Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon Recipe

This creamy cabbage casserole with bacon proves that simple ingredients can turn into true comfort food. It’s warm, filling, and full of flavor—perfect for busy weeknights or special family meals.

Tender cabbage, crispy bacon, and a rich, cheesy sauce bake together into one cozy dish. It works just as well as a main meal as it does as a hearty side dish for holidays or gatherings.

This casserole is budget-friendly, easy to make, and surprisingly rich for a vegetable-based recipe. Even people who usually skip cabbage often love it once they try this dish.

When cabbage bakes in a creamy sauce and mixes with smoky bacon, it turns into something truly satisfying. If you want big flavor without extra effort, this recipe deserves a place on your table.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon

This creamy cabbage casserole with bacon checks all the boxes for comfort food fans. The smooth, creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon, while the melted cheese on top bakes into a golden, tempting layer.

It’s also very flexible. Serve it as a main dish, a filling side, or make it ahead for parties and holidays. The ingredients are simple, affordable, and easy to adjust using what you already have.

Best of all, this recipe turns cabbage into a rich and filling meal—great if you want comfort food without pasta or rice.

Ingredients Needed for Creamy Cabbage and Bacon Casserole

For the best flavor and texture, full-fat ingredients work best in this casserole.

• Green cabbage, chopped into bite-size pieces
• Bacon for smoky flavor and crunch
• Onion and garlic for a strong flavor base
• Heavy cream or half-and-half for a rich sauce
• Cream cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess
• Shredded cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend
• Simple seasonings like salt, black pepper, and optional paprika or mustard powder

Each ingredient plays a role in making this casserole creamy, savory, and comforting.

How to Make Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Bacon

Start by cooking the bacon until crispy. This adds crunch and leaves behind flavorful drippings. Set the bacon aside and crumble it once cooled.

Using the same pan, cook the diced onion until soft. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Stir in the cabbage and cook just long enough to soften it slightly. This keeps the cabbage tender but not mushy after baking.

In a bowl, mix the cream, cream cheese or sour cream, and shredded cheese. Season well. Add the cabbage mixture to the sauce and gently stir in most of the bacon.

Transfer everything to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon on top. Bake until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so it sets nicely.

Tips for the Creamiest Cabbage Casserole

• Do not overcook the cabbage before baking—it will soften more in the oven
• Use full-fat dairy for the best flavor and texture
• Grate your own cheese so it melts smoothly
• Let the casserole rest after baking to thicken the sauce

Adding a small amount of cream cheese helps create a smooth, velvety sauce that coats every bite.

Variations and Add-Ins to Try

This creamy cabbage casserole with bacon is easy to customize.

• Add cooked chicken, sausage, or ham for a heartier dish
• Use mushrooms for extra flavor without more meat
• Try different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack
• For low-carb or keto versions, use heavy cream and sharp cheddar

For a crunchy topping, crushed pork rinds or buttery breadcrumbs add great texture.

What to Serve with Creamy Cabbage Casserole

This casserole pairs well with roasted chicken, pork chops, or baked ham. For a lighter plate, serve it with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.

It also works well as a holiday side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. Leftovers reheat nicely, making it great for meal prep.

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