How to make Krautsalat

Why cooks start here

Krautsalat is cooked the way Bavaria cooks it — butter or clarified butter used without fuss, salt judged by hand, and no apology for a second helping. This is the home version, written down the way a German family cook actually puts it on the table.

Krautsalat is a traditional German cabbage salad, particularly popular in Bavaria. It's a simple dish made with white cabbage, white wine vinegar, oil, caraway seeds, sugar, and salt. The salad is known for its fresh, tangy flavor with a hint of sweetness and the subtle, earthy notes of caraway. In Bavaria, Krautsalat is a staple at family tables, appreciated for its straightforward preparation and satisfying taste. The cabbage is typically softened and seasoned with vinegar and oil, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. It's a dish that invites second helpings without hesitation, embodying the unpretentious and hearty nature of Bavarian home cooking.