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    Home » Sides » What to Serve with Cabbage Rolls - 35 Incredible Side Dishes to Try

    What to Serve with Cabbage Rolls - 35 Incredible Side Dishes to Try

    by: Anya·posted: Jul 20, 2022·updated: Sep 15, 2023·Leave a CommentThis post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    4-image collage that shows spaghetti squash, roasted green beans, arugula salad, and scalloped sweet potatoes, with text overlay.

    Wondering what to serve with cabbage rolls? Check out these 35 incredible side dishes that complement this comfort food so perfectly. From hearty grains to fresh salads and mouthwatering side dishes, these ideas will help you figure out what to serve with stuffed cabbage rolls.

    4-image collage that shows spaghetti squash, roasted green beans, arugula salad, and scalloped sweet potatoes, with text overlay.

    If you're looking for a well balanced and hearty meal, look no further than stuffed cabbage rolls. Even though there are different ways of making cabbage rolls, there's a clear consensus that this classic dish qualifies as a complete meal.

    That's because stuffed cabbage rolls have everything you need for a well-balanced meal: hearty ground meat, healthy grains, veggies like carrots, onion, cabbage, and delicious flavor from the tomato-based sauce.

    Add a dollop of sour cream and a slice of rye bread, and mealtime has been made easy.

    But if you are serving a crowd or if you just want to take this to a whole new level - pair your cabbage rolls with one of these fitting side dishes. Any of these cabbage roll side dishes will make a great accompaniment to the main course!

    Jump to:
    • What are Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?
    • Reasons to Make Cabbage Roll Side Dishes
    • Tips for Cabbage Roll Side Dishes
    • What to Serve with Cabbage Rolls
    • Best Side Dishes with Root Vegetables
    • Best Cabbage Roll Side Dishes with Grains
    • Roasted Vegetable Side Dishes
    • Best Salads for Cabbage Rolls
    • Fermented Recipes to go with Cabbage Rolls
    • Helpful Tools & Links
    • FAQs

    What are Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?

    classic russian cabbage rolls

    If you're not familiar with this hearty dish, let me introduce you. Originally hailing from Eastern Europe, stuffed cabbage rolls come in all shapes and sizes depending on the geographic location. There are different versions of cabbage rolls as there are any other traditional dish.

    This ultimate comfort food usually consists of ground meat, cooked rice (white rice is my choice!) and vegetable tomato sauce rolled into cabbage leaves and then cooked to tender perfection.

    Some recipes call for gently simmering the cabbage rolls on the stove top while others are baked in the oven. If you are looking for a traditional recipe, learn how to make stuffed cabbage rolls.

    Because homemade cabbage rolls don't have to be difficult, I also have an easy step-by-step post on how to take a whole head of cabbage and break it down to create perfectly tender-cooked cabbage leaves. Check out how to boil cabbage to make the rolls go easily and streamlined.

    And finally, if that seems a bit too involved and you need something simpler, check out this recipe for lazy cabbage rolls. It's the best way to get all the flavors of old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls but without the fuss.

    image of lazy cabbage rolls on white plate

    Reasons to Make Cabbage Roll Side Dishes

    • Quick and easy side dishes - Cabbage rolls are generally a labor of love so you need quick and simple sides to serve alongside them.
    • Comfort food - Because it's so balanced and flavorful, this classic comfort food makes a delicious dinner on it's own. Traditionally, Russian cabbage rolls have been enjoyed with a dollop of sour cream and a slice of rye bread.
    • Serves a crowd - If you're serving cabbage rolls to guests or a larger crowd for special occasions, it's good to be armed with equally nourishing side dishes.
    💭Pro tip: Cabbage rolls freeze exceptionally well. Consider doubling the batch and freeze half for an easy meal in the future.

    Tips for Cabbage Roll Side Dishes

    • Use a freezer. See what frozen vegetables you have on hand to see if you can pop them in the oven for an instant side dish for cabbage rolls. Or prepare several options and have them readily available in the freezer for the future.
    • Buy seasonally. Make side dishes using produce that is available to you right now. Seasonal vegetables are more nutritious, tastier, and cost-efficient.
    • Keep it simple. Sometimes, the most satisfying side dishes are the simplest ones. Don't feel compelled to make elaborate sides every time. A simple salad or roasted veggie can be the perfect accompaniment to cabbage rolls, allowing the flavors to shine without overwhelming your palate.

    What to Serve with Cabbage Rolls

    Ready to explore delicious pairings? Check out this compilation of popular side dishes that complement cabbage rolls well.

    These side dishes will provide your dinner with a contrast of textures and flavors that makes the entire meal more interesting. And you'll notice that we are big on variety - lots of different vegetables here that add incredible health benefits to your plate.

    In this roundup of What to Serve with Cabbage Rolls - these delicious side dishes are broken down by categories that I think would make more sense to the cook:

    • Sides with Root Vegetables (of course potatoes are an obvious choice here but there are other equally delicious root vegetables)
    • Side Dishes with Grains (this includes veggies that are great stand-ins for grains)
    • Roasted Vegetables (personally my favorite for a meal like cabbage rolls because it's super easy!)
    • Versatile Salads (close second!)
    • Fermented Pairings for Cabbage Rolls
    collage of simple side dishes to pair with cabbage rolls

    Best Side Dishes with Root Vegetables

    Cabbage rolls and potatoes are such a perfect match which is why we absolutely needed to include them in this roundup. But taters aren't the only main attraction in this group. Check out how other root vegetables can make a perfect side dish for cabbage rolls.

    Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Bacon
    An easy and delicious side dish that consists of bacon, sage, garlic and of course the sweet potatoes. 
    1 hour hour
    Check out this recipe
    Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Bacon (Whole30, Paleo) - Make this for an easy weeknight side dish or a fancy dinner party. Either way, these Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Bacon are Whole30 and Paleo and require only 4 ingredients. #sidedish #paleo #whole30
    Crispy Oven Roasted Garlic Potatoes
    Fluffy on the inside, golden on the outside, these Crispy Oven Roasted Garlic Potatoes make a wonderful sheet pan side dish with only 4 ingredients and little prep time.
    50 minutes minutes
    Check out this recipe
    golden brown potatoes in serving platter.
    Roasted Carrots with Garlic
    Oven-roasted whole carrots with garlic and herbs make an easy and delicious side dish that can go with just about any meal. This savory Paleo and Whole30 side come together in 20 minutes.
    30 minutes minutes
    Check out this recipe
    roasted carrots on white platter.
    Bacon and Cheese Baked Potatoes
    Bacon and Cheese Baked Potato is the ultimate comfort food. These taters are stuffed with cheesy and buttery potato filling with pops of crunchy bacon and green onions.
    1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
    Check out this recipe
    Baked loaded potatoes with bacon and green onions on a baking sheet
    Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions • All that’s Jas
    These flavorful dairy-free mashed potatoes are effortless to make and require no dairy substitutes but simple ingredients you already have on hand.
    Check out this recipe
    Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions • All that’s Jas
    Oven Roasted Potatoes and Carrots
    These herb-roasted potatoes and carrots with green beans are outstanding and easy to make! Tender, flavorful, savory, and healthy, this side dish is the best!
    Check out this recipe
    Oven Roasted Potatoes and Carrots
    Celery Root Slaw with Fennel
    This crunchy celery root slaw recipe is a delicious way to enjoy a lesser-known root vegetable especially when combined with fennel!
    Check out this recipe
    Celery Root Slaw with Fennel
    Creamy Parsnip Puree
    This Parsnip Puree recipe is velvety smooth and creamy with the flavors of garlic and rosemary. It’s a naturally gluten-free side dish that everyone will love!
    Check out this recipe
    Creamy Parsnip Puree

    Best Cabbage Roll Side Dishes with Grains

    A simple barley pilaf, egg noodles, or a side of brown rice cooked in bone broth makes a great side dish. In this category are also vegetables that resemble these grains but come with amazing health benefits.

