Creamy Cabbage Ham Skillet

There are nights when you need dinner on the table fast, without sacrificing warmth or comfort. This Creamy Cabbage and Ham Skillet is exactly that kind of recipe—a humble, one-pan wonder that transforms a handful of simple ingredients into something deeply satisfying. Tender green cabbage, savory diced ham, and a luscious sauce of heavy cream, cream cheese, and melted cheddar come together in just 30 minutes. It is low-carb, gluten-free, and rich with the kind of homey flavor that makes everyone reach for seconds.

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Cabbage has a remarkable ability to absorb the flavors around it. As it sautés in olive oil or butter with sweet yellow onion and fragrant garlic, it softens and takes on a gentle, almost sweet character. When the diced ham joins the pan, its smoky saltiness seasons every strand of cabbage. Then comes the cream sauce—heavy cream and softened cream cheese stirred in over low heat until velvety smooth, finished with a generous handful of shredded cheddar that melts into the whole skillet. A pinch of smoked paprika and a scatter of fresh parsley complete the dish, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• Vegetables: 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced (about 6 cups); 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Meats: 2 cups cooked ham, diced (about 250 g)
• Dairy: 3/4 cup heavy cream; 2 oz (60 g) cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Pantry: 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter; salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Fresh Herbs (optional): 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.

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Instructions

Step 1 — Soften the onion

Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.

Step 2 — Add the garlic

Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3 — Sauté the cabbage

Add the sliced cabbage and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to wilt and soften.

Step 4 — Add the ham

Stir in the diced ham and cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.

Step 5 — Build the cream sauce

Reduce heat to low. Add heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir gently until the cream cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy.

Step 6 — Melt the cheddar

Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated.

Step 7 — Adjust seasoning

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8 — Serve

Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Damit die Sauce besonders aromatisch wird, kannst du eine Prise Muskatnuss oder einen Spritzer Dijon-Senf einrühren. Achte darauf, die Hitze beim Hinzufügen von Sahne und Frischkäse wirklich auf niedrig zu reduzieren, damit die Sauce nicht gerinnt. Der Frischkäse sollte zimmerwarm sein, so schmilzt er gleichmäßiger und klumpenlos in die Flüssigkeit ein. Lass den Kohl nicht zu lange im Stich — er soll weich, aber nicht matschig werden.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Statt Cheddar kann auch Schweizer Käse oder Gruyère verwendet werden, was der Sauce eine nussigere Note verleiht. Wer keinen Schinken zur Hand hat, kann gekochten Speck oder Hähnchenbruststreifen einsetzen. Die geräucherte Paprika ist optional, aber empfehlenswert — sie verleiht dem Gericht eine angenehme Tiefe. Für eine noch würzigere Variante eignet sich ein Teelöffel Dijon-Senf, der gut mit der cremigen Sauce harmoniert.

Serviervorschläge

Dieses Gericht ist als vollständige Mahlzeit gedacht und braucht keine Beilage — es ist sättigend genug. Für ein ausgewogenes Menü lässt es sich jedoch hervorragend mit einem frischen Beilagensalat kombinieren. Da es Low-Carb und glutenfrei ist, passt es gut zu einem bunten Gurkensalat oder einem leichten Tomatensalat mit frischen Kräutern. Die Reste schmecken am nächsten Tag aufgewärmt genauso köstlich.

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The Creamy Cabbage and Ham Skillet is proof that weeknight cooking does not have to be complicated to be memorable. With just one pan, a short list of ingredients, and 30 minutes of your time, you can bring a deeply comforting, low-carb dinner to the table that the whole family will love. Whether you are cooking for four or meal-prepping for the week, this skillet delivers every single time. Garnish with fresh parsley, serve it hot, and enjoy every creamy, savory bite.

Handle kitchen cleanup easily by disposing of food scraps, packaging, and cooking waste without leaks or odors.

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Answers to Recipe Questions

→ What type of cabbage works best?

Green cabbage is ideal due to its tender texture and mild flavor that complements creamy sauces well.

→ Can I substitute ham with another protein?

Yes, cooked chicken or turkey can be used in place of ham for a different but still savory profile.

→ How do I achieve a creamy sauce without curdling?

Stir the cream and cream cheese over low heat gently until smooth, avoiding high heat which can cause splitting.

→ Is smoked paprika necessary for flavor?

Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth but can be omitted or replaced with mild chili powder based on preference.

→ What side dishes pair well with this skillet meal?

A simple side salad or steamed vegetables complement the richness of the creamy cabbage and ham skillet nicely.