
Töltött Káposzta, or Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, is one of Hungary’s most beloved traditional comfort foods. Tender cabbage leaves are wrapped around a savory filling of seasoned ground pork and rice, then slowly cooked with sauerkraut and smoked meat until everything becomes rich, tender, and deeply flavorful.
Often associated with Christmas, Easter, and large family gatherings, this hearty dish is the kind of recipe that tastes even better after resting and is traditionally served with plenty of sour cream.
What Is Töltött Káposzta?
The name Töltött Káposzta literally means “stuffed cabbage.” It is a classic Hungarian dish built around cabbage leaves filled with a mixture of meat, rice, onion, and paprika.
The rolls are gently simmered with sauerkraut and often smoked pork or sausage, creating a rich and slightly tangy cooking broth. Hungarian paprika gives the dish its characteristic color and warm, savory flavor.
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large head of green or white cabbage
- 1½ pounds ground pork
- ½ cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
For Cooking
- 2 cups sauerkraut
- 1 pound smoked pork or smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon lard or vegetable oil
For Serving
- Sour cream
- Fresh parsley, optional
- Crusty bread, optional









