Indulge in a rich and flavorful side dish with this Creamed Cabbage and Spinach recipe. Crispy bacon, tender cabbage, and fresh spinach are combined with a creamy cheese sauce, creating a comforting and delectable dish perfect for any meal. Whether served alongside your favorite protein or enjoyed on its own, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- ½ pound bacon, cut into ½” pieces
- ½ large red onion, sliced
- 1 medium head cabbage, sliced
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 6-7 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ⅛ teaspoon grated nutmeg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus additional for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon:
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Transfer the bacon to paper towels using a slotted spoon to drain. Keep about 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Sauté the Onion and Cabbage:
- Add the sliced red onion to the skillet with the bacon fat and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet and cook until it begins to soften, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Cream Cheese:
- Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and evenly coats the cabbage and onions.
- Incorporate Spinach and Seasonings:
- Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet, a few cups at a time, stirring until they wilt and are well combined with the cabbage mixture.
- Season with kosher salt, black pepper, fresh lemon juice, and grated nutmeg. Stir to combine.
- Finish with Parmesan Cheese:
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the cabbage and spinach mixture and stir until melted and well incorporated.
- Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Serve:
- Serve the creamed cabbage and spinach hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Conclusion
This Creamed Cabbage and Spinach dish is a comforting and savory side that pairs well with a variety of main courses. The combination of crispy bacon, tender cabbage, fresh spinach, and a creamy cheese sauce makes it a standout addition to any meal. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, this dish is sure to impress.