What to Serve with Cabbage Rolls? 7 BEST Side Dishes

Cabbage rolls have a special place at the dinner table, combining comfort food vibes with that satisfying, hearty filling.

Yet, figuring out what to pair with them can sometimes feel like a puzzle.

Good news: the solution is closer than you think.

From creamy mashed potatoes to tangy sauerkraut, I’ve rounded up the seven best side dishes that will elevate your cabbage roll meal from good to unforgettable.

Each side dish complements the flavors and textures of cabbage rolls, ensuring your dinner is balanced and delightful.

Ready to discover these perfect pairings? Keep reading to amp up your next cabbage roll feast!

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes With Cabbage Rolls?

A cabbage roll is a staple food in several regions across the globe.

It’s simply made of cooked cabbage leaves wrapped around different kinds of stuffing.

Commonly, the stuffing is made with pork, lamb, garlic, onion, veggies, rice, beef, and barley, mixed with traditional spices.

By this, you get the idea that cabbage rolls are super-rich and hearty.

Hence, serving the right side dish with cabbage rolls can help balance out the entire meal.

Moreover, you should consider serving side dishes with cabbage rolls, as they can enhance the flavor of your main attraction.

Plus, they can provide vitamins and nutrients that are missing in the entrée.

All in all, choosing the right side dish makes all the difference.

What to Serve with Cabbage Rolls? 7 BEST Side Dishes

From classic mashed potatoes to fresh vegetable salads, read further to find out the best side dishes that you can serve with cabbage rolls.

1 – Mashed Potatoes

Let’s start with the basics. Mashed potatoes are a staple in almost all American homes.

This easy-to-make and quick side dish goes best with vegetable and meat dishes.

And since cabbage rolls are mostly meat stuffed in a veggie leaf, it means cabbage rolls and mashed potatoes are a match made in heaven.

The creamy, buttery, and smooth texture of mashed potatoes complement the flavor of cabbage rolls and their stuffing.

To spice things up, you can even add extra butter, cream, spices, or even bits of onions and cabbage into your mashed potatoes.

2 – Tomato Soup

Do you prefer soups on the side? Well, you can try the classic tomato soup with your cabbage rolls.

It’s sweet with a little bit of tartness and overall delicious.

Tomato soup as a side dish works wonders if your cabbage roll is stuffed with fatty meat.

The tangy flavor of the soup will balance out the fatty flavor.

Tomato soup is also one of the healthiest side dishes out there.

It is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that boost immunity, heart, and skin health.

Just remember to keep your tomato soup’s texture on the thin to mildly-thick side, and you’re good to go.

3 – Salads

Can anything ever go wrong with salads? Nope.

They are refreshing, healthy, and easy to make – just chop some of your favorite veggies and whip up a scrumptious salad to enjoy with your cabbage roll.

You could also add some lemon zest or top off your salad with cilantro and lemon juice to balance out the fatty flavor of cabbage rolls.

Wondering which salad would go best with cabbage rolls? Check out some easy salad recipes here.

4 – Applesauce

Do you have a sweet tooth? Here’s a special side dish for you.

Traditionally, cabbage rolls are served with a spicy and savory side dish for that extra kick.

However, if you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can simply pair your cabbage rolls with a bowl of sweet and sour applesauce.

The flavor of applesauce complements the intense flavor of cabbage rolls at best.

Plus, its mild tart flavor brings out a nice balance.

5 – Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Want to get creative? Whip up a delicious bowl of mac and cheese, but of course, by replacing pasta with chunks of boiled cauliflower.

Cauliflower mac and cheese makes a healthier side dish, as compared to traditional mac and cheese –thanks to the several health benefits of cauliflowers.

Plus, it’s tender, creamy, wholesome, and goes well with cabbage rolls.

Moreover, this side dish is a great option for health-conscious people as it is gluten-free and plant-based.

6 – Garlic Roasted Carrots

Are your cabbage rolls mostly filled with rice and meat? Then you’ll love some garlic roasted carrots on the side.

We’re talking fresh baby carrots roasted with garlic, pepper, balsamic vinegar, salt, and spices.

Add some thyme for an extra burst of flavor.

And there you have it – a mouth-watering, sizzling plate of garlic roasted carrots.

All the ingredients blend well to create a delightful side dish that goes well with the intense mouthful flavor of stuffed cabbage rolls.

Moreover, carrots are also rich in fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and potassium – all the more reason to serve it as a healthy side dish.

7 – Rye Bread

Suppose it’s one of those days when you’re extremely hungry.

Then you can pair your cabbage rolls with some delicious rye bread and enjoy a hearty meal.

Trust us, slices of rye bread and cabbage rolls do look great on a plate together.

They’re appealing to the eyes as much as they’re satisfying to your palate.

To enhance its flavor, you can add some caraway seeds to your rye bread.

And did we mention? Rye bread is also super easy to make at home.

Conclusion

There’s no definite way to describe the flavor of cabbage rolls.

Why? Because it ultimately depends on the ingredients you use for stuffing your rolls.

But one thing’s for sure – cabbage rolls are extremely delicious, hearty, and satisfying.

Hence, you need to be careful when pairing them with a side dish.

If you’re looking for something light, you can always go for a refreshing cucumber salad or a nutty bean salad.

Or, if you’re looking for something classic, cabbage rolls with mashed potatoes will never fail you.

Dishes that are light with a bit of tart flavor also make great side dishes for cabbage rolls without overpowering their intense flavor profile.