Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe

If you love rich and comforting dishes that bring together simple ingredients in a heavenly way, then you will absolutely fall for this Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe. Imagine tender cabbage leaves enveloped in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce with crispy bits of smoky bacon throughout—each bite offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that make this casserole a standout on any dinner table. It’s cozy, flavorful, and guaranteed to become a favorite weeknight or holiday side that everyone keeps asking for.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully straightforward but relies on a perfect harmony of fresh and pantry staples to create its magic. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the crispy bacon adding smokiness and crunch to the creamy cheeses bringing richness and depth.

• Bacon (6 slices, chopped): Adds irresistible smoky flavor and crispy texture that elevates the entire casserole.
• Onion (1 medium, diced): Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic base for the dish.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the casserole with a warm, fragrant punch that wakes up the other flavors.
• Green cabbage (1 medium head, chopped, about 6–7 cups): The star vegetable that holds all the creamy, cheesy goodness together while offering a slight crunch.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the silky, rich sauce that coats every bite in decadence.
• Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds extra creaminess and a mild tang that complements the cabbage perfectly.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups): Melts beautifully on top and inside, giving a sharp, cheesy finish.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of spicy warmth.
• Paprika (¼ teaspoon, optional): Offers a subtle smoky undertone and a touch of color, though you can skip it if you prefer.

How to Make Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures the casserole won’t stick and that the edges crisp up just right during baking.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s delightfully crispy and browned. Once done, remove the bacon and set it aside, but keep about a tablespoon of the bacon grease in the pan—this will impart extra flavor to your veggies.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Into the pan with bacon grease, toss in your diced onion. Sauté it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it turns soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook it for an additional 30 seconds just until fragrant. This combination builds a flavorful base that complements the cabbage beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Cabbage

Now add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Cook it for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal here is to soften the cabbage slightly but not fully cook it, so it retains a bit of crispness and holds up well in the casserole.

Step 5: Whisk the Creamy Sauce

In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, half of the shredded cheddar, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika. Whisk these together until smooth and creamy, forming the luscious sauce that will make this cabbage casserole stand out from the rest.

Step 6: Combine Cabbage Mixture and Sauce

Pour the cooked cabbage mixture into the bowl with your creamy sauce and stir well to coat every strand. Next, gently fold in most of the crispy bacon you cooked earlier, reserving some for topping.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the luscious mixture to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits evenly over the top for that irresistible golden crust.

Step 8: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is bubbling at the edges and the cheese on top turns a lovely light golden brown.

Step 9: Let it Rest Before Serving

After baking, give your casserole 5 to 10 minutes to cool slightly. This resting time helps it set up a bit and makes serving easier while allowing flavors to meld wonderfully.

How to Serve Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a burst of color and a touch of brightness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the casserole.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken or pork, or alongside a fresh green salad to balance out the creamy and smoky richness. Mashed potatoes or warm crusty bread also make hearty companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the casserole in individual ramekins topped with extra crispy bacon and a sprinkle of cheese for an elegant touch. You can also layer the casserole in a clear baking dish to show off its colorful layers of cabbage and bacon for a visually appealing centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It will maintain its flavor and texture well, making for delicious next-day meals.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. For best results, cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve the casserole’s creamy texture and keep the cheese melty and delicious. Microwaving works too but can sometimes change the texture slightly.

FAQs

Can I use green cabbage substitutes in this recipe?

Absolutely! While green cabbage provides the classic flavor and texture, you can experiment with savoy or napa cabbage for a slightly different but equally tasty casserole.

Is there a way to make this casserole vegetarian?

Sure thing! Simply omit the bacon and replace the bacon grease with butter or olive oil. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a hint of smokiness if desired.

What cheese works best besides cheddar?

Sharp cheddar gives the classic tangy bite, but feel free to try gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Parmesan to add depth and creaminess to your casserole.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time before baking?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh when ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it comes straight from the refrigerator.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

Look for bubbling along the edges and a lightly golden cheese crust on top. The interior should be hot, creamy, and the cabbage tender but not mushy.

Final Thoughts

Making this Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe brings such warmth and comfort to the table—it’s like a big, tasty hug in every serving. Whether you’re feeding your family on a cozy weeknight or looking to impress your guests with a hearty side dish, this casserole delivers layers of flavor with every bite. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll want to make it again and again!

Print