If you’re looking for a hearty dish that is satisfying and protective, look no further than cabbage rolls.
Cabbage leaves are rolled up with meat to create this ginormous meal which can be served as an entree or side dish!
The best part about them is how they taste good with almost anything- so it’s easy to find what will work well alongside the savory flavors of garlic and onion (not forgetting spices).
You can serve them as an entree or side but I recommend enjoying them over mashed potatoes for extra creaminess.
It’s true, cabbage rolls are a hearty dish. But that doesn’t mean you can just give up on the side dishes!
What to Serve with Cabbage Rolls? 12 BEST Side Dishes to Try
I’ve rounded up some easy-to-make and scrumptious sides to co-star with your main attraction – here are 12 of my favorites for ya:
1 – Cucumber Salad
Salads are so easy to make, and they can really jazz up your meal. I love cucumber salad because it pairs beautifully with cabbage rolls or anything spicy inside the roll!
All you need for this is a couple of pieces of fresh cukes, some salt and pepper if desired, lemon juice squeezed over top (to taste), olive oil drizzled on lightly (again to taste) – that’s all there is to it!
2 – German Spätzle
These German egg noodles are the perfect dinner party dish. They pack a lot of flavor with minimal effort, so you can focus on other things!
You only need to prepare them in 15 minutes and they’re not too hard to make either.
Prepare this ahead for as long as 24 hours before your guests arrive, then simply bake it when everyone is present – how easy was that?
3 – Roasted Red Potatoes
Roasting potatoes is even better when the skins are left on! The skin provides extra nutrition, and browning in that way enhances flavor.
If you use a meat thermometer to test how cooked they’re getting (instructions here), then this quick side dish will be done at just right time for your meal.
The benefits of roasting potatoes go beyond deliciousness: it’s inexpensive because potato costs less than $2/pound; easy enough so anyone can do it quickly too with no hassle or fuss – perfect for busy families who want something healthy but don’t have much time.
4 – Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic dish that goes well with almost anything.
The Colcannon is an Irish twist on mashed potatoes: they include cabbage and fried onion for added flavor!
5 – Potato Pancakes
If you’re a fan of cabbage rolls, but can’t have eggs or want to switch things up, try potato pancakes! They’ll pair perfectly with your cabbage rolls and are easy to make too.
You’ll be able to create this dish without any egg thanks to the use of applesauce as well for an egg-free option.
Why not get creative by mixing it up even further? Make them with sweet potatoes instead – perfect if you’ve always wanted a new twist on traditional recipes.
6 – Rye Bread
It is a traditional Romanian dish that will have your guests coming back for more!
Try this rye bread recipe to serve with your main meal. The subtle caraway seeds give it that extra something you’re looking for!
7 – Garlic Bread
Serve a cheesy garlic bread with crunchy cabbage rolls for an authentic taste of Eastern Europe. It is such a great side dish for any gathering. It’s super easy to make, and it tastes delicious!
Eastern European cuisine is full of umami flavors and textures thanks to its rich use of herbs, spices, vegetables, meats – not to mention pickles galore!
For the perfect starter dish or a light meal serve up these garlicky brown-crusted cabbages stuffed with rice and ground beef served on top of a crispy loaf slathered in melted cheese.
8 – Pierogies
Do you know how people always say “Pierogies are the hardest dish to make”? Well, not anymore! I have a super-easy way for you.
The only thing you need to do is take a trip down the frozen food aisle and pick up one package of pierogi.
You don’t have to worry about making dough or boiling water, it’s all in there for you! I swear they’re really good too so give them a try sometime.
9 – Goulash
Goulash is the perfect dish for guests who are looking to indulge in some good food. This hearty stew with a spicy twist will leave you hungry and satisfied once it’s over!
The ingredients are simple, and you can really play around with this recipe as well by adding different vegetables to change things up every time!
Not only does it taste amazing but it smells good too; don’t worry about how long before they eat because no matter what, their stomachs will be full when they get up out of their seats.
10 – Garlic Roasted Carrots
This is a delicious combination of flavors, where the carrots are infused with the savory notes of garlic and herbs, and then roasted to bring out their sweetness.
A simple creamy sauce brings it all together so that your taste buds can enjoy the full range.
11 – Sauerkraut
Who can resist the taste of sauerkraut? It’s not just good for you.
Well, it is healthy because it’s a fermented food and perfects to put on your favorite foods- but more importantly, it tastes great!
So don’t wait another minute – head over to your grocery store or farmer’s market today and get some delicious sauerkraut like I did last week.
12 – Braised Leeks
This side dish is a perfect example of the quintessential springtime ingredients.
Leeks are very versatile in that they can be used for both savory and sweet dishes, but their flavor is much less pronounced than onions.
This recipe will not take long to make or require many complicated steps– it’s so simple!
Be sure you clean your leek completely before cooking with them though because dirt easily gets trapped within all those layers.
Conclusion
Cabbage rolls are a great dish to serve up at your next get-together, but can be tough when you’re in the kitchen.
Luckily there’s some easy side dishes that go well with these cabbage roll bundles of joy!
Try serving them alongside something like rice or potatoes for an extra boost.
What to Serve with Cabbage Rolls? 12 BEST Side Dishes to Try
Ingredients
- Cucumber Salad
- German Spätzle
- Roasted Red Potatoes
- Mashed Potatoes
- Potato Pancakes
- Rye Bread
- Garlic Bread
- Pierogies
- Goulash
- Garlic Roasted Carrots
- Sauerkraut
- Braised Leeks
Instructions
- Choose your favorite recipe from the list of options.
- Organize all required ingredients and prepare a delicious meal in 30 minutes or less!