If you are craving a comforting dish that combines the smoky goodness of bacon with tender, creamy cabbage, then this Creamy Bacon and Cabbage Casserole Recipe is destined to become your new favorite. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in cozy flavors while delivering a luscious texture that’s simply irresistible. Each bite is a celebration of rich creaminess, sharp cheddar, and the subtle sweetness of sautéed onions and garlic, all baked to bubbly perfection. Trust me, this casserole will warmly invite you back to the kitchen again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, coming together in a simple yet magical way to make the Creamy Bacon and Cabbage Casserole Recipe truly shine. From the savory crispiness of bacon to the velvety indulgence of cream cheese and heavy cream, these essentials create a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.
- Bacon (6 slices, chopped): Provides smokiness and a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the cabbage.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed, elevating the overall flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings warmth and aromatic savoriness to every bite.
- Green cabbage (1 medium head, chopped – about 6–7 cups): The star vegetable that softens perfectly, absorbing the rich sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates a silky, luscious sauce that wraps around each cabbage leaf.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Thickens the sauce and adds tangy richness for creaminess that truly comforts.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups): Melts into gooey pockets and forms a golden, cheesy crust on top.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and spice.
- Paprika (¼ teaspoon, optional): A subtle smoky note that deepens the color and taste.
How to Make Creamy Bacon and Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole won’t stick and will brown nicely on the edges.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet set over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s perfectly crispy. This gives the dish that iconic smoky crunch. Once done, remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving about a tablespoon of the flavorful bacon grease in the pan.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
With the bacon grease still in the skillet, toss in the diced onions and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they become translucent and sweet. Then add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds to release its fragrant aroma without burning it.
Step 4: Soften the Cabbage
Next, add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir occasionally as it cooks for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s just starting to soften but still holds some crispness. This step ensures the cabbage won’t turn mushy after baking.
Step 5: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika until silky smooth. This sauce is going to be the luscious coat that brings the whole casserole together.
Step 6: Combine and Fold In Bacon
Add the sautéed cabbage mixture to the bowl and stir everything together so the cabbage is fully coated in the creamy goodness. Then gently fold in most of the cooked bacon, reserving some to sprinkle on top for extra flavor and crunch.
Step 7: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer your creamy cabbage and bacon mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and bacon evenly over the top to create a gorgeous, melty crust once baked.
Step 8: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Pop the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when you see the cheese bubbling and lightly browned, signaling all those layers of flavor have married beautifully.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5 to 10 minutes to allow it to set. This makes serving cleaner and lets the flavors mingle just a little more before you dive in.
How to Serve Creamy Bacon and Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a bright freshness that contrasts the richness of the casserole. For an extra touch, a dollop of sour cream or a few thin slices of green onion bring pops of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp, simple salad or some roasted root vegetables creates a well-rounded meal. If you want to keep it light, steamed green beans or a lemon-dressed arugula salad work beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in ramekins for an elegant presentation at dinner parties, or scoop per serving directly onto warm plates, garnished with extra cheese and bacon bits sprinkled on top. This dish also holds up well in a buffet spread, making it a great potluck contender.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, the casserole will keep well for up to 3 days and still taste fantastic when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking or after it’s fully cooked. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. It will stay good for up to 2 months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly again, about 15-20 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch but may soften the cheese topping too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Creamy Bacon and Cabbage Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with Gruyère, mozzarella, or a smoked cheese for different flavor profiles that still melt beautifully in the casserole.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this casserole is fantastic for meal prep. You can assemble it in advance, refrigerate overnight, and bake it when you’re ready, making dinner a breeze on busy nights.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
To go vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. To keep the smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke, and add sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu for texture.
What can I do if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half mixed with a bit of butter to mimic the richness, or use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist, though the flavor will slightly differ.
How do I know when the cabbage is cooked enough before baking?
The cabbage should be just tender and slightly wilted after sautéing—it shouldn’t be mushy. This helps it maintain texture after baking and absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Bacon and Cabbage Casserole Recipe is truly one of those irresistibly cozy dishes that feels like a warm hug on your plate. Whether you’re a cabbage lover or new to this humble veggie, the creaminess, bacon, and melted cheese make it utterly crave-worthy. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be delighted every single time.
Print
Creamy Bacon and Cabbage Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender sautéed cabbage combined with a rich blend of heavy cream, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Crispy bacon and aromatic sautéed onions and garlic add savory depth. Baked until bubbly and golden, this casserole is perfect as a hearty side or a satisfying main for any meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped (about 6–7 cups)
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). 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. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan for added flavor.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion to the skillet with the bacon grease and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until the cabbage is slightly softened but still has some texture.
- Prepare Cream Mixture: 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 mixture bowl and stir to coat evenly. Fold in most of the cooked crispy bacon, reserving some for topping.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese and bacon over the top for a golden crust.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to let it set and enhance flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with your favorite cheese such as Monterey Jack or Gouda for a different flavor.
- For a lower-fat version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce cream cheese quantity.
- Make sure not to overcook the cabbage in the skillet; it should retain slight crunch for the best texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding paprika is optional but gives a nice subtle smoky flavor and color to the casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
