment about this recipe or ask a question?

Pop right over to my private Facebook group, the Kaffeeklatschers. You'll find thousands of German foodies, all eager to help and to talk about all things German, especially these yummy foods. 

Meet with us around Oma's table, pull up a chair, grab a coffee and a piece of Apfelstrudel, and enjoy the visit.

What's new here!

  1. Mulled Wine Cookie Bars – Gerhild's Glühweinkuchen vom Blech.

    wine cookies 650wm
    Make these German Mulled Wine Cookie Bars to enjoy as a traditional German Christmas treat. So wunderbar! Just like Oma’s Glühweinkuchen vom Blech.

    Read more

  2. German Christmas Cookies Recipe: Make Oma's Weihnachtskekse

    Christmas Cookies
    German Christmas Cookies Recipe: A cherished family tradition for generations! Decorate, enjoy Christmas music, and share these festive treats with loved ones.

    Read more

  3. Celebrate Advent with Oma!

    Advent Calendar - Day 1
    Celebrate Advent with us - with sales, freebies, and discounts!

    Read more

*  *  *  *  *


PIN to SAVE this recipe to your Pinterest board!

And let’s be friends on Pinterest!

Make this Bavarian braised cabbage just like Oma. With its sweet taste, it's the perfect side dish.

Best German Braised Cabbage Recipe ~ Oma’s Bayrisches Weisskraut

By
Best German Braised Cabbage Recipe ~ Oma’s Bayrisches Weisskraut
Make the BEST Bavarian braised cabbage recipe just that’s perfect for Oktoberfest or anytime you’re wanting a traditional German side dish. It’s Weisskraut, just like Oma makes it.

Ingredients: oil, onion, garlic, green cabbage, seasonings, broth, vinegar,

For the full recipe, scroll up ...

Words to the Wise

"People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness."

Proverbs 14:29 (NLT)

Copyright © | Quick German Recipes (Just like Oma) | All Rights Reserved

Powered by: Make Your Knowledge Sell!

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Quick German Recipes participates in various affiliate advertising to provide a means to earn advertising fees by linking to retail websites. This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites. I will not promote products I do not own or would not buy myself. My goal is to provide you with product information and my own personal opinions or ideas.  At times, I will showcase services, programs, and products. I aim to highlight ones that you might find interesting, and if you buy future items from those companies, I may get a small share of the revenue from the sale. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Throughout my site, you'll find mostly photos that I've taken in my kitchen. I also feature some reader-contributed images and curated stock IMAGES BY Deposit Photos and others, offering further perspectives on recipes and all things German.

YOU SHOULD ALWAYS PERFORM DUE DILIGENCE BEFORE BUYING GOODS OR SERVICES ONLINE.

Quick-German-recipes.com does not sell any personal information

copyscape image