Cabbage rolls made the most traditional way, grandmother’s way, they are to-die-for. This recipe is the epitome of Ukrainian comfort food. Enjoy! 

Cabbage Rolls on a plate

Cabbage rolls appear in the cuisines of many Eastern European countries. Typically, boiled cabbage leaves are stuffed with a savory meat and rice mixture, then topped with tomato sauce and sour cream and finished in the oven. However, like with many other dishes, each cook and culture has their own variation.

In my family, cabbage rolls, or “halupki,” are a staple during the holidays. You can expect a piping hot tray to be served on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. Let’s get started! 

How to Make Cabbage Rolls

Perhaps the most intimidating part about making cabbage rolls is the rolling! Fear not, this process is actually quite easy and the sturdiness of cabbage leaves makes them easy to work with.

Here are the steps needed to make cabbage rolls: 

  1. Hold a cabbage leaf in your hand.
  2. Place a spoonful of filling on the bottom half of the cabbage leaf.
  3. Fold over one side of the cabbage leaf, securing the filling.
  4. Pinch the edges of the cabbage inside the cabbage roll.

Tip: Try to purchase the largest cabbage you can! The bigger the cabbage, the larger the leaves. This means you will have an easier time rolling. Also, be sure not to overfill your cabbage leaf! A large spoonful of filling is the sweet spot. Any more and you will have filling popping out of the sides. 

What Sides go with Cabbage Rolls?

Cabbage rolls are pretty filling all on their own. However, when I am hosting, I like to serve them alongside a nice vegetable side dish. Here are some of my favorites:

  • Vinaigrette Salad – A vinegary salad of beets, carrots and potatoes is a wonderful Eastern European sidekick to cabbage rolls! 
  • Classic Garden Salad – Keep it simple and whip up a nice garden salad with no frills. 
  • Marinated Mushrooms – These mushrooms make for the perfect appetizer or side dish. Make them the night before and allow them to marinate until it’s time to eat! 
  • Asparagus with Bacon – Bacon always elevates the flavor of veggies. This simple dish is sure to please. 

Cabbage Rolls Sauce

My favorite part of this recipe is the sauce! Rich tomato sauce and sour cream come together to make the perfect combination of sweet and savory. As the dish bakes, it seeps wonderfully into each roll. Yum! 

Cabbage Rolls Sauce ingredients

How to Store Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage rolls are one of those dishes that almost guarantee leftovers. We like to make a large batch and have some on hand for throughout the week. Here’s how to store and reheat them: 

Refrigerate Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage rolls stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the microwave or on a preheated skillet set to medium-low heat. 

Freeze Cabbage Rolls

If you plan on freezing cabbage rolls, prepare them all the way up until the point of baking. Store them in a Ziploc bag and be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to eat, place them in a baking dish, cover them with sauce and bake them according to instructions.

About Author

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Natalya Drozhzhin

Natalya founded Momsdish to demonstrate that placing a homemade meal on the table is not hard at all. Natalya makes cooking easier and approachable, by simplifying the ingredients, while still producing the same great taste.