This article was updated on the 10th of September 2023 for clarity and freshness.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your cabbage rolls, you’ve come to the right place.In this article, I list 20 of the most popular side dishes for cabbage rolls.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best dishes to serve with cabbage rolls are mashed potatoes, apple fennel slaw, pierogies, dinner rolls, and roasted baby carrots. Try mashed cauliflower, dill pickles, or jajik for healthier options. You can also serve kopytka, sauteed beets, scallion pancakes, fried rice, or egg drop soup.
For each side dish, I’ve provided alternative options to cater to various diets and lifestyles, including vegan, quick and easy, and health-conscious options.
Eastern European Classics
Making Eastern European-style cabbage rolls? Pair them with classic dishes like pierogies and borscht for the ultimate comfort meal!
You can also grill up kielbasa links if you want more protein.
Pierogies
5.0 ⭐️ (10 ratings) | 25 mins
Hosting a holiday party? Take inspiration from Polish cuisine and make these pierogies to go with your cabbage rolls.
Little dumplings filled with mashed potatoes and cheese? Sign me up!
These tasty treats are so irresistible that you’ll be able to demolish a plate of them without even noticing.
What readers are saying…
“These are great! I doubled this and made a gluten-free version. In gf melted butter worked better.“
“Tried many pierogi doughs…yours is the best…easy to roll…doesnt stick to counter as many do ( even after dusting with flour) and is nice and soft…”
“These are the best!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Borscht
5.0 ⭐️ (206 ratings) | 1 hr 25 mins
It might seem decadent to serve borscht with cabbage rolls, but it doesn’t hurt to over-indulge in delicious comfort food once in a while, right?
Enjoy this soup on a cold Winter day with a cabbage roll or two and let the warm and tangy flavors make you feel cozy.
Pro-tip: Add a dollop of sour cream to this soup to really take it up a notch.
What readers are saying…
“This is by far the best recipe for Borscht. I add deer meat from our harvest and let that simmer to get really tender in the broth first. Everyone loves it! One of my favorites.”
“I made this and my daughter almost didn’t give me a chance to have any.”
“Really good. I have Ukrainian roots as well and this is a excellent authentic recipe!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Kopytka
5.0 ⭐️ (24 ratings) | 20 mins
Making Polish cabbage rolls (also known as golabki)?
They go superbly with a generous serving of kopytka (potato dumplings). These dumplings are made with mashed potatoes, flour, and egg, which is pretty similar to the Italian classic gnocchi. The biggest difference is these Polish potato dumplings are cut at an angle, so they resemble a diamond shape.
What I like to do is make a big batch of dough, shape it, and freeze the dumplings. They last up to 3 months in the freezer!
What readers are saying…
“Oh, my goodness. That is exactly how I make my kopytka… I have seen other recipes, but this one has perfect proportions. Good job!“
“My family made them I love them best sautéed with onions and mushrooms.“
“I never comment on recipes but having just made this for lunch while cooped up, I want to thank you for posting an easy to follow, simple recipe for a food that was new to me!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Kasha Varnishkes
5.0 ⭐️ (1 ratings) | 45 mins
Craving a pasta dish to go with your cabbage rolls? If you’re up for something new, give kasha varnishkes a try.
It’s a Jewish pasta dish made of bowtie pasta and buckwheat groats. It’s traditionally flavored with schmaltz (chicken fat), but This is How I Cook uses mushrooms and truffle oil to add a delectable umami flavor.
Serve this classic pasta dish alongside your piping-hot cabbage rolls for the ultimate Eastern European-inspired meal.
What readers are saying…
“Oh, my goodness. That is exactly how I make my kopytka… I have seen other recipes, but this one has perfect proportions. Good job!“
“My family made them I love them best sautéed with onions and mushrooms.“
“I never comment on recipes but having just made this for lunch while cooped up, I want to thank you for posting an easy to follow, simple recipe for a food that was new to me!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥰 Noodle Kugel
🇵🇱 Haluski
Chinese Favorites
Chinese-style cabbage rolls are often rice-free so I love pairing them with fried rice for a healthier “take-out” meal.
Or you can keep things light with a soup for dipping. Egg drop soup is an easy option, or try hot and sour soup for some spice.
Egg Drop Soup
4.7 ⭐️ (171 ratings) | 45 mins
Cabbage rolls are a popular dish worldwide and many countries have their own versions.
