Name: Creamed Cabbage | Easy Irish Side Dish
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 1 cup flour; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup milk

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Creamed cabbage is a beloved dish that evokes the heartwarming essence of Irish cooking. Soft, tender cabbage is combined with a creamy, rich sauce, delivering a comforting experience in every bite. This easy-to-make, budget-friendly side dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a festive gathering. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll find yourself creating something that tastes just as good, if not better, than those fancy restaurant versions.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Creamed Cabbage | Easy Irish Side Dish
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Creamed Cabbage | Easy Irish Side Dish

I remember the first time I made creamed cabbage. It was a chilly evening, and I craved something warm and hearty. As I mixed together the cabbage and cream, the delightful aroma wafted through my kitchen, instantly lifting my spirits. What makes this recipe even more special is that it allows everyone to recreate a taste of Ireland right at home. So, grab your apron and get ready to indulge in this delightful side dish; you’re going to love every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With a prep time of only 10 minutes and 25 minutes of cooking, this dish comes together in under an hour!
Irresistible Flavor: The creamy sauce combined with the sweet, tender cabbage creates a comforting and savory side that pairs perfectly with your favorite mains.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green of the cabbage against the smooth white cream makes for an attractive presentation on your dinner table.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy creamed cabbage as a side with roasted meats, or even toss it into a salad for some extra flavor!
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour for thickening the sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 medium head of green cabbage: This is the star of the dish, bringing a mild sweetness and crunchy texture. Choose one that feels heavy for its size, and look for crisp, unblemished leaves.
2 cups heavy cream: This adds the luscious, creamy element that envelopes the cabbage. For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half.
1 cup vegetable broth: This enhances the flavor of the dish and helps soften the cabbage as it cooks. You can use chicken broth for a deeper flavor.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds richness. If you prefer, use butter for added flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and elevating all the flavors in the dish.
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): If you want a thicker creamy sauce, this is an excellent option. You can substitute it with flour if desired.

How to Make Creamed Cabbage | Easy Irish Side Dish

Prepare the cabbage: Start by removing any damaged outer leaves of the cabbage. Cut it into quarters, remove the core, and slice the cabbage into thin strips. The finer the slices, the quicker it will cook.

Sauté the cabbage: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced cabbage and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to soften and become fragrant.

Add the broth: Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth, allowing it to deglaze the skillet. Scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then let it cook for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the cabbage should be tender but not mushy.

Incorporate the cream: Reduce the heat to low and carefully stir in 2 cups of heavy cream. This is where the magic happens! It will create a rich and luscious sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally—just enough for the flavors to meld together.

Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water until smooth. Add this slurry to the skillet and stir well. Cook for another couple of minutes until the sauce thickens up to your desired consistency.

Season and serve: Taste your creamed cabbage and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Once ready, transfer it to a serving dish. To make it extra special, consider garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Storing & Reheating

If you have leftovers, cool the dish completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for about 4–5 days. For longer storage, creamed cabbage can be frozen for up to 3 months—just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Be mindful that texture might vary slightly after freezing; to refresh it, add a splash of cream or broth to return its creaminess.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the cabbage to maintain a nice bite in texture. It should be tender but still have a bit of crunch.
If you want to enhance the flavor, sauté some garlic or onion in the olive oil before adding the cabbage.
When cooking the cream sauce, be careful to keep the heat low; high heat can cause the cream to separate.
Experiment with adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the dish just before serving.
If you plan to make this ahead, undercook the cabbage slightly, as it will continue to cook when reheated.

Creamed cabbage is one of those wonderfully comforting dishes that reflects simplicity without sacrificing flavor. It brings warmth to the table and pairs effortlessly with a variety of entrees. Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your taste, and don’t hesitate to get creative with additional spices or ingredients.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of cabbage?

Absolutely! While green cabbage is traditional, you can experiment with Savoy or Napa cabbage for different textures and flavors. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly.

Is creamed cabbage a gluten-free dish?

It can be! To keep this side dish gluten-free, simply use cornstarch as a thickening agent instead of flour.

How can I make it dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a nut-based cream. The texture will differ slightly, but it can still be delicious!

What dish pairs well with creamed cabbage?

Creamed cabbage complements many dishes, especially roasted meats like pork or beef, and fish such as salmon. It also accompanies hearty vegetarian meals wonderfully!

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