First, from my kitchen to yours—thank you for stopping by! This recipe is incredibly close to my heart. German Cabbage and Dumplings was one of the first “real meals” I learned to cook with my grandmother, and every time I make it, I’m transported back to those warm, laughter-filled kitchens of my childhood.

If you’ve ever searched for a humble dish that brings people together and fills your home with the coziest aromas—this is it. It’s hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly simple. And today, I’m sharing our family’s cherished version with you. 💛

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🌾 What Is German Cabbage and Dumplings?

German Cabbage and Dumplings is a traditional dish that dates back centuries in rural Germany. With cabbage being a staple crop and flour being accessible, families created this dish as a nourishing, cost-effective meal. The soft, buttery cabbage paired with pillowy dumplings made from scratch is everything you want on a chilly evening—or any time you’re craving something filling and nostalgic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting & hearty – a hug in a bowl!
• Budget-friendly – minimal ingredients, big flavor
• One-pot wonder – fewer dishes, more joy
• Customizable – make it sweet, smoky, tangy, or savory

🥄 What It Tastes Like

This dish is a marriage of soft, buttery cabbage and warm, fluffy dumplings that practically melt in your mouth. The cabbage becomes subtly sweet and tender after sautéing in butter, while the dumplings are light and eggy, soaking up the flavors like little clouds of comfort.

Add some cracked black pepper and maybe a few crispy bacon bits, and you’ve got a meal that’s humble but incredibly soul-satisfying.

💛 Why This Dish Deserves a Place at Your Table

• Deep-rooted tradition in German home cooking
• Can be served as a vegetarian main or hearty side
• Made with ingredients you likely already have
• It’s warm, soft, and easy on the stomach—a true comfort food
• The dumplings come together in minutes—no kneading required!

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

🧈 Optional add-ins and swaps are listed below!

🧰 Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot or Dutch oven with a lid
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Slotted spoon (for serving dumplings)

➕ Additions & Variations

Make it your own with these flavorful ideas:

1. Bacon & Onion – Fry up chopped bacon and diced onion, and stir them into the sautéed cabbage. Instant smoky depth!
2. Caraway Seeds – Toast and add to your dumpling batter or cabbage for a nutty, earthy note.
3. Apples – Thinly slice 1–2 apples and sauté with the cabbage for a sweet-salty combo.
4. Vinegar Kick – A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end adds brightness.
5. Cheese Dumplings – Add a handful of grated cheddar or gouda to the dumpling batter for extra indulgence.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cabbage

• Remove any tough outer leaves and core the cabbage.
• Finely shred the rest.
• In a large pot, melt 4 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
• Add the cabbage and sauté for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Make the Dumpling Batter

• In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
• Stir until a thick batter forms. Too runny? Add more flour. Too thick? A splash of milk will fix it.

3. Cook the Dumplings

• Once the cabbage is tender and steaming, drop spoonfuls of batter directly on top.
• Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 15 minutes on low heat. ❗ Do not lift the lid while they’re cooking! The steam is what makes them light and fluffy.

4. Serve and Enjoy

• Gently remove dumplings with a slotted spoon, along with a generous helping of cabbage.
• Serve hot and enjoy that first nostalgic bite. 🥰

🍽️ What to Serve With Cabbage and Dumplings

This dish is fantastic on its own, but if you’re making a bigger meal, try these sides:

• Smoked sausage or bratwurst
• German potato salad
• Sliced crusty rye bread or pretzel rolls
• A dollop of sour cream or mustard on the side
• Cold glass of German beer or apple cider

💡 Tips for Dumpling Success

• Don’t overmix the batter—it should be lumpy but cohesive.
• Keep the lid closed during cooking! That steam is crucial.
• Fresh cabbage works best, but pre-shredded will work in a pinch.
• This dish tastes even better the next day—hello, leftovers!

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions (cabbage + dumplings) for up to 2 months.
• To Reheat: Warm gently in a pot with a splash of water or broth to loosen things up.

ℹ️ General Recipe Info

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: ~45 minutes
• Serves: 4–6

❓ FAQ – You Asked, We Answered

Can I use red cabbage?

You can! Just note the flavor is slightly sweeter and the color will change.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes—just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Results may vary slightly but still delicious!

What kind of milk works best?

Whole milk gives a rich texture, but you can use any milk (even plant-based!) in a pinch.

Can I make the dumplings separately?

You could boil them in broth, but cooking them on top of the cabbage infuses more flavor and makes cleanup easier.

💬 Final Thoughts

German Cabbage and Dumplings is more than just a recipe—it’s a piece of heritage, a comforting reminder of simpler times, and a perfect dish to bring people together. Whether you’re new to German cooking or reliving treasured memories, this meal never fails to satisfy.

Want to keep the comfort food coming? Try these next:

• Classic German Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer)
• Slow Cooker Sauerbraten (German Pot Roast)
• Apple Strudel with Flaky Crust

📸 Show Off Your Creation!

Did you make this recipe? I’d love to see your take!
📌 Tag me on Pinterest or leave a comment and photo below. Let’s share the love, one dumpling at a time!

🔢 Nutritional Information (per serving – approx.)

• Calories: 320
• Carbs: 42g
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g