In China, cabbage rolls are treated like dumplings and they’re normally stuffed with an all-meat filling. That’s why I love serving them with egg drop soup. It’s warm, comforting, and made using simple, easily accessible ingredients.
Don’t let the idea of eggy soup put you off. I promise you it’s delicious. The broth is extra flavorful, and the egg ribbons are silky soft, making each sip a delight.
What readers are saying…
“This is my go to egg drop soup recipe…. So simple yet so good! I have made so many of your recipes, tried and true….“
“Delicious! I love the extra spices but I’m also someone who over spices things, I love flavor! Thanks for the amazing recipe! I did add some turmeric though for color.“
“Excellent, easy and delicious recipe. Instead of adding salt, I added a few dashes of soy which counters the ginger and adds that salty tang. So yummy!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Egg Fried Rice
4.9 ⭐️ (236 ratings) | 20 mins
If you want a more substantial side dish with your Chinese cabbage rolls, fried rice might be what you’re looking for.
It’s the perfect base for meat-filled cabbage rolls, and it’s packed to the brim with veggies and seasonings to amp up the flavor. I always use day-old rice for my fried rice and it always turns out great, but you can also use pre-packaged rice in a pinch (it’s more expensive, though).
Pro tip: For a really tasty dish, use chicken, duck, or bacon fat to fry the rice.
What readers are saying…
“This recipe is fairly simple. I’d love to find more recipes as simple as this one.”
“Thank you for this recipe, Lisa! I don’t know why I’ve been intimidated to make fried rice for so long. I made it last night and added some fresh spinach when serving. So good! I’m so glad we had leftovers for today.”
“Thank you for this recipe! The best egg fried rice we’ve made! Delicious!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Scallion Pancakes
4.9 ⭐️ (126 ratings) | 2hrs 20 mins
Planning to have Chinese cabbage rolls as a snack? Turn it into lunch with a serving (or two) of these scallion pancakes.
Unlike their American counterparts, these are incredibly flaky and chewy with bursts of sharp, peppery goodness in every bite. Making them from scratch may seem intimidating, but this recipe from Lisa of Healthy Nibble Bits has a fantastic guide, complete with pictures to help you out.
And don’t forget the dipping sauce! I always serve these pancakes with a side of soy-ginger dipping sauce, which also works great for the cabbage rolls.
What readers are saying…
“I loved this recipe! It was so budget-friendly and a great use of pantry staples. The instructions were so easy to follow.“
“Absolutely loved this recipe! I always loved scallion pancakes, but never thought about making them myself. This recipe was super easy to follow…”
“I made these pancakes for the first time with this recipe and I found it to be quite easy!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Starches
Starchy side dishes are the way to go if you want a guaranteed hearty meal. I always go with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the cabbage rolls’ delicious sauce, but anything with potatoes is a great option too.
Mashed Potatoes
5.0 ⭐️ (30 ratings) | 40 mins
Serve your cabbage rolls with a heaped helping of creamy mashed potatoes for a dinner that will make everyone smile. Because let’s face it, nothing comes close to the joy a bowl of buttery, fluffy mashed potatoes can give you.
I like to take inspiration from the Swedes by serving these mashed potatoes with a serving of lingonberry jam on the side. But you can also just smother the mash with your cabbage rolls’ sauce for the perfect bite.
Psst… want to know how to reheat mash? I tested 6 different options.
What readers are saying…
“Yummy classic mashed potatoes!”
“This recipe showed me my mistake – sometimes I’d add cold milk and butter. What a difference heating the milk and butter before adding to the potatoes makes!!!”
“I made these at Christmas and they were excellent.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Garlic Butter Noodles
5.0 ⭐️ (30 ratings) | 40 mins
These garlic butter noodles are an ideal side dish for a labor-intensive main dish like cabbage rolls.
They’re effortless to make. You only need a handful of ingredients, and besides cooking the noodles, everything comes together in one pot (which means less mess for you to clean up after dinner!).
Salt and Lavender finishes these noodles off with chopped parsley, but I also love using other herbs like chives, rosemary, and thyme.
What readers are saying…
“Super yummy! I only used about 2-3 TBS of butter and that was perfect. Such a simple yet delicious recipe!”
“Wow, this is so yummy and easy to make!”
“I make this all the time I want something simple yet homemade! Thanks for sharing.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Dinner Rolls
4.8 ⭐️ (523 ratings) | 40 mins
You can’t go wrong serving your cabbage rolls alongside these golden-brown dinner rolls. They’re soft, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce from your cabbage rolls.
