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Creamy Baked Cabbage with Crispy Bacon

A rich, comforting cabbage side dish baked in a creamy Gruyère cheese sauce and topped with crispy turkey bacon. Perfect for holidays, weeknights, or keto meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Base:

1 medium head green cabbage, cut into 4 thick wedges

½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Creamy Sauce:

¾ cup heavy cream

¾ cup Gruyère cheese, grated

½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ¼ tsp dried thyme)

Topping:

4 ounces turkey bacon, chopped

1 teaspoon butter (optional, for added richness)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  • Lightly grease a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Bacon

  • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped turkey bacon until crispy and golden.

  • Remove bacon and set aside. Reserve 1 teaspoon of bacon drippings in the pan.

Step 3: Sear the Cabbage

  • Add cabbage wedges to the hot skillet with the reserved drippings.

  • Sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until edges are golden brown and slightly charred.

Step 4: Assemble

  • Pour heavy cream evenly over the seared cabbage.

  • Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and thyme.

  • Scatter crispy turkey bacon on top.

  • Top with grated Gruyère cheese.

Step 5: Bake

  • Transfer the skillet or dish to the preheated oven.

  • Bake uncovered for 18–20 minutes, until the cream thickens and cheese bubbles.

Step 6: Serve

  • Let cool slightly before serving.

  • Spoon extra sauce from the pan over each serving for maximum flavor.

Notes

  • Turkey Bacon Substitute: Use smoked mushrooms or tempeh for a vegetarian version.

  • Cheese Options: Swiss, mozzarella, or fontina can replace Gruyère.

  • Cabbage Alternatives: Savoy or Napa cabbage can also be used.

  • Low-Fat Swap: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or cashew cream.

  • Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.