Red Cabbage Recipes: 5 Easy Christmas Dishes to Prep Ahead for Stress-Free Festivities
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Christmas is all about joy, family, and—let’s face it—a lot of cooking! 🤯 To ease the stress, why not prepare some of your dishes in advance? Red cabbage is a classic side dish that’s delicious, vibrant, and incredibly versatile. Plus, it stores beautifully, making it ideal for make-ahead recipes.
Here are five irresistible red cabbage recipes to jazz up your Christmas table while keeping your kitchen time minimal on the big day!
🥬 Why Red Cabbage is a Christmas Favourite
Before diving into the recipes, let’s take a moment to celebrate this unsung hero of festive dining.
- Vibrant colour: Its rich purple hue adds a festive pop to any plate.
- Flavour versatility: Sweet, tangy, spiced—you can prepare it in so many ways!
- Make-ahead wonder: Red cabbage tastes even better after a day or two, as the flavours develop beautifully.
🥘 5 Red Cabbage Recipes to Prep Ahead
1. Classic Spiced Red Cabbage 🎅
This warm and comforting dish combines red cabbage with festive spices like cinnamon and cloves. Perfect with roasted turkey or a nut roast!
Ingredients:
- 1 medium red cabbage, finely sliced
- 2 apples, peeled and chopped
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cloves
Method:
- Sauté the onion in butter until soft.
- Add the cabbage, apples, sugar, vinegar, and spices.
- Cover and cook on low for 1.5–2 hours. Cool completely before storing.
👉 Tip: Reheat on Christmas Day for a no-fuss side that’s bursting with flavour.
2. Red Cabbage Slaw for Starters 🥗
Fresh, zesty, and crunchy, this slaw is perfect as a light starter.
Ingredients:
- Shredded red cabbage
- Grated carrot
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise (or a vegan alternative)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine everything in a bowl and chill overnight. Serve with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pomegranate seeds.
3. Mulled Wine Braised Red Cabbage 🍷
This luxurious dish takes inspiration from festive mulled wine.
Ingredients:
- 1 red cabbage, finely sliced
- 1 cup mulled wine
- 1 orange, juiced and zested
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
Cook all ingredients together over low heat for 1 hour. Cool and store in the fridge until needed.
4. Red Cabbage Chutney 🥄
A sweet-and-sour relish to pair with your Christmas cheeseboard!
Ingredients:
- 500g red cabbage, shredded
- 1 apple, diced
- 200ml cider vinegar
- 150g brown sugar
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
Simmer everything until thick and sticky. Spoon into jars and refrigerate—it keeps for weeks!
5. Roasted Red Cabbage Wedges 🍽️
A simple yet stunning side that’s full of smoky flavours.
Ingredients:
- Red cabbage, cut into wedges
- Olive oil
- Sea salt and pepper
- Balsamic glaze
Drizzle the cabbage wedges with oil, season generously, and roast at 200°C for 20–25 minutes. Finish with balsamic glaze for a tangy touch.
Pair your red cabbage dishes with these creative Christmas turkey recipe twists for a perfect festive menu
FAQs about Red Cabbage Recipes 🎅
Can red cabbage dishes be frozen?
Yes! Most cooked red cabbage dishes freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just cool them completely before storing in airtight containers.
How far in advance can I prepare red cabbage?
You can make your red cabbage dishes up to 2–3 days ahead. The flavours deepen over time, making them even tastier!
What should I pair with red cabbage?
Red cabbage goes well with roasted meats, nut roasts, or even vegan mains. Its sweet and tangy notes complement rich, savoury dishes perfectly.
🎄 Ready to add these delicious red cabbage recipes to your Christmas repertoire? Whether you’re hosting a grand feast or a cosy dinner, these dishes will bring festive cheer to your table. 🥂