And the best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make – even beginner bakers can make them because they’re fool-proof.
And don’t worry if you don’t have a mixer. I’ve tried kneading the dough by hand a couple of times and the dinner rolls still came out perfectly.
What readers are saying…
“My only go to bun recipe! Thank you for sharing, these really are the best!”
“I was skeptical because I have made yeast dinner rolls in the past and none of them were that easy! As promised these were the easiest dinner rolls I have ever made.”
“I’ve made rolls for years and this is hands down the best roll recipe ever! Bless you!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
5.0 ⭐️ (209 ratings) | 45 mins
These roasted sweet potatoes are another excellent starchy accompaniment to your cabbage rolls.
Roasting them enhances their natural flavors, giving you a caramelized sweetness to contrast the richness of your cabbage rolls.
And don’t worry about these being too sweet. Recipe creator Chelsea seasons the sweet potatoes with a spice blend that adds a prominent savory touch and heat to them.
What readers are saying…
“I love roasted vegetables and these were perfection! Can’t wait to make them again!”
“This is one guaranteed way to get my kids to eat their veggies! Love the flavor roasting brings out.”
“Best sweet potatoes ever! So easy, and perfect roasted flavor!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🧀 Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges
⌚ Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Vegetables
You can’t have too many vegetables in a meal! I like serving my cabbage rolls with a side of steamed green beans for added texture.
But you can also try roasting carrots or beets for a more filling dinner.
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
4.9 ⭐️ (33 ratings) | 35 mins
Cabbage rolls can be a meal on their own, except they lack a veggie element for a fully nourishing meal (yes – I’m not counting the cabbage!). And that’s where these glazed carrots come in.
Roasting already enhances the carrots’ sweetness, but recipe creator Nagi takes things up a notch by tossing them in a seasoned butter mixture with sugar. This helps form those caramelized edges we all know and love, while keeping the insides tender and juicy. YUM!
What readers are saying…
“This is a SUPER easy recipe and my family loves it!“
“Delicious! Lovely and crunchy, not too overpoweringly sweet.“
“Will never cooked plain old boiled carrots with my roast again!
These are amazing and so easy!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Mashed Cauliflower
4.9 ⭐️ (39 ratings) | 20 mins
Want a light side dish to pair with your cabbage rolls? This mashed cauliflower has your back.
It’s a low-carb alternative to your typical mashed potatoes, with a similar creamy goodness. And the secret to achieving this consistency? Buttermilk – it’s creamy and low-fat at the same time.
Pro tip: I like to roast the cauliflower to add extra depth of flavor and make sure the mash isn’t too watery.
What readers are saying…
“This is one of those great recipes that I have not made in a long time, and now have reminded myself how good it is.”
“I’ve been making this for a long time. It is delicious. I drain my cauliflower really good and use a potato masher, so it doesn’t get runny.”
“This recipe is a staple in house, super yummy!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Dill Pickles
4.8 ⭐️ (270 ratings) | 40 mins
If you’re looking for something extra to finish off your meal but don’t want a full-on side, these garlic dill pickles are what you need
They have the right balance between spicy and tangy flavors and they have a delicious crunch that will perfectly contrast your delicate cabbage rolls.
But what I love most about them is they’ll last a while in the fridge so you can enjoy them for weeks to come!
What readers are saying…
“These are delicious. My whole family loved them. Making another batch today. I may add a little more water to tone down the vinegar.”
“These are mine and my boyfriends favorite pickle recipe I’ve made so far.“
“This recipe turned out perfect! Best pickles I’ve ever made.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
4.8 ⭐️ (7 ratings) | 40 mins
Serving cabbage rolls at your holiday dinner? These bacon-wrapped green bean bundles are an excellent dish to serve alongside them.
The brown sugar, pepper, and rosemary sprinkled over the bean bundles elevate the dish from normal to special, and it’s tasty too!
Psst… keep an extra tray of these treats hidden from your guests so you don’t run out immediately.
What readers are saying…
“Love these perfectly portioned little bundles. So elegant.”
“These are mine and my boyfriends favorite pickle recipe I’ve made so far.“
“Glad these are green beans and not asparagus! I am totally making these for the holidays this year. Looks so delicious!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Sauteed Rosemary-Lemon Beets
4.7 ⭐️ (22 ratings) | 50 mins
The Ukrainian version of cabbage rolls (also known as Holubtsi) isn’t the easiest dish to make.
So if you want to keep things simple after working on your cabbage rolls, try these sauteed beets. The beets are boiled until soft and then sauteed with oil, a squeeze of lemon, and fresh rosemary to offset their earthy sweetness.
They’re great for making ahead of time too.
What readers are saying…
“I have made this three different times now. I enjoy it every time! Boiling them and adding spices lemon etc eally helps me to work this good vegetable into my diet.”
Anyway. love beets — particularly in a nice, simple preparation like this. Really nice stuff — thanks.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Salads
A crisp salad is an easy, fresh addition to your cabbage rolls meal. My favorite is a simple cucumber salad for a contrasting crunch to the tender cabbage rolls.
But you can also try a dijon carrot salad for a French twist or a cucumber jicama slaw for some delicious Mexican fusion.
Apple Fennel Slaw
5.0 ⭐️ (1 rating) | 30 mins
Add a refreshing element to your cabbage rolls with a serving of this apple and fennel slaw.
It has a lip-puckering tart flavor, which provides a delicious contrast to rich, meaty cabbage rolls. And the apples, fennel, and red onions all have a satisfying crunchy texture to balance out the tenderness of the rolls.
What the chef says…
“By tossing the sliced apples in lemon juice, you will keep the apples from browning. It is full of ascorbic acid which the absorbs the oxygen instead of polyphenol oxidase which is in apples and causes it to brown by absorbing oxygen if there is no barrier. Basically the acid takes on the brunt of the oxygen.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Jajik
5.0 ⭐️ (1 rating) | 30 mins
Go on a culinary adventure and try Lebanese cabbage rolls with a side of jajik.
Jajik is a traditional name for a cucumber yogurt salad hailing from the Middle East. But don’t worry, you only need six ingredients to put it together, and it’s easy to customize it depending on your tastes.
I always use lots of garlic, because I LOVE garlic (who doesn’t?!).
What readers are saying…
“Super easy to make and super delicious!”
“Our fav side dish in the summer, so light and creamy and delicious!”
“If you’re starving and don’t want to cook, just serve this recipe with bread. OMG, it hits the spot!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Spring Quinoa Salad
4.8 ⭐️ (41 rating) | 30 mins
Want a more filling salad with your cabbage rolls? Check out this spring-themed quinoa salad!
The quinoa makes this hearty but won’t weigh you down. And add-ons like green peas, bacon bits, and feta cheese bring a sweet-savory flavor to round out the dish.
Everything is dressed with a honey lime vinaigrette that brings a fresh, sweet-tangy kick — exactly what you need with a robust main dish like cabbage rolls.
What readers are saying…
“This looks like the perfect work-lunch salad! I have so much quinoa in my cupboard, but I have been ignoring it.“
“What a gorgeous salad, love this combination!”
“This salad was delicious and everyone who I shared it with really liked it! I don’t even like peas, but they gave the salad a great texture…”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Shaved Asparagus Salad
4.8 ⭐️ (41 rating) | 30 mins
This is another quick and easy fresh side you can serve with your cabbage rolls.
The fresh asparagus shavings and pistachios bring much-needed crunch, while the lemon dressing adds a delightful brightness that’ll make your taste buds sing.
Two Peas and Their Pod also adds arugula in the mix for a peppery kick, but you can skip it if you want to keep this salad free from leafy greens. Just add a bit more pepper to make up for the flavor!
What readers are saying…
“This is a fantastic Spring salad to make when the fresh asparagus is ready!!”
“This is truly delicious, light and fresh. I loved it!”
“This recipe was outstanding. I didn’t have time to run to the store to get the arugula so I just made it without it and it was still fantastic.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
What To Serve With Cabbage Rolls – 51 Ideas
Ingredients
- 1 portion pierogies
- 1 portion fried rice
- 1 portion mashed potatoes
- 1 portion jajik
- 1 portion bacon-wrapped green beans
- 1 portion borscht
Instructions
- Prepare your cabbage rolls according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: pierogies, borscht, kopytka, kashe varnishkes, egg drop soup, scallion pancakes, fried rice, mashed potatoes, garlic butter noodles, dinner rolls, roasted baby carrots, mashed cauliflower, dill pickles, bacon-wrapped green bean bundles, sauteed beets, apple fennel slaw, and jajik.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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