Beer-Can Cabbage Sandwiches

Ingredients for Beer-Can Cabbage Sandwiches

• 1 large purple cabbage (about 1.6kg)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more

• 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, plus more

• 1 (350g) can pale lager

• 475ml homemade or store-bought barbecue sauce (preferably Kraft Original Barbecue Sauce), divided

• 1/2 large white onion, cut into 1/2" rings

• 60ml mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 teaspoons honey

• 1 medium carrot (about 170g ), coarsely grated using the grater disk on a food processor or the largest holes on a box grater

• 40g finely chopped red onion

• 6 seeded Kaiser rolls or sturdy hamburger buns

• 12 slices cheddar cheese

• Sliced pickled jalapeños (for serving)

Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Cut a 3x3" square around core of cabbage at the base. Carefully remove core with knife. Using knife and a spoon, create a 3"–deep cavity in cabbage, big enough to hold a beer can. Discard core but reserve leftover cabbage from hollowing out cavity. Using a brush, coat cabbage with oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.

Pour out (or drink) half of the beer. Place beer can in cavity of cabbage so cabbage sits upright. Transfer to grill. Using brush, generously coat cabbage with 45ml barbecue sauce. Cover grill and cook cabbage, brushing with sauce every 15 minutes, until outer leaves are crispy and dark brown and cabbage is cooked through and tender when pierced with a paring knife, 45–50 minutes total. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, grill white onion rings until charred.

Meanwhile, whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, and remaining 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoons pepper in a medium bowl. Thinly slice reserved cabbage. Add to bowl with dressing along with carrot and red onion; toss to combine.

Remove cabbage from grill and discard can. Let cool slightly. Cut grilled cabbage in half lengthwise, then slice each half crosswise into 3/4" strips. Coarsely chop white onion rings and toss with cabbage in a medium bowl with remaining 300ml barbecue sauce (you should have about 6 cups barbecued cabbage).

Halve rolls and grill until toasted, about 30 seconds. Arrange 1 cup barbecued cabbage on each bottom bun. Top each with 2 slices cheese, 1/4 cup cabbage slaw, and pickled jalapeños, if using. Top with top buns.

Barbecued cabbage and coleslaw can be made 3 days ahead; cover separately and chill. Reheat gently in a covered pot on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.