Boiled Cabbage is just the thing when you’re looking for a simple yummy side dish! Simply boil the cabbage until tender and drizzle with butter, salt & pepper. 

Cabbage is packed with vitamins, nutrients, and tons of fiber and this recipe makes for a great side for any chicken, beef, or pork dish!

Boiled Cabbage on a white plate with salt & pepper

Boiled cabbage is great for a simple side or an easy meatless dinner combined with potatoes. For a meatier version, just add some bacon or kielbasa and other seasonings to the mix!

How to Cut Cabbage

Remove any discolored or torn leaves on the outside. Keep the root intact to keep the leaves together.

Cut cabbage into wedges of four or eight (depending on the size of the head of cabbage).

Wedges of raw cabbage used for Boiled Cabbage

How to Boil Cabbage

  1. Bring water (or broth) to a boil in a large pot. If using plain water, add a pinch of salt.
  2. Submerge the cabbage and cook until it is tender.
  3. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cabbage wedges can be simply made with water, or boiled with chicken broth for extra flavor.

Cabbage in a pot for Boiled Cabbage

How Long to Boil Cabbage

Whether the cabbage is in wedges or in strips, boil until it is fork-tender, about 8 to 12 minutes.

Cabbage can be steamed too, but it takes longer. Drain well before seasoning.

More Cabbage Favorites

Boiled cabbage goes great with so many different flavors! Here is some inspiration to get started!

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text
Boiled Cabbage on a white plate with salt & pepper
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Boiled Cabbage

Make this quick and easy boiled cabbage recipe for a tasty and nutritious side dish.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings 8 wedges

Equipment

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Ingredients  

  • 1 head green cabbage small
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • bacon drippings optional, or 2 slices bacon

Instructions 

  • Remove any discolored leaves from the cabbage. Cut the head of cabbage in half and cut each half into 1 1/2" wedges leaving the root intact to hold the wedges together.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. If using bacon fat, or bacon, add to the boiling water for flavor.
  • Add cabbage wedges and boil 8-12 minutes or just until tender.
  • Drain well, drizzle with butter and season with salt & pepper to taste.

Notes

*nutrition information doesn't include optional ingredients
Water can be replaced with broth for more flavor.
Top with crispy bacon bits if desired.
Cabbage can be chopped into 1" strips instead of wedges if desired.
4.98 from 43 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 53 | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 43mg | Potassium: 194mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 199IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Boiled Cabbage on a white plate with a title
Boiled Cabbage with salt and pepper with writing
Boiled Cabbage with a title

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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Comments

  1. So simple and so good ! Thank you again for giving me a “What can i do quickly and yet good with this “ recipe.5 stars

  2. I’m so new to this cooking thing. Lol. I need to double this to 16 servings. Do I just double every single ingredient? What about cooking time? This is my side to bring for Christmas! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

    1. Yes, you will need to double all of the ingredients, the cooking time will be the same just boil the cabbage in smaller batches so it’s more manageable!

  3. This recipe worked so well! My husband loves boiled cabbage but I was unfamiliar with it or how to make it… your recipe is a winner! I also added some red wine vinegar at the end just before serving, upon husband’s request. Delicious!5 stars

  4. I actually made this before I saw your post but I have to say this this Is the absolute easiest thing I’ve ever made.
    What makes it a cut above the rest is the butter, it just takes it somewhere else entirely..
    And I made mine in the microwave.5 stars

  5. This is a good recipe and a green that doesn’t have a strong flavor like chard or kale. This recipe is perfect as a side to processed or not very nutritious foods since it is so cheap and healthy. I pressure cook mine for 2 minutes in a steamer and put vinegar on in addition to the fat as suggested. I feel the pressure steamed vegetables are a little sweeter since they are cooked less time and not in contact with the water.5 stars

  6. When I cook cabbage I do it 2 ways:
    – chopped up, cooked in butter
    and my fav
    – chopped up, boiled, drained. Blend in a couple of tablespoons of Devonshire cream. Magical!!