Creamy Cabbage Ham Skillet (Printable Version)

Tender cabbage and savory ham cooked in a rich creamy sauce for a quick, low-carb dinner.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced (about 6 cups)
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Meats

04 - 2 cups cooked ham, diced

→ Dairy

05 - 3/4 cup heavy cream
06 - 2 oz cream cheese, softened
07 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Pantry

08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
09 - Salt and black pepper to taste
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional

→ Fresh Herbs

11 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - 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.
04 - Stir in the diced ham and cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Add heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir gently until the cream cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy.
06 - Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
  • One-pan preparation means minimal cleanup
  • Low-carb and gluten-free friendly
  • Rich, creamy sauce that rivals any restaurant dish
  • Budget-friendly ingredients that deliver maximum flavor
  • Perfect for meal prep and leftovers reheat beautifully
02 -
  • Use a large skillet (at least 12 inches) to give the cabbage plenty of room to cook evenly
  • Don't overcrowd the pan—cook the cabbage in batches if needed
  • Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties
  • Taste and adