Cabbage and Dumplings Recipe
Introduction
Cabbage and dumplings is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together tender cabbage and soft, pillowy dumplings in a savory broth. It’s simple to make and perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.

Ingredients
- 1 medium green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- ½ cup vegetable broth or water
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk (plus more if needed)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for finishing)
- Optional: chopped parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add the chopped cabbage, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and caraway seeds if using. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cabbage begins to wilt.
- Step 3: Pour in ½ cup of vegetable broth or water, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
- Step 4: While the cabbage simmers, prepare the dumpling dough. In a bowl, whisk together 1½ cups flour and ½ teaspoon salt. Add 1 large egg and ½ cup milk, stirring until a soft dough forms. Add a little more milk if the dough feels too stiff.
- Step 5: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough gently into the simmering cabbage mixture. Cover tightly again and steam the dumplings for 10–12 minutes until cooked through.
- Step 6: Remove the lid and gently stir in 1 tablespoon of butter. Serve the dish hot, garnished with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, swap the vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- You can add cooked bacon or sausage to the cabbage for extra protein and taste.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the cabbage.
- Caraway seeds are traditional but optional; feel free to omit if you’re not a fan.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the dumplings moist.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cabbage for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute green cabbage with savoy or Napa cabbage. Just keep in mind that Napa cabbage is softer and cooks faster, so adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I freeze cabbage and dumplings?
This dish doesn’t freeze well because the dumplings may become mushy when thawed. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
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Cabbage and Dumplings Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty dish featuring tenderly sautéed cabbage simmered with flavorful onions and caraway seeds, paired with soft, steamed dumplings made from a simple flour and egg dough. This rustic recipe is perfect for a cozy meal and can be garnished with fresh herbs for an added burst of freshness.
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Mixture
- 1 medium green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- ½ cup vegetable broth or water
For the Dumplings
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk (plus more if needed)
Finishing and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon butter (for finishing)
- Optional: chopped parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Cabbage: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the chopped cabbage, salt, pepper, and caraway seeds if using. Cook the mixture for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Pour in the vegetable broth or water, cover the skillet, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
- Make Dumpling Dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the egg and ½ cup of milk, stirring until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too thick, add more milk a tablespoon at a time to reach the desired consistency that can be easily dropped by spoonfuls.
- Cook Dumplings: Using a spoon, drop portions of the dumpling dough directly into the simmering cabbage mixture. Cover the pan tightly and allow the dumplings to steam for 10–12 minutes, until they are cooked through and fluffy.
- Finish & Serve: After the dumplings have cooked, gently stir in 1 tablespoon of butter for richness. Serve the cabbage and dumplings hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- You can substitute olive oil for butter to keep the recipe dairy-free.
- Caraway seeds add a traditional flavor but can be omitted if you prefer a milder taste.
- If the dumpling dough seems too sticky, add a little more flour.
- The dish is best served immediately but can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cabbage and dumplings, sautéed cabbage, dumplings recipe, vegetarian comfort food, easy stovetop meal, caraway seeds, cozy dinner

