Creamy Cabbage Mac and Cheese
If you love the comfort of mac and cheese but want something a little different, this Creamy Cabbage Mac and Cheese has that same cozy feeling in a way that’s surprisingly satisfying. The cabbage softens until tender, the cheese melts into a rich, creamy sauce, and once it bakes, the top turns golden with those little crispy edges that everyone goes for first.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 451kcal
Ingredients
For the cabbage:
- 8 cups green cabbage chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the cheese sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional toppings:
- 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
Instructions
Cook the cabbage
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the cabbage and cook for 8–10 minutes, until soft with a few golden edges.
- Let it sit for a minute or two without stirring so it gets slightly caramelized. This adds so much flavor.
Make the sauce
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Add the butter, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Stir until everything melts together and looks smooth and creamy.
Add the cheese
- Stir in 1 cup cheddar and the mozzarella. Let it melt slowly until the sauce is smooth.
- Add salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
- Keep the heat low here so the sauce stays silky.
Combine
- Add the cabbage back in (if you removed it) and toss everything together until well coated.
- Cook for another 2–3 minutes until thick and creamy.
Bake (optional but so good)
- Transfer to a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Top with the remaining cheddar and bacon if using.
- Bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes until melted and lightly golden on top.
Serve
- Top with green onions and serve warm.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 451kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 622mg | Potassium: 274mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1352IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 322mg | Iron: 1mg | Net Carbs: 6g