Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe

If you’re searching for a comforting dish that blends rich, velvety textures with irresistible smoky crunch, you simply must try this Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe. It’s the perfect way to elevate humble cabbage into a meal that feels both homey and indulgent. Each bite melds tender, slightly sweet cabbage with luscious cream, melted cheddar, and crispy bacon, making this casserole a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that warms you from the inside out. Whether for a cozy weeknight or a festive gathering, this recipe brings a delightful mix of creamy goodness and savory depth that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this casserole lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is a star in its own right, lending vibrant flavors, luscious creaminess, or that satisfying crunch which together create a masterful harmony of taste and texture.

• Bacon (6 slices, chopped): Provides smoky, crispy bits that contrast beautifully with the creamy elements.
• Onion (1 medium, diced): Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings aromatic warmth that brightens the whole casserole.
• Green cabbage (1 medium head, chopped, about 6–7 cups): The star vegetable offering tender crunch and volume.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): Delivers that rich, silky texture essential for creaminess.
• Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Thickens the sauce and adds buttery richness.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups): Melts into gooey goodness with just the right sharpness.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle spice and complexity.
• Paprika (¼ teaspoon, optional): Gives a hint of smoky warmth and a lovely color pop.

How to Make Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish — this ensures the casserole won’t stick and makes serving easier later.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon to Perfection

In a large skillet over medium heat, crisp your chopped bacon until golden and crunchy. Once done, scoop it out and set it aside, leaving about a tablespoon of that luscious bacon grease behind in the pan — this leftover fat is pure flavor magic we want to keep!

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add diced onion to the bacon grease and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns soft and translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and stir it around for about 30 seconds until it releases its irresistible aroma — this step sets the savory base for the whole dish.

Step 4: Soften the Cabbage

Next, introduce the chopped cabbage to your skillet. Cook it gently for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally so it softens slightly without losing its pleasant crunch. This keeps the cabbage vibrant and balances the creamy texture perfectly.

Step 5: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, cream cheese, half of the shredded cheddar, salt, pepper, and paprika if you’re using it. This velvety sauce will coat the cabbage and bacon, making every forkful indulgently smooth.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add your cabbage mixture to the bowl with the creamy sauce, stirring lovingly until every shred of cabbage is enveloped in that luscious mixture. Fold in the majority of your crispy bacon, saving a little for topping.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Pour the creamy cabbage and bacon mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and bacon on top to create a bubbly, golden crust once it’s baked.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Place your dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is lightly browned and bubbling with cheesy goodness — the perfect signal that all the flavors have come together beautifully.

Step 9: Let It Rest and Serve

When you take the casserole out, allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This little pause lets everything set up for easier serving while the creamy layers settle into pure comfort food bliss.

How to Serve Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your casserole presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color and freshness. A light drizzle of extra sharp cheddar cheese or a few crispy bacon crumbles adds even more texture and visual appeal that’ll make your guests swoon.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe shines as a star dish but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like roasted potatoes, a crisp green salad, or buttery dinner rolls. These help balance the richness of the casserole, making the whole meal feel thoughtfully rounded and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving this casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions or layer it in a beautiful ceramic baking dish for that family-style comfort vibe. You can also sprinkle toasted nuts or breadcrumbs on top, adding a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to preserve freshness and moisture.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole baking dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It can be stored frozen for up to 2 months, making it a fabulous make-ahead comfort meal.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick fix, stirring occasionally to reheat evenly and keep that creamy texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese in the casserole?

Absolutely! While cheddar provides a lovely sharpness, you can swap it for gouda, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella for a milder, stretchier melt. Just keep in mind how each cheese affects the overall flavor and texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon and replace the bacon grease with butter or olive oil. To add a similar smoky flavor, consider using smoked paprika or adding sautéed mushrooms to boost umami!

Can I prepare this casserole gluten-free?

Definitely. This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t use any flour or breadcrumbs. Just double-check your cheese and cream for any additives, and you’re good to go!

How spicy is this dish?

This casserole is mild and comforting in flavor, but a touch of paprika adds a slight warmth without heat. If you want to introduce some spice, feel free to sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.

What can I do if I don’t have heavy cream or cream cheese?

If you don’t have heavy cream, full-fat coconut milk or half-and-half can be a substitute, though texture may differ slightly. For cream cheese, mascarpone or ricotta can work, but they’ll create a lighter, less tangy sauce.

Final Thoughts

I can honestly say this Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites when craving a cozy, flavorful casserole that feels like a warm hug. Its combination of creamy sauce, tender cabbage, and crispy bacon is truly unbeatable. I encourage you to give it a try—it’s perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress friends without fuss. Once you make it, I bet it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen, too!

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