Save One Tuesday evening when I had nothing planned and a mysteriously full ham from the weekend, I opened my fridge to find a head of cabbage staring back at me. Something clicked—why not throw them together in one pan with cream? What emerged was this gorgeous, golden skillet dinner that made my tiny kitchen smell like a cozy bistro, and suddenly I had a weeknight favorite that felt far too easy to be this good.
I made this for my neighbor Sarah on a cold January evening when she'd mentioned being exhausted from new-baby life, and watching her face light up when she tasted it—that combination of ham and cabbage in a silky cream sauce—felt like I'd given her something way more valuable than just dinner. She asked for the recipe immediately, and now it's become her go-to when she needs something that feels nurturing but doesn't require her to think too hard.
Ingredients
- Green cabbage (1 medium head, thinly sliced): The foundation of this dish—it wilts down beautifully and becomes tender without losing its subtle sweetness, and slicing it thin means it cooks fast.
- Yellow onion (1 small, finely chopped): This builds the flavor base and adds a gentle sweetness that plays perfectly against the salty ham.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just enough to whisper in the background without overwhelming, giving the whole thing a savory depth.
- Cooked ham (2 cups, diced): Use good-quality ham if you can—it's the protein anchor and the star, so it deserves to be something you actually enjoy eating.
- Heavy cream (3/4 cup): This is what transforms everything into comfort, so don't skip it or try to substitute with milk unless you're okay with a thinner, less luxurious sauce.
- Cream cheese (2 oz, softened): The secret ingredient that makes the sauce velvety and helps it cling to the cabbage in the most satisfying way.
- Cheddar cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Adds a sharp, melting richness that brings all the elements together harmoniously.
- Olive oil or butter (2 tbsp): Use what you have—butter gives a richer flavor, oil is lighter, both work beautifully here.
- Salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (to taste): The paprika is optional but it adds a subtle smokiness that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is.
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): A bright finish that cuts through the richness and makes the whole dish feel fresher.
Instructions
- Get the pan going:
- Heat your oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it's shimmering and smells toasty. This is your moment to make sure you have enough space in the pan—you'll need room for all that cabbage to breathe.
- Start with the onion:
- Toss in the chopped onion and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every so often, until it turns soft and translucent. You're building flavor here, so don't rush it.
- Add the garlic:
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until you can smell that wonderful garlicky aroma wafting up—this is the moment you know it's perfect.
- In goes the cabbage:
- Add all your sliced cabbage, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika if you're using it, then sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage will seem like an impossible amount at first, but it wilts down dramatically and becomes tender and sweet.
- Warm the ham through:
- Stir in your diced ham and cook for another 2 minutes, just until it's heated through and mingled with the cabbage.
- Make it creamy:
- Turn the heat down to low and pour in the heavy cream, then add the softened cream cheese in small pieces. Stir gently and let it melt completely, watching as the whole pan transforms into something silky and luxurious.
- Add the cheese:
- Sprinkle in the cheddar and stir until it's completely melted and incorporated, making sure the sauce is smooth and coating everything evenly.
- Taste and finish:
- Have a taste and adjust your salt and pepper as needed—you might be surprised at how much seasoning a creamy sauce can handle. Remove from heat, scatter fresh parsley over the top, and serve while it's still steaming.
Save My partner came home one evening when this was simmering on the stove and said the kitchen smelled like "a fancy restaurant decided to move in," which made me laugh because I'd spent maybe 20 minutes total and used one pan. That's when I realized this wasn't just a quick dinner—it was proof that delicious doesn't have to mean complicated or time-consuming.
Why This Becomes a Regular Rotation
Once you make this once, you'll find yourself reaching for it on nights when your energy is low but your hunger is real. There's something deeply satisfying about a one-pan meal that tastes like you fussed over it when you really just stood there stirring for 20 minutes. The ham-and-cabbage combination works because they genuinely belong together, the way some flavors just do.
Variations and Tweaks Worth Trying
While this recipe is perfect as-is, I've learned that it's also incredibly adaptable depending on what's in your fridge or what mood you're in. A splash of Dijon mustard added to the cream sauce brings a subtle tang that's almost addictive, or a tiny pinch of nutmeg suddenly makes everything feel warm and almost fancy. I've swapped the cheddar for Swiss cheese when I had it, and it transforms the dish into something slightly more elegant without changing the soul of it.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
This skillet is complete on its own, but I've found that a crisp green salad alongside it feels right—something to balance the richness and add brightness. A slice of crusty bread works too if you want to soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce, though it'll push this out of low-carb territory. The real magic is that it's equally happy as a weeknight dinner for two or stretched across four plates for a casual dinner with friends.
- A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess beautifully.
- Roasted green beans on the side add a pop of color and keep things feeling balanced.
- Serve it in bowls rather than plates if you want to capture every bit of that luxurious sauce.
Save This dish has quietly become the meal I make when I want to prove to someone—or to myself—that eating well doesn't require spending your whole evening in the kitchen. It's honest food that tastes like care without demanding heroic effort.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different cheese in this dish?
Yes, Swiss or Gruyère cheeses are great alternatives that offer a different flavor profile and melt nicely in the creamy sauce.
- → Is there a way to make it spicier?
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or substituting smoked paprika with chipotle powder can introduce a subtle heat to the skillet.
- → What is the best way to slice the cabbage?
Core and thinly slice the green cabbage to ensure it softens quickly and evenly during sautéing.
- → Can I substitute ham with another protein?
Yes, cooked bacon or smoked turkey can be used to maintain a savory, smoky flavor while keeping the dish low carb.
- → How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and cream cheese, and choose a dairy-free cheese alternative.