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

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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)

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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