Cabbage Fritters Recipe: Easy 5-Ingredient Veggie Joy

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If you’ve ever opened your fridge, spotted a lonely head of cabbage, and thought “Now what?” — this Cabbage Fritters Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s cozy, budget-friendly, and honestly one of those recipes that feels like a small kitchen victory every single time you make it.

These fritters are quick veggie patties made with shredded cabbage, carrots, eggs, and pantry spices. They come together fast, don’t require fancy ingredients, and can be pan-fried to golden, crispy perfection or baked for a lighter option. Weeknight side dish? Check. Snack you can grab straight from the fridge? Absolutely. Make-ahead breakfast when mornings are chaos? Yep, this one does it all.

As someone who truly believes cooking should reduce stress (not add to it), this is the kind of recipe I lean on when life feels like one long to-do list. Simple food. Big comfort. Minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Fritters Recipe

Let me count the ways—because there are many.

Budget-friendly comfort food made with humble veggies
Crispy on the outside, tender inside (that golden crust is everything)
Pan-fried or baked, depending on your mood
Gluten-free adaptable and easy to tweak
Perfect as a snack, side dish, or make-ahead breakfast
Kid-friendly, picky-eater approved (especially with a little cheese)

And let’s be real—your kitchen will smell like a cozy hug while these cook.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cabbage Fritter “Batter”

16 oz shredded cabbage (about 7 packed cups)
2 medium-small carrots, grated
2–3 scallions or 1 regular onion, thinly sliced
3 large eggs
4–5 tablespoons flour (see notes for gluten-free or grain-free options)
2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
½ teaspoon ground coriander (optional, but lovely)

For Frying

3–4 tablespoons fat (ghee, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or oil of choice)

How to Make This Cabbage Fritters Recipe (Step by Step)

1. Prepare the veggies

Wash everything first—future you will be grateful.

Shred the cabbage using a mandoline slicer for fine, even shreds. You’ll need 16 oz, which is about ⅓ of a medium head of cabbage.
Thinly slice the scallions (or onion).
Grate the carrots with a box grater.
Mince the garlic (or use the fine side of your grater).

2. Mix it all together

Add all ingredients to a large bowl and gently toss to combine. You can use your hands here—just don’t squeeze or overmix. We’re coating everything with egg, not making cabbage soup.

Important note:
At first, this mixture will look like a sad little slaw that absolutely does not want to stick together. Ignore that feeling. Trust the process. Once fried, these fritters hold beautifully.

3. Shape and fry

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat for about 3 minutes.
Add your frying fat and let it heat for another minute.
Scoop some mixture into your hands, form a loose ball, place it in the skillet, and gently flatten.
The thinner the fritter, the better it cooks inside.
Fry for about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.

Repeat with the remaining mixture, adding more oil or ghee as needed. Serve warm—or sneak one cold from the fridge (no judgment here).

Cabbage Fritters Recipe served on a plate with golden crust and herbs — This Cabbage Fritters Recipe makes an easy, budget-friendly side dish or snack with irresistible crunch.

How to Bake Cabbage Fritters (Lighter Option)

If you’re feeling less “crispy skillet” and more “easy oven moment,” baking works great.

Preheat oven to 420°F (215°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Form the fritters, flatten gently, and arrange on the pan.
Bake for 20–23 minutes total, flipping once halfway through.
For extra crispiness, broil for the last minute.

Tips for Perfect Cabbage Fritters (Don’t Skip These)

That liquid at the bottom of the bowl? Keep it.
As you fry, you’ll notice a slurry of egg, flour, and cabbage juice forming. Don’t toss it! That’s your natural binder. Gently stir it back in before scooping the next batch.
Work quickly.
The faster you shape and cook the fritters, the better they hold together. If needed, use two skillets and feel like a total kitchen boss.
Flour matters.
Any flour works here. Gluten-free flours are totally fine. Grain-free options like cassava, arrowroot, or almond flour work best when they’re fine and starchy.
Cheese = extra happiness.
Add ½–¾ cup grated feta, parmesan, or cheddar if you want richer, crispier fritters. Dairy-free cheese works too.

Cabbage Fritters Recipe stacked high showing crispy edges and tender cabbage inside — This Cabbage Fritters Recipe delivers crispy edges with a soft, veggie-packed center in every bite.

FAQs About This Cabbage Fritters Recipe

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the flour for gluten-free all-purpose flour, cassava flour, arrowroot, or almond flour.

How do I store leftovers?

Store cooked fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They reheat beautifully in a skillet or air fryer.

Can I freeze cabbage fritters?

Absolutely. Freeze cooked fritters in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen.

Can I add other veggies?

Yes! Zucchini, sweet potato, or finely chopped spinach all work well—just keep moisture in check.

A Little Kitchen Story from Me

This Cabbage Fritters Recipe has saved me more times than I can count—especially during weeks when dinner felt like one more decision my brain just couldn’t handle. It’s one of those recipes that reminds me why I love simple cooking. No pressure. No perfection. Just good food that shows up for you when you need it.

Cozy, Crispy, and Always There for You

If you’re craving something comforting, easy, and flexible, this Cabbage Fritters Recipe checks every box. Whether you pan-fry them until golden, bake them for a lighter spin, or stash them in the fridge for busy mornings, these little fritters prove that humble ingredients can still feel special.

Make them once—and don’t be surprised when they quietly become part of your regular rotation.

If You’re Craving More Cozy Veggie Favorites

If these cabbage fritters made their way into your regular rotation, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy a few more simple, veggie-forward dishes that keep cooking stress low and comfort high. If you’re curious about different ways to make fritters, this guide to cabbage fritters fried or baked is a lovely resource for comparing textures and techniques. For more cozy ideas, try slow cooker cabbage recipes for easy, cozy meals when you want something warm and hands-off, or prep ahead with easy cottage cheese egg bites for busy mornings for stress-free breakfasts. And when you’re in the mood to balance crispy fritters with something fresh, Persian Shirazi salad with crisp veggies and bright flavor makes the perfect light, refreshing side.