Old Fashioned Hot Slaw is a warm, tangy and comforting side dish. Unlike regular cold slaw, this version is cooked with butter, vinegar and sugar.
This Old Fashioned Hot Slaw Recipe is perfect for family dinners, barbecues,or holiday meals. You only need simple ingredients to make it delicious.
It pairs well with meats and sandwiches. Follow this guide to learn how to make Old Fashioned Hot Slaw. It is easy, tasty and full of flavor.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first made Old Fashioned Hot Slaw on a Sunday afternoon. I wanted something warm and tangy to serve with fried chicken. The smell of cooked cabbage and onions filled my kitchen.
The slaw was sweet, tangy and perfectly soft. My family loved it instantly. It reminded me of traditional southern recipes. I loved how simple it was. Now, I make it whenever I serve barbecue or fried dishes. It is always a hit.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Old Fashioned Hot Slaw
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Course: Side Dish / Salad
- Cuisine: American / Southern
- Calories: 180 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving bowl
Ingredients You Need for Old Fashioned Hot Slaw
- 1 medium head green cabbage, shredded
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 tsp celery seed for extra flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables
Shred cabbage and slice onion thinly. Keep pieces similar size for even cooking. - Melt the Butter
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt butter until bubbly and fragrant. - Cook the Onions
Add sliced onions. Sauté 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. - Add Cabbage
Stir in shredded cabbage. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften. - Mix Vinegar and Sugar
Add apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Stir well to coat evenly. - Simmer the Slaw
Lower heat. Cover and cook 10–12 minutes until cabbage is tender. - Optional Celery Seed
Sprinkle celery seed if using. Stir for extra flavor. - Check for Taste
Taste and adjust salt, sugar or vinegar if needed. - Serve Hot
Transfer hot slaw to a serving bowl. Serve immediately with your favorite meal.
Recipe Tips
- Shred cabbage finely for faster cooking.
- Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Adjust sugar and vinegar to taste for sweetness or tang.
- Celery seed adds traditional southern flavor.
- Can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Sugar | 10g |
Serving Suggestions
Old Fashioned Hot Slaw pairs perfectly with fried chicken, barbecue ribs or meatloaf. It also works well with sandwiches and burgers.
The warm, tangy flavor complements savory main dishes. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Fried chicken or grilled meat
- Mashed potatoes or baked potatoes
- Cornbread or dinner rolls
- Roasted vegetables
- Pickles or pickled vegetables
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover hot slaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat.
Stir occasionally to restore moisture and warmth. Avoid reheating too long, or cabbage may become mushy.

Old Fashioned Hot Slaw Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 medium head green cabbage shredded
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 tsp celery seed for extra flavor
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
- Shred cabbage and slice onion thinly. Keep pieces similar size for even cooking.
Melt the Butter
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt butter until bubbly and fragrant.
Cook the Onions
- Add sliced onions. Sauté 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
Add Cabbage
- Stir in shredded cabbage. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften.
Mix Vinegar and Sugar
- Add apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat evenly.
Simmer the Slaw
- Lower heat. Cover and cook 10–12 minutes until cabbage is tender.
Optional Celery Seed
- Sprinkle celery seed if using. Stir for extra flavor.
Check for Taste
- Taste and adjust salt, sugar, or vinegar if needed.
Serve Hot
- Transfer hot slaw to a serving bowl. Serve immediately with your favorite meal.
Notes
- Shred cabbage finely for faster cooking.
- Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Adjust sugar and vinegar to taste for sweetness or tang.
- Celery seed adds traditional southern flavor.
- Can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
FAQs about Old Fashioned Hot Slaw
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, cook it a day ahead and reheat gently. Flavor may even improve after sitting.
2. Can I use red cabbage instead?
Yes, red cabbage works. It adds color and slightly different flavor. Cook time remains the same.
3. Can I make it vegan?
Yes, replace butter with oil or vegan margarine. The flavor remains tangy and delicious.
4. Can I adjust sweetness?
Absolutely! Add more or less sugar to suit your taste preference.
5. Can I freeze Old Fashioned Hot Slaw?
It is not recommended. Freezing may make the cabbage mushy and watery.
Conclusion
Old Fashioned Hot Slaw Recipe is warm, tangy and comforting. It is a perfect side for family meals or holiday dinners. Sweet and tangy flavors blend with soft cabbage and onions.
This recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients. Now you know how to make Old Fashioned Hot Slaw at home. Try it today and enjoy a classic, homemade southern side dish that everyone will love.
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Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.

















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