8 innovative cabbage recipes
The trend reports are in: cabbage is having a moment in 2026 and we’re here for it. This humble, budget-friendly vegetable has been one of the staples in many homes over the years. We’ve curated 8 game-changing recipes that transform cabbage from a simple side dish to dinner table star.
Cabbage is officially cool again. Long pushed to the edge of the plate as a filler, this humble vegetable is finally having its "main character" moment. According to TASTE food director Abigail Donnelly, cabbage is undergoing a serious glow-up. Restaurants everywhere are getting creative with it and serving it in exciting and different ways. Taking inspo from this, we decided to dig into the archives and find our coolest cabbage recipes, including the lekker, local, nostalgic ones.
1. Fried cabbage with tomato curry
This dish was created by chef Mokgadi Itsweng after she was impressed by a dish from Belly of the Beast. She tasted it when she was a judge for the 2024 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards, and just had to create her own version. This is definitely on the fancier side, but it shows you how creative you can get with cabbage. It's also aromatic and comforting.
Fried Cabbage with Tomato Curry recipe
2. Puttanesca roast cabbage
Elevate your dinner table with this Italian-style roasted cabbage dish. Khanya Mzongwana ensured this easy bake contains all the delicious flavours of a classic puttanesca. She recommends serving it on creamy mashed potatoes with plenty of sauce.
Puttanesca roast cabbage recipe
ALSO READ: 7 cabbage recipes you have to make this autumn
3. Cabbage-and-ham mac ‘n cheese
Khanya’s creamy cabbage mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food plot twist! You'd usually try to hide veggies in a mac and cheese, but she makes them the star! She uses savoury ham and fresh cabbage to balance the rich, cheesy sauce. We guarantee the family will love this one.
Cabbage-and-ham mac ‘n cheese recipe
4. Three-cheese cabbage bake
Who says cabbage can't be absolutely decadent? This show-stopping baked cabbage gratin by Jacqueline Burgess is about to completely change your mind about this humble vegetable!
Three-cheese cabbage bake recipe
5. South African curried cabbage
This is the kind of recipe your gogo probably made when money was tight but flavour couldn't be compromised. South African curried cabbage transforms humble ingredients into something absolutely delicious. This is proof that our rainbow nation's heritage can make magic out of anything. If you've never had it, Emma Nkunzana's recipe is a good one to try.
South African curried cabbage recipe
6. Ouma onder die komberse
From one South African classic to another! Clem Pedro shares his recipe for ouma onder die komberse, and it's proper comfort food. Tender meatballs are wrapped snugly in blanched cabbage leaves and braised in a rich tomato sauce until everything is tender and tasty. The name says it all: "Granny under the blankets", because that's exactly what these little parcels look like nestled in their saucy bed.
Ouma onder die komberse recipe
7. Savoy cabbage and lemony ricotta bake
This is the recipe you make when you really want to impress your guests! Bianca Strydom's stunning vegetable centrepiece will definitely be in the spotlight, no matter what table it's on. The gorgeous crinkly leaves of a Savoy cabbage make a gorgeous wrapping for a creamy, lemony ricotta filling.
Savoy cabbage and lemony ricotta bake recipe
8. Uphuthu nekabishi (dry pap with cabbage stew)
Now this is proper traditional cooking: uphuthu (that wonderful crumbly, dry pap) served with a rich cabbage stew that'll warm you from the inside out. It's the kind of food that's been feeding South African families for generations, and deserves all the hype. This version is by award-winning chef Mmabatho Molefe.
