Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for something irresistibly comforting and packed with flavor, this Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe is going to steal your heart. Imagine tender cabbage mingling with savory, crispy bacon and smothered in a rich, velvety cheese sauce that bakes up golden and bubbling — it’s the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, simple yet impressive. This dish brings a fresh twist to traditional casseroles and is sure to become a go-to for cozy dinners or easy entertaining. Trust me, once you try this Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe, it’s going to feel like a warm hug on a plate you’ll want again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s wonderful about this Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe is how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create something so indulgent. Each component adds its own magic — the bacon for smoky crunch, the cabbage for a subtle sweetness and texture, and the creamy cheeses that tie it all together with lusciousness and depth. Ready to gather your kitchen staples?

• 6 slices bacon (chopped): Adds irresistible smoky flavor and crispy texture that makes every bite pop.
• 1 medium onion (diced): Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to balance the richness.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Gives a gentle punch of warmth and depth to the overall dish.
• 1 medium head green cabbage (chopped, about 6–7 cups): The star vegetable that brings freshness and a slight crunch, perfect for baking.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a silky, indulgent sauce that envelops the cabbage perfectly.
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Adds creaminess and a slight tang, helping the sauce stick to every ingredient in the best way.
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into golden goodness, adding sharpness and gooey texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Brings a gentle kick to brighten the dish’s profile.
• ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional): Offers a subtle smoky warmth and gorgeous color on top.

How to Make Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so your casserole won’t stick and will have that perfect golden crust as it bakes. This little prep goes a long way!

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy and mouthwatering. When done, carefully transfer it to a paper towel to drain and keep the bacon grease in the pan — that little bit of smoky fat will flavor your onions and cabbage beautifully.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion to the skillet with the bacon grease and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Then stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds; this step creates a flavor base that’s aromatic and inviting without being overpowering.

Step 4: Soften the Cabbage

Now toss in your chopped cabbage, cooking it for 5 to 7 minutes while stirring occasionally. You want it to soften just enough to become tender but still hold a bit of texture so the casserole has layers of bite and creaminess later.

Step 5: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth and luscious. This sauce is the heart of your casserole’s creamy character and makes every bite decadently rich.

Step 6: Combine Cabbage and Bacon

Pour the cabbage mixture into the sauce and stir to coat everything evenly. Then gently fold in most of the crispy bacon, saving some for that irresistible topping. This ensures every forkful has bursts of smoky crunch with luscious creaminess.

Step 7: Assemble and Top

Transfer your saucy cabbage and bacon mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and reserved bacon evenly over the top so it melts into a golden, bubbly crust that makes your mouth water just looking at it.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pop the casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until bubbling hot and the top turns lightly golden. That bubbling means it’s time to get ready to indulge in pure comfort food bliss.

Step 9: Rest Before Serving

Once out of the oven, let your creamy cabbage casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This little patience pays off by letting the flavors settle and the casserole firm up just enough to serve clean, luscious slices everyone will adore.

How to Serve Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe

Garnishes

To make your dish really shine, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or a few chives on top for a splash of bright color and fresh note. A light drizzle of sour cream or a squeeze of lemon juice also adds an extra pop that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted root vegetables, or even some buttery mashed potatoes for a meal that’s hearty yet balanced. A basket of warm crusty bread will be perfect to scoop up any leftover sauce, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation when entertaining. You can also sprinkle extra paprika or smoked paprika before baking to deepen the flavor and add visual appeal — it’s a simple change that wows!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This creamy casserole actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish and wrapping it tightly. When ready, bake it directly from frozen, adding extra baking time until it’s bubbly and heated through for a comforting meal on demand.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that lovely casserole texture and the crispy bacon on top.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar brings a perfect sharpness here, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for a gooey texture or Gruyère for a nutty, sophisticated twist in this Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe.

Is this casserole suitable for low-carb diets?

Yes! This dish is naturally low in carbs since cabbage is the main ingredient, and it’s loaded with protein from bacon and cheese, making it a great comfort meal if you’re watching carbs but don’t want to sacrifice flavor.

Can I make this vegetarian by omitting bacon?

You can, though bacon adds a lot of flavor and texture. For a vegetarian version, try using smoked paprika and sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu to add depth and a satisfying bite.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

To add some heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the creamy sauce. You can also top with sliced jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce after baking for an extra kick.

What’s the best way to chop the cabbage?

Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly and blends nicely with the sauce, but not so small that it loses all texture. About 6 to 7 cups of chopped cabbage gives you the perfect balance in this Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table and sharing a dish that feels both homey and special. This Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe does just that by bringing together simple ingredients in a rich, flavorful way that’s sure to please every palate. Don’t hesitate to make this at your next dinner — it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep coming back to, again and again, for that perfect combination of creamy comfort and smoky crunch.

Print