Creamed Cabbage | Easy Irish Side Dish
Creamed cabbage is one of those delightful dishes that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With its luscious texture and buttery flavor, this easy Irish side dish captures an essence that often evokes fond memories of leisurely family dinners. The cabbage softens beautifully, becoming sweet and rich, enveloped in a creamy coating that makes it irresistible. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty roast or enjoying it on its own, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Table of Contents
I first tasted creamed cabbage at a small Irish pub while traveling through the countryside. The dish was uncomplicated yet distinct, leaving a deep-rooted impression of home. Now, it’s a staple in my kitchen, especially when I want to whip up something quick and lovely. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and time—just 15 minutes! So gather your loved ones and get ready to savor this heartwarming dish that’s bound to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Just 15 minutes to deliciousness—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: Rich, buttery, with a touch of sweetness that elevates the humble cabbage.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green of the cabbage turns a beautiful golden color when sautéed, making it a lovely addition to any table.
- Flexible Serving: Great for formal dinners or casual meals alike—pair it with anything, from meats to vegetarian dishes.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets, and can be made lighter with alternatives to cream.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1/4 cup butter: This is the foundation of your dish—used for sautéing the cabbage and adding richness. Unsalted butter is recommended for better flavor control.
- 1/2 tsp. salt: Essential for enhancing the natural sweetness of the cabbage—feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.
- 1 medium head of cabbage: Cut into small wedges. Green cabbage works best here as it becomes tender and caramelized when cooked.
- 1/4-1/2 cup light cream: Adds a creamy texture and mouthfeel. You can substitute with half-and-half or even a non-dairy milk if you prefer a lighter version.
- Freshly ground pepper: A dash of pepper not only adds warmth but also complements the creamy cabbage beautifully.
How to Make Creamed Cabbage | Easy Irish Side Dish
Melt Butter: Start by melting 1/4 cup of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. As the butter begins to foam, it releases a delightful aroma that sets the stage for the dish.
Sauté Cabbage: Add your cut wedges of cabbage to the skillet, covering them to sauté. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes until the edges are beautifully browned or slightly charred—this deepens the flavor immensely.
Turn Cabbage: Carefully turn the cabbage over using a spatula and allow it to brown on the other side for another 3-4 minutes. You want it tender but with a slight char for that extra layer of taste.
Add Cream: Pour in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of light cream, depending on how rich you’d like it. Heat just until the cream begins to thicken, about 2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it lightly coats the cabbage, creating a creamy hug.
Season to Taste: Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Take a moment to savor the sweetness of the cabbage, enhanced through this simple cooking method.
Storing & Reheating
To store any leftovers of your creamed cabbage, allow it to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can safely be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you decide to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a skillet over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly, so adding a splash of cream can help restore some creaminess.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking your cabbage; it should remain a bit crisp. Watch closely for that golden-brown char and a tender bite.
- If using light cream from the fridge, let it warm up a bit before adding it to the cabbage for better melding.
- Feel free to customize your creamed cabbage! Stir in some sautéed onions, or a handful of grated cheese for extra flavor.
- If you find the cabbage is too firm, simply add a splash of vegetable broth and let it steam for a couple of minutes longer.
- This dish can also be made ahead of time; just slightly undercook the cabbage and reheat once you’re ready to serve.
The beauty of creamed cabbage is its versatility and simplicity. You can tweak the creaminess or spice to fit your personal taste better—there’s no exact wrong way to enjoy it!
Recipe FAQs
What can I serve with creamed cabbage?
Creamed cabbage pairs wonderfully with roasted meats such as beef or pork, as well as with hearty vegetarian dishes like lentil loaf. It’s a great side for any comfort food meal, adding a nutritious green element.
Can I make creamed cabbage ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sautéed cabbage ahead of time and finish it with cream when you’re ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes hosting a breeze.
Is there a vegan version of this dish?
Yes, you can easily make a vegan version by substituting the butter with vegan margarine and using coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. The taste will be slightly different, but still delicious.
How long does creamed cabbage last in the fridge?
Creamed cabbage can last for about 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just be mindful that the texture might change slightly as it sits.
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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: Side Dish
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
Creamed Cabbage is a delightful Irish side dish featuring tender cabbage sautéed to perfection with butter and enriched with light cream. This quick and easy recipe makes for a comforting addition to any dinner table, ideal for busy nights when you’re craving homemade flavor.
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, for about 4-5 minutes.
- Carefully turn the cabbage over and brown the other side for 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the cream and heat until slightly thickened, approximately 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Adjust the amount of cream to your preferred richness.
For added flavor, consider incorporating sautéed onions or garlic.
This dish pairs well with roast meats.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 132
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 216mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
