Traditional German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl)

Rotkohl, or German Red Cabbage, is a savory-sweet mix of braised cabbage, peppery bacon, tart apples, and warm spices. Prussian heirloom recipe.

Sweet and sour red cabbage makes a perfect side dish for all kinds of Bavarian, German, Prussian foods. We especially enjoy it with sauerbraten, schnitzel, and bratwurst, and it is a staple as part of our annual Oktoberfest celebration. 

This simple German red cabbage recipe is easy to make, and is even better the day after. This makes it perfect for holidays, when prepping a dish two or three days ahead of time can be a lifesaver!

Jump to:

• What's the Story Behind this Recipe?
• Rotkohl Ingredients
• How to Make German Red Cabbage with Apples & Bacon
• Equipment
• Storage
• Top Tip
• FAQ
• More German Recipes
• Pairing
• Traditional German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl)

What's the Story Behind this Recipe?

Some years ago, Mr B and I had the pleasure of sharing an Oktoberfest feast with some old friends, Eric and Lurissa. They treated us to a scrumptious dinner of sauerbraten, spaetzle, smoked bratwurst, sauerkraut, rotkohl, and apple strudel. (I did contribute a pot of Hot German Potato Salad to round out the meal, just in case someone was feeling like they needed more carbs.)

Every bite of our dinner was delicious, but it was the sweet and sour German red cabbage, or rotkohl (rhymes with "ricebowl"), that really got my attention. Each mouthful was a symphony of smokey, sweetly-spiced notes, with just a hint of sour for balance. No question about it - it was the best german red cabbage ever!

Needless to say, I asked for the recipe immediately, which Eric generously shared, along with the story behind it. As it turns out, Eric's rotkohl recipe is an old Prussian one, passed down from his GrandPa, George Lorenz, whose family immigrated to the United States from Breslau, Prussia (now Wroclaw, Poland), making this recipe a genuine family heirloom!

Rotkohl Ingredients

• Red cabbage: To slice the red cabbage, first discard the tough outer leaves, and then cut the head in half through the core. Remove the core and then cut it into quarters, and then thinly slice the cabbage using a large, sharp knife or a mandolin. 
  • You can use green cabbage; however, you will sacrifice the beautiful purple hues of traditional German rotkohl (literally, "red cabbage"). 
• Bacon: Peppered bacon is optimal for this recipe; however, you can use any bacon for it. If you use a regular, unpeppered bacon, add a little extra freshly ground pepper when you add the brown sugar and spices.
• Apples: Granny Smiths, Jonagolds, Braeburns, and Honeycrisps are all good choices. (We most often use Granny Smiths.)
  • Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. We like the apple pieces to be big enough that they hold up to the braising process. 
• Onions: In keeping with the color scheme, red onions are the best choice for this recipe; however, yellow or sweet onions will but work. 
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar contains molasses, and gives this rotkohl a warm, rich sweetness.
• Cider vinegar: Like the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar adds a distinct flavor and sweetness to the rotkohl. Avoid using white vinegar, as it is too tart.

How to Make German Red Cabbage with Apples & Bacon

One Pot Prep

In a large enameled Dutch oven (or other large, heavy bottom pot), sauté bacon until limp and slightly browned, but not crisp.

Add onion and apple slices and toss with bacon and drippings. Sauté for one minute.

Add thinly sliced cabbage and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Use tongs to gently toss everything together. 

Cover and simmer until the cabbage begins to wilt, tossing frequently.

Add apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and remaining spices.

Continue simmering, covered for ½ hour to 45 minutes. Use tongs to toss and fold mixture every 10 minutes.

The rotkohl is done when it is soft but not mushy. It should still look like cooked cabbage, and have just a bit of a bite. 

Taste and adjust spices before serving.

Equipment

I recommend using an enameled cast iron Dutch oven when making rotkohl. A Dutch oven allows you to sauté and simmer on the stovetop, and the enameled (i.e., glass) surface won't react to ingredients. A good Dutch oven promotes even heating and has great heat retention, and goes from stovetop to oven to table with ease.

You can also use a heavy stockpot to make this recipe.

Storage

Store leftovers in a non-reactive container (i.e., glass, plastic, stainless, etc.). Leftovers will keep for at least 5 days in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or over low heat on the stovetop. We do not recommend freezing this dish. 

Top Tip

Make It Ahead of Time!

We always make this German Red Cabbage recipe at least a day before we plan to serve it, because it is always even better the next day. (It can be made up to four days ahead of time!)

FAQ

More German Recipes

Pairing

Rotkohl pairs well with most German main dishes. Serve it alongside sauerbraten, spätzel German potato salad, and a thick slice of dark German rye for a real feast!

Thank you for visiting the Good Hearted Woman. Remember to bookmark this site, and come back soon!

Originally published October 10, 2014. Post has been updated with new images, content, and recipe instructions to improve reader experience.