Creamy Cabbage Ham Skillet

There are nights when you need dinner on the table fast, when the fridge holds a leftover ham, half a head of cabbage, and a block of cream cheese—and somehow, magic happens. This Creamy Cabbage and Ham Skillet is that magic. It is a hearty, one-pan American comfort dish that comes together in just 30 minutes, wrapping tender wilted cabbage and smoky diced ham in a velvety cream sauce enriched with cheddar cheese. Whether you are eating low-carb or simply craving something warm and satisfying, this skillet delivers every single time.

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Cabbage has long been an underrated hero of the home kitchen—affordable, widely available, and remarkably versatile. When it hits a hot skillet with a little olive oil and onion, it transforms from crunchy and sharp into something tender, sweet, and deeply savory. Paired with smoky cooked ham and bathed in a cream sauce that melts together in minutes, this dish proves that humble ingredients can produce extraordinary results. Keep this recipe in your weeknight rotation and you will never look at a head of cabbage the same way again.

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 finely chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.

Step 2 — Toast the garlic

Stir in the minced 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 the heavy cream and softened 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 with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 8 — Garnish and serve

Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped 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 — beides harmoniert wunderbar mit dem Kohl und dem Schinken. Stelle sicher, dass der Frischkäse wirklich weich ist, bevor du ihn in die Pfanne gibst, damit er sich gleichmäßig und klümpchenfrei in die Sauce einarbeitet. Schneide den Kohl möglichst dünn, damit er in der kurzen Garzeit vollständig weich wird und die Sauce optimal aufnehmen kann.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Anstelle von Cheddar kannst du auch Schweizer Käse oder Gruyère verwenden, um dem Gericht eine nussigere, komplexere Note zu verleihen. Wer es etwas leichter mag, kann die Sahne teilweise durch Hühnerbrühe ersetzen, ohne auf die cremige Konsistenz ganz verzichten zu müssen. Für eine vegetarische Version lässt sich der Schinken durch geräucherten Tofu oder geröstete Pilze ersetzen, die ebenfalls eine angenehme Rauchigkeit mitbringen.

Serviervorschläge

Dieses Gericht eignet sich hervorragend als eigenständiges Abendessen direkt aus der Pfanne. Für ein vollständiges Menü empfiehlt sich ein frischer grüner Salat als leichte Beilage. Wer keine Kohlenhydratbeschränkung hat, kann das Skillet auch mit crustigem Brot oder gedämpftem Reis servieren, um die reichhaltige Sauce aufzusaugen.

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The Creamy Cabbage and Ham Skillet is proof that comfort food does not have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, one skillet, and 30 minutes of your time, you can put a satisfying, low-carb dinner on the table that feels like it took much longer. At 410 calories and 23 grams of protein per serving, it nourishes as well as it comforts. Make it once and it will quickly earn a permanent place in your weeknight dinner repertoire.

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

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Recipe FAQ

→ Can I substitute the ham with another protein?

Yes, cooked chicken or turkey can be used as alternatives to ham to keep a similar flavor and texture.

→ What can I use instead of cream cheese?

Softened ricotta or mascarpone can be used for a creamy texture, though the flavor will be milder.

→ Is smoked paprika necessary for the dish?

Smoked paprika adds depth and a subtle smoky flavor, but it can be omitted or replaced with regular paprika for a milder taste.

→ How do I keep the cabbage tender but not mushy?

Sauté cabbage over medium heat just until wilted and softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to maintain texture.

→ Can this dish be made dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and cheddar with plant-based alternatives and use olive oil instead of butter.