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    Home » Side Dish Recipes » Vegetable Recipes

    Published: Nov 5, 2020 · Modified: May 3, 2022 by Renée · This post may contain affiliate links · 14 Comments

    Creamed Cabbage and Spinach

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    A vertical collage image with a title text overlay graphic for Creamed Cabbage and Spinach recipe

    Creamed Cabbage and Spinach is a delicious side dish complemented by the flavor of bacon and a touch of lemon for brightness and balance.

    A closeup vertical image of a bowl of Creamed Cabbage and Spinach with Bacon along with a wedge of cabbage and a lemon in the background

    This is an easy and tasty side dish for any meal or occasion.

    Creamed cabbage with spinach goes together quickly and works great with a low carb/keto lifestyle, or just because it's delicious!

    **Please Note - The printable recipe card with detailed instructions, complete ingredient measurements, and nutritional information for making Creamed Cabbage with Spinach and Bacon is available at the end of this post. OR you can hit the "jump to recipe" button (found above) to be taken directly to the recipe.

    Subscribe to my Kudos Kitchen channel on YouTube. See you there!!

    A vertical closeup of Creamed Cabbage and Spinach along with a serving spoon and a title text graphic block at the bottom of the image

    The ingredient list:

    **Note - The following lists of ingredients plus kitchen tools and equipment contain affiliate links (highlighted in blue) for your consideration and shopping convenience. #CommissionsEarned

    • bacon, chopped
    • cabbage, shredded
    • onion, sliced
    • spinach (fresh shown)
    • cream cheese, softened
    • fresh lemon juice
    • grated nutmeg
    • Parmesan cheese, grated
    • salt and pepper

    Kitchen tools and equipment needed:

    • large skillet with lid
    • chef's knife
    • cutting board
    • food processor (optional)
    • cheese grater
    • nutmeg grater
    • wooden spoon or spatula
    • measuring cups and spoons
    • aluminum foil (optional in place of a skillet lid)

    A vertical photo of a closeup of an iphone taking a video of Creamed Cabbage and Spinach recipe

    How long does this recipe take from start to finish?

    Cooking the bacon is the thing that takes the longest when it comes to making recipe, and that will take approximately 5-7 minutes on medium/high heat.

    After the bacon is cooked, the remainder of the recipe will only take 10-15 minutes because the cabbage cooks down very quickly once it hits the heat.

    All total, this recipe takes about 20-25 minutes from start to finish.

    Can the bacon be omitted from this recipe?

    Sure thing!

    Just carry on with the recipe as written, but add about a tablespoon of oil (olive oil or canola) to the skillet to take the place of the bacon fat for sautéing the onions.

    Can frozen spinach be used instead of fresh spinach?

    Yes, not a problem.

    Just make sure to thaw it first and to squeeze out as much of the water as possible after it's been thawed.

    How to shred cabbage by hand:

    How to shred cabbage using a food processor:

    Why the lemon juice?

    The lemon juice is a very important ingredient in this recipe.

    It's the ingredient that cuts through all the richness of the bacon and cheese, and balances all the flavors.

    Without it, the dish would be clawingly heavy, and not nearly as flavorful and bright.

    Is there a suitable substitution for the lemon juice in this recipe?

    In a pinch, feel free to use the same amount of either apple cider vinegar, or white wine vinegar as a substitution for the fresh lemon juice.

    Their acidic components will both work equally well to balance out the flavors of the creamed cabbage side dish.

    Additional vegetable side dishes:

    *Honey Roasted Butternut Squash (pictured below)

    You can make honey roasted butternut squash in an air fryer or a conventional oven. Either way, it’s a delicious seasonal side dish to grace any table.

    An offset horizontal photo of a pretty china bowl filled with honey roasted butternut squash

    *Pimento Cheese Mashed Potatoes (pictured below)

    Why not give traditional mashed potatoes a little update? Pimento Cheese Mashed Potatoes are easy to make and taste amazing!!

    A white oval bowl filled with Pimento Cheese Mashed Potatoes along with some russet potatoes in the background.

    *Sunflower Crunch Salad (pictured below)

    Crunchy, healthy, and completely addictive. This Sunflower Crunch Kale and Cabbage Salad has it ALL going on!! Dig in! You’re going to love this colorful salad!

    A round white bowl filled with sunflower crunch kale and cabbage salad

    *Creamed Cabbage and Spinach with Bacon (pictured below) THIS IS THE PLACE!!

    A closeup vertical image of Creamed Cabbage and Spinach in a white bowl with a serving spoon and a title text overlay graphic.

    Want another delicious dinner dish featuring cream cheese? (Who doesn't, right?) Then check out this FIVE SPICE CREAM CHEESE CHICKEN from Running to the Kitchen and I promise you won't be sorry!

    Below is the printable recipe card along with the exact ingredient measurements and nutritional information for making today's creamy and cheesy hot cabbage side dish.

