Creamed Cabbage | Easy Irish Side Dish
Creamed cabbage is one of those simple yet delightful side dishes that quickly wins over hearts and taste buds. With its buttery, creamy sauce lovingly enveloping every tender piece of cabbage, this dish brings a touch of Irish comfort right to your table. When I first stumbled upon this recipe during a chilly evening, I was drawn to its warmth and simple ingredient list—perfect for a cozy dinner or a family gathering. Trust me; it’s a dish that can transform a weekday meal into something special, especially when you want a hearty, satisfying experience without the fuss.
Table of Contents
This easy Irish side dish shines with its balance of sweetness, thanks to the gentle caramelization of the cabbage beneath a luscious cream sauce. It appeals to your senses with its rich aroma and inviting colors, persuading even the most cabbage-wary person to give it a chance. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and, most importantly, tastes incredible! So grab your skillet and let’s bring this delightful dish to life.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for those busy nights.
- Irresistible Flavor: Buttery and creamy with a touch of sweetness from cooked cabbage—what’s not to love?
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The bright green cabbage against the rich cream creates a stunning presentation.
- Flexible Serving: Great for a family dinner, brunch, or even a potluck gathering.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free; you can substitute with plant-based cream for a vegan twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1/4 cup butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for this recipe, lending a rich flavor that complements the cabbage beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp. salt: Essential for enhancing the natural sweetness of the cabbage.
- 1 medium head of cabbage (cut into small wedges): Use fresh, firm cabbage for the best texture; green cabbage is traditional, but savoy cabbage works well too.
- 1/4-1/2 cup light cream: Adds creaminess and richness—feel free to adjust based on your preference. Half-and-half can be used if you want a lighter option.
- Freshly ground pepper: Provides seasoning and a bit of heat; freshly ground will elevate the dish even more.
How to Make Creamed Cabbage | Easy Irish Side Dish
Melt Butter: Begin by placing a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and let it melt gently until it starts to bubble, filling the kitchen with a delicious fragrance.
Sauté Cabbage: Add the wedges of cabbage to the skillet. Cover and sauté for about 4-5 minutes. You want the edges to start to brown or become slightly charred—a little color adds depth of flavor!
Brown the Other Side: Gently turn the cabbage wedges over, being careful not to break them apart. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, letting the other side develop a golden hue.
Add Cream: Pour in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of light cream (adjust based on how creamy you like it) and stir gently to coat the cabbage. Allow the cream to heat for about 2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Season and Serve: Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. The sweetness of the cabbage paired with the creamy richness will leave your taste buds singing.
Storing & Reheating
For storing, place any leftover creamed cabbage in an airtight container at room temperature for a few hours. If you plan to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to 3 days in a sealed container. You can freeze creamed cabbage for up to 3 months—just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of cream if needed. Remember, the texture may change slightly after freezing, so adding that little bit of cream really helps refresh it.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the cabbage; you want it tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on the color.
- For an even deeper flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of nutmeg as it cooks.
- If you’re short on time, finely shredding the cabbage will cook faster than wedges.
- Make-ahead option: Prepare the cabbage and cream ahead of time, then reheat right before serving for easy meal prep.
- Experiment with herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flair!
Creamed cabbage is a side dish that combines simplicity with flavor, offering you plenty of ways to experiment while remaining a crowd-pleaser. Take a moment to enjoy its comforting presence on your dinner table, and don’t hesitate to adjust the recipe to suit your tastes. Each bite is a reminder that sometimes the simplest things are the most delightful. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Absolutely! While green cabbage is traditional, you can also experiment with savoy cabbage for a sweeter flavor and more tender texture. Napa cabbage can also be a delicious alternative, adding a unique twist to the dish.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Certainly! To make this dish suitable for a dairy-free diet, simply substitute the light cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream. Both alternatives will keep the rich texture while accommodating dietary preferences.
How do I know when the cabbage is done?
Cabbage should be tender yet keep a bit of crunch. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are browned and caramelized, and the color has brightened. This usually takes about 8-9 minutes total.
Can I prepare creamed cabbage in advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dish up until adding the cream, cooling it completely, and storing it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat and add the cream, ensuring a fresh and delicious experience that’s comforting and warm.
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📖 Recipe Card
Creamed Cabbage | Easy Irish Side Dish
- Prep Time: N/A
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
Creamed Cabbage is a delightful Irish side dish packed with flavor. It’s quick to prepare, featuring tender cabbage sautéed in butter and finished with light cream, making it an ideal addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 medium head of cabbage (cut into small wedges)
- 1/4–1/2 cup light cream
- freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet.
- Add cabbage, cover, and sauté until slightly browned or charred, about 4-5 minutes.
- Carefully turn the cabbage to brown the other side for another 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the cream and heat until it starts to thicken, about 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Use fresh, crisp cabbage for best results.
Adjust the amount of cream based on your preferred creaminess.
Serve warm as a comforting side dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 134mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