    Instant Pot Buckwheat
    Instant Pot Buckwheat is perfectly fluffy, tender, and always delicious. This ancient grain is joined with modern convenience for a hearty and nutritious side dish that’s great with most meats, fish, and vegetables.
    27 minutes minutes
    Check out this recipe
    cooked buckwheat in a white bowl with Instant Pot in background
    How to Cut and Cook Spaghetti Squash for Long Strands
    Find out how to cut and cook spaghetti squash to get those long strands. It's easily roasted in the oven and is a great alternative to pasta.
    1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes
    Check out this recipe
    spaghetti squash in a ring with fork.
    Instant Pot Millet
    Instant Pot Millet can be served as porridge, cold in salads, or paired as a healthy gluten-free grain with protein. This mildly flavored ancient grain is used in a variety of sweet and savory millet recipes.
    35 minutes minutes
    Check out this recipe
    millet cooked in instant pot.
    Perfect Rice in the Pressure Cooker
    Learn how to make perfect rice in the pressure cooker using both regular not soaked rice and soaked rice for better digestibility.
    15 minutes minutes
    Check out this recipe
    Perfect Rice in the Instant Pot -Easily prepare perfect rice for maximum absorption and nutrition in your electric pressure cooker. Instructions for both soaked rice and regular rice.
    How to Cook Basic Polenta – Mamaliga
    How to cook basic polenta, creamy or sturdy. Polenta is a dish made from coarsely ground cornmeal. Some water and some salt, a little bit of cooking and you're done.
    Check out this recipe
    How to Cook Basic Polenta – Mamaliga
    Best Seasoned Cauliflower Rice with Lemon & Herbs
    Light, fluffy seasoned cauliflower rice with lemon and herbs is a delicious, quick and healthy side dish with WAY less calories, carbs and cooking time than traditional sides.
    Check out this recipe
    Best Seasoned Cauliflower Rice with Lemon & Herbs

    Roasted Vegetable Side Dishes

    The best part about roasted vegetables is how quickly it takes to whip them into a quick side dish without the fuss. These are truly some of the best side dishes for cabbage rolls and for good reason! They're usually one-pan recipes and require very little hands-on prep time. I'm convinced you'll find a perfect side dish for cabbage rolls in this collection.

    Roasted Green Beans with Bacon
    Roasted Green Beans with Bacon are perfectly tender and so delicious. This easy 20-minute side dish goes with just about anything!
    30 minutes minutes
    Check out this recipe
    Green beans with bacon on a platter with a serving spoon
    Air Fryer Roasted Butternut Squash
    This Air Fryer Roasted Butternut Squash recipe makes a wonderful side dish in 10 minutes. It works well with either fresh or frozen butternut squash and easily roasted to perfection in the air fryer.
    15 minutes minutes
    Check out this recipe
    roasted butternut squash in white bowl.
    How to Roast Zucchini and Squash in the Air Fryer
    Roasting zucchini and squash in the air fryer is easy and quick with just a small list of ingredients.
    20 minutes minutes
    Check out this recipe
    roasted zucchini on crisper tray.
    Roasted Bok Choy in Air Fryer
    Crispy, flavorful green edges cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Pair this quick, easy, and healthy side dish with your favorite grilled meat for a simple dinner.
    15 minutes minutes
    Check out this recipe
    roasted bok choy on a white platter
    Creamed Mushrooms
    Full of satisfying flavors in caramelized onions, garlic, rich butter and cream, finished off with red wine reduction. Great over pasta, chicken or steak!
    45 minutes minutes
    Check out this recipe
    Creamed Mushrooms in a small bowl with garnished parsley

    Best Salads for Cabbage Rolls

    A nice light salad is great at complimenting a balanced main course. In fact, adding a simple green salad to your main dish is always a good idea. Check out these salads that all come with their own delicious flavor.

    Cucumber Garlic Dill Salad
    This easy and fresh cucumber dill salad recipe with garlic is the perfect solution for easy side dish on a busy weeknight or to feed a crowd on a weekend. Made with crispy cucumbers, aromatic dill, and savory garlic, this salad pairs perfectly with everything.
    15 minutes minutes
    Check out this recipe
    garlic cucumber dill salad in a white bowl.
    Arugula Goat Cheese Salad with Prosciutto
    This Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese and Prosciutto is an infusion of flavors and textures that can complement any dish. The best part is it's made with a handful of ingredients and just 15 minutes of prep time.
    15 minutes minutes
    Check out this recipe
    rocket salad with arugula leaves on a white platter with goat cheese and prosciutto toppings with wooden spoons on the left.
    Cabbage Cucumber Salad (Low Carb)
    This Cabbage and Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, healthy, and delicious addition to your meal. Made with just a handful of ingredients, it's naturally paleo, low carb, and Whole 30.
    20 minutes minutes
    Check out this recipe
    Shredded cabbage with cucumbers in a white bowl.
    Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad
    This Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad is a simple, yet refreshing addition to any summer meal. With only 5 ingredients, it comes together in under 15 minutes.
    15 minutes minutes
    Check out this recipe
    Classic Caesar Salad
    This Classic Caesar Salad recipe is made from scratch with tangy homemade Caesar dressing, toasted croutons, and crunchy romaine lettuce.
    30 minutes minutes
    Check out this recipe
    white bowl with caesar salad on top of white kitchen towel
    Pickled Beet Salad with Feta and Walnuts | The Rustic Foodie®
    This easy Pickled Beet Salad recipe is healthy and tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette dressing along with feta cheese, walnuts, and greens!
    Check out this recipe
    Pickled Beet Salad with Feta and Walnuts | The Rustic Foodie®
    The Best Simple Side Salad Recipe - Belly Full
    A simple green side salad with romaine, cucumber, tomato, craisins, pecans, and a blend of two different delicious dressings!
    Check out this recipe
    The Best Simple Side Salad Recipe - Belly Full

    Fermented Recipes to go with Cabbage Rolls

    As is typical for all Prepare and Nourish recipes, we are big on serving all meals with a serving of lacto-fermented food. These are some of the best lacto-fermented pairings that go well with cabbage rolls.

    You'll notice that the time it takes to make these foods are much longer than what we'd want in a side dish. That's because fermented foods are a labor of love. They're meant to have a long shelf life so make these well in advance of your meal.

    In fact, have a variety of different ferments to vary your probiotic and live enzyme intake.

    Spicy Sauerkraut with Ginger and Garlic
    This Spicy Sauerkraut with Ginger and Garlic is a delightfully zesty take on sauerkraut that is packed with antioxidants and beneficial bacteria for gut health.
    21 days days 30 minutes minutes
    Check out this recipe
    fork in sauerkraut recipe.
    Easy Fermented Kimchi Recipe
    Learn how to make kimchi at home with this simple step-by-step guide. This Easy Fermented Kimchi recipe is loaded with spicy and tangy flavors and crunchy texture.
    8 days days 45 minutes minutes
    Check out this recipe
    kimchi in half-gallon mason jar with lid on the side in how to make kimchi tutorial.
    Fermented Red Cabbage Sauerkraut
    This Red Cabbage Sauerkraut recipe (or fermented red cabbage) is made with just a few simple ingredients and easy steps yet provides a delicious and tangy kraut that's excellent with every meal.
    7 days days 10 minutes minutes
    Check out this recipe
    red cabbage kraut in a jar.
    Fermented Green Tomatoes
    Learn how to make Fermented Green Tomatoes and preserve those unripe tomatoes before the season ends. With the traditional method of lacto-fermentation, this pickled green tomatoes recipe is easy, delicious, and packed with nutrition.
    8 days days 30 minutes minutes
    Check out this recipe
    green tomatoes with fresh dill in mason jar.
    Easy Fermented Cherry Tomatoes
    Fermented cherry tomatoes are a great way to preserve that summer harvest and include more gut-healthy probiotics to your meals.
    10 days days 10 minutes minutes
    Check out this recipe
    cultured tomatoes with spices and brine in a weck jar.
    Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

    Helpful Tools & Links

    Below are some affiliate links that may be helpful to you as you plan what goes with cabbage rolls for your next dinner. I'm only including these as reference but it's likely you already have something similar.

    • Serving tools: cutting board, large mixing bowl, ceramic baking dish, serving platter set, large salad bowl
    • Storage Supplies: glass snap containers
    white bowl of spaghetti squash

    FAQs

    What side dishes can I prepare ahead of time?

    There are multiple side dishes on the list that make a great meal prep option. Dishes like cooked grains, hearty salads like coleslaw, and roasted vegetables can be prepared ahead of time. Fermented vegetables are also great to have on hand for an instant side dish.

    Can I pair cabbage rolls with side dishes from different cuisines?

    Absolutely! You can get creative with international flavors. Consider pairing cabbage rolls with gluten-free garlic bread topped with Parmesan cheese for a simple side. Or try a different authentic side dish to create a blend of textures and flavors that's sure to satisfy your taste buds.

    What side dishes should not be served with cabbage rolls?

    When you think about what to serve with stuffed cabbage rolls, you want a contrast in flavors and textures. I would try to avoid similar-type foods like cabbage or Brussels sprouts, ground beef or turkey, and tomato-based sauce.

    Was this What to Serve with Cabbage Rolls roundup helpful? Check out more related ideas below. 
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    I'm Anya and it is my joy to share wholesome recipes using seasonal ingredients and simplified methods. My hope is you'll feel right at home in this online kitchen, where you'll find real food recipes for real families.

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