    If you've made this recipe, or are excited to make this recipe, I'd appreciate it if you'd take a moment to leave it a star rating in the recipe card, along with a comment if you're so inclined. I thank you most sincerely! 🙂

    A closeup photo of Creamed Cabbage and Spinach in a white bowl with a serving spoon

    Creamed Cabbage and Spinach

    Renee Goerger
    Creamed Cabbage and Spinach is a delicious side dish complemented by the flavor of bacon and a touch of lemon for brightness and balance.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save recipe Saved Recipe!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 225 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ pound bacon cut into ½" pieces
    • ½ large red onion sliced
    • 1 medium head cabbage sliced
    • 1 8 ounce 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
     

    • In a large, high-sided skillet, over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until just shy of crisp.
    • Add the red onion slices and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
    • Add in the sliced cabbage, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
    • Cover the skillet and allow the cabbage to cook down for approximately 5 minutes.
    • Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, cover, and allow to cook again for 2-3 minutes.
    • Reduce the heat to medium and add in the softened cream cheese, stirring well to combine.
    • Add the grated nutmeg, lemon juice, and ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese. Stir well.
    • Remove from the heat and serve with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1Calories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 16gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 745mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's creamy and cheesy hot cabbage side dish as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!

    A closeup horizontal photo of a white oblong shaped bowl filled with Creamed Cabbage and Spinach with Bacon and a serving spoon.

    More Vegetable Recipes

    • Superfood Spinach Salad with Blue Cheese and Purple Potatoes
    • Green Beans Almondine with Bacon and Bourbon
    • Pepperoni Pizza Hasselback Zucchini
    • Rutabaga Fries Air Fryer and Oven Method

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Merlyn Sterling says

      August 15, 2022 at 9:21 pm

      5 stars
      Very good and flavorful. I roasted the chopped cabbage in the airfryer with a couple tablespoons of butter for 13minutes first to get the crispy edges I like so much, but followed the recipe otherwise and it was delicious!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        August 16, 2022 at 7:02 am

        Thank you so much for letting me know about the air-fryer tip for crispy edges, Merlyn. That's brilliant!
        Also, I appreciate the star rating.
        Have a great day!
        Renee

        Reply
    2. kelly says

      February 26, 2022 at 6:14 pm

      5 stars
      it was so good I ate it as a main dish next time might even put some shrimp in it also added zucchini

      Reply
      • Renée says

        February 27, 2022 at 8:55 am

        I love your idea of adding shrimp and zucchini to this. I'm so happy you enjoyed it.
        Now it's time to make it your own. Go for it!
        Thanks for the 5-star rating, Kelly!
        Renee

        Reply
    3. Tami says

      February 24, 2022 at 10:28 pm

      5 stars
      This was the best cabbage recipe I have ever had !!!!! Im from the south and i have had the best smothered cabbage here .But i am so happy for this awsome recipe and the person who posted this .Hands down the BEST pinterest recipe i have tried .I didnt have cream cheese used sour cream for a substitute. Sorry fofor missed grammer !!! omg i had every pop up in my way of textimg this !! could not see what i was typing

      Reply
      • Renée says

        February 25, 2022 at 7:26 am

        Hi, Tammi!
        I'm thrilled you enjoyed this recipe so much and gave it 5 stars.
        Sorry for the popups though. That is so frustrating.
        Take good care,
        Renee

        Reply
    4. Ann says

      January 19, 2022 at 4:08 pm

      5 stars
      This was surprising and awesome.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        January 20, 2022 at 7:05 am

        I'm so glad you think so! Thanks for the 5-star rating, Ann!
        I really appreciate that! Enjoy the recipe!!
        Take good care,
        Renee

        Reply
    5. Wilhelmina says

      November 06, 2020 at 8:35 am

      This was so delicious! We are trying to eat low carb, but we struggle with sides. Just meat can feel so boring. This was the perfect way to shake it up!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        November 06, 2020 at 2:12 pm

        So glad this recipe is able to help you shake things up. You're gonna love it, Wilhelmina!!

        Reply
    6. Gina says

      November 06, 2020 at 8:17 am

      This recipe seriously takes cabbage to a new level! So decadent and delicious, we love this side dish!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        November 06, 2020 at 2:13 pm

        Glad to hear it, Gina. Thanks!!

        Reply
    7. Denise says

      November 06, 2020 at 8:11 am

      Good Morning ... how much fresh spinach?
      Thanks sounds great!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        November 06, 2020 at 2:17 pm

        Oh, my word, Thanks for catching my error, Denise! I really need a copy editor. LOL
        6-7 cups of fresh spinach leaves is what I used. You can add more, or less, depending on your love of spinach.
        I've since gone in and fixed the recipe. Thanks again for the heads-up!
        I appreciate it.
        Enjoy!
        Renee

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Renee! I've been a passionate home cook for over 40 years. I specialize in easy-to-make comfort food dishes from appetizers to desserts and everything in between.

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