If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, flavor-packed dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, the Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This casserole combines tender cabbage cooked in a luscious creamy sauce, punctuated by crispy bits of smoky bacon and melted cheddar cheese that brings everything together. It’s honestly the perfect way to elevate humble cabbage into something irresistibly delicious and satisfying, whether for a family dinner or a cozy weekend treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make every mouthful a delight. Get these ready to make your cooking smooth and enjoyable.
- Bacon (6 slices, chopped): Adds smoky, crispy goodness that elevates the casserole.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses a subtle aromatic punch.
- Green cabbage (1 medium head, chopped – about 6–7 cups): The star vegetable, crisp yet tender when cooked.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the rich, velvety sauce base.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds creaminess and tang to the sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups): Melts into cheesy indulgence, both inside and on top.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of spice.
- Paprika (¼ teaspoon, optional): Provides a mild smoky note and lovely color contrast.
How to Make Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s coming up to temperature, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your casserole won’t stick and will come out perfectly golden at the edges.
Step 2: Crisp up the Bacon
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook your chopped bacon until it’s beautifully crispy and fragrant. This step is crucial because it builds that deep smoky flavor. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, but make sure to leave about one tablespoon of that delicious bacon grease in the skillet for the next step.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Into the bacon grease, toss your diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it’s soft and sweet. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until it smells incredible—this quick step ensures the garlic doesn’t burn and become bitter.
Step 4: Cook the Cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and give it a good stir. Cook it for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is just softened but still has a bit of bite—this keeps the texture lively in the casserole.
Step 5: Mix the Creamy Sauce
While the cabbage is cooking, whisk together your heavy cream, softened cream cheese, half of the shredded cheddar, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika in a large bowl. The goal is a smooth, creamy base that will coat every bite with rich flavor.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Transfer the cabbage mixture into the bowl with your creamy sauce and stir everything together so all the cabbage is evenly coated. Fold in most of the crispy bacon—you’ll leave a little reserved for sprinkling on top later.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cabbage and sauce mixture into your prepared baking dish. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon over the surface—this will create a golden, cheesy topping that’s impossible to resist once baked.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. You want it bubbling and just starting to turn golden on top, signaling that the flavors have melded and the cheese is perfectly melted and slightly crisped.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This step lets the sauce settle so it won’t run everywhere when you cut into it—plus, it gives you a moment to anticipate that first forkful of creamy, cheesy, bacon-y bliss.
How to Serve Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chives or a sprinkle of parsley add a bright touch of color and a hint of fresh herbaceous flavor that balances the casserole’s richness beautifully. A dollop of sour cream can also take it up a notch if you’re feeling indulgent!
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with something light and crisp like a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. It’s also fantastic alongside buttery mashed potatoes or crusty bread to mop up all that creamy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, serve it straight from the casserole dish. If you’re hosting, try spooning portions into individual ramekins or shallow bowls to make the presentation feel extra special and cozy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick reheats through the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole if you want to save some for later. Wrap it well with aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. Alternatively, a microwave works fine for quick heating—just cover to avoid drying out the creamy layers.
FAQs
Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?
Absolutely! Red cabbage will give your casserole a beautiful color and slightly earthier flavor. Just make sure to chop it finely so it softens evenly during cooking.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
You can skip the bacon and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky flavor, and add sautéed mushrooms or smoked cheese to maintain that depth of taste.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses no flour or breadcrumbs, so it’s safe for gluten-sensitive diets without any modifications.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, mascarpone or ricotta cheeses work well as creamy alternatives that blend smoothly into the sauce.
How spicy is this casserole?
It’s quite mild, with just a hint of black pepper and optional paprika for warmth. You can easily add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes if you want a little more heat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about this Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe, transforming everyday ingredients into a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome. It brings out the best of cabbage with a creamy, cheesy blanket and smoky, crispy bacon that will have everyone asking for seconds. Do yourself a favor and try making this soon—you might just find your new favorite weeknight winner!
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Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for a family dinner. Featuring tender sautéed cabbage mixed with rich cream, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar, enhanced by crispy bacon bits and savory onions, it delivers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole is both simple to make and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
Meat
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped (about 6–7 cups)
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Spices
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet to add flavor to the vegetables.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Cook Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to soften the cabbage slightly without fully cooking it, allowing it to finish cooking in the oven.
- Mix Cream Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed cabbage mixture to the cream base and gently stir to coat the cabbage evenly. Then fold in the majority of the cooked bacon, reserving some for topping.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and reserved bacon evenly over the top to create a delicious, cheesy crust with crispy bacon accents.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the cream mixture.
- You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, though the texture will be less creamy.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the cabbage in the skillet, as it will continue to cook in the oven and you want it to retain some texture.
