Servings | Total Time | Difficulty | Calories
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Calories: Approximately 440 per serving
Introduction
Classic German Cabbage with Dumplings, known as Kohl und Klöße, is a traditional comfort food that has warmed German homes for generations. Soft potato dumplings are lightly pan-seared until golden, then served over tender cabbage simmered in a rich, creamy sauce with onions and garlic. Rustic, hearty, and deeply satisfying, this timeless dish is perfect for cozy family dinners.
Look at the Recipe
- Traditional German comfort food
- Creamy, rich, and hearty
- Crispy pan-seared potato dumplings
- Perfect for cold-weather meals
- Vegetarian-friendly option
- Great as a main course or side dish
Ingredients
For the Potato Dumplings
- 2 pounds (1 kg) starchy potatoes, peeled
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup all-purpose flour or potato starch
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt, to taste
For the Creamy Cabbage
- 1 small green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream (or sour cream)
- ½ cup beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish
- Fresh thyme or parsley
How to Make
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Boil the peeled potatoes in salted water until fork tender.
Drain well and mash while still hot.
Allow them to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Dumpling Dough
Mix the mashed potatoes with:
- Egg
- Flour
- Nutmeg
- Salt
Stir until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Shape and Cook
Roll the dough into golf ball-sized dumplings.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle simmer.
Drop in the dumplings.
Once they float, cook for another 2–3 minutes.
Remove using a slotted spoon.
Step 4: Pan-Sear the Dumplings
Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet.
Cook the dumplings until golden brown on all sides.
Transfer to a plate.
Step 5: Prepare the Cabbage
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter.
Cook the onion until softened.
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Stir in the shredded cabbage.
Cook for 8–10 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
Step 6: Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in:
- Broth
- Heavy cream
Simmer for 5–8 minutes until slightly thickened.
Season with salt and black pepper.
Step 7: Finish
Return the dumplings to the skillet.
Spoon the creamy cabbage over the dumplings.
Simmer for 2 minutes.
Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving.
Tips
- Use starchy potatoes like Russets for fluffy dumplings.
- Don’t overwork the dough.
- Simmer rather than boil the dumplings to prevent breaking.
- Pan-searing creates the best texture.
Variations & Substitutions
Traditional Bacon Version
Cook chopped bacon with the onions for a smoky flavor.
Cheese Dumplings
Mix shredded Gruyère or Emmental into the dumpling dough.
Caraway Cabbage
Add 1 teaspoon caraway seeds while cooking the cabbage.
Mushroom Version
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for extra earthiness.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large saucepan
- Potato masher
- Mixing bowl
- Large skillet
- Slotted spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Storage & Serving
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze cooked dumplings separately for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or milk.
Make Ahead
Prepare the dumplings a day ahead.
Store in the refrigerator and pan-fry just before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using waxy potatoes
- Overmixing the dumpling dough
- Boiling the dumplings too aggressively
- Burning the garlic
- Skipping the pan-searing step
FAQs
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Simply use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
What potatoes work best?
Russet or other starchy potatoes produce the fluffiest dumplings.
Can I freeze the dumplings?
Yes. Freeze cooked dumplings for up to 2 months.
What meat pairs well with this dish?
Serve alongside:
- Roast pork
- Bratwurst
- Sauerbraten
- Smoked sausage
- Roast chicken
Can I use sour cream instead of heavy cream?
Absolutely. Sour cream creates a tangier, richer sauce.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 440
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 380mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.
Final Thoughts
Classic German Cabbage with Dumplings is a comforting, old-world recipe that celebrates simple ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. Golden potato dumplings, creamy cabbage, and rich herb flavors come together to create a hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you’re craving authentic German comfort food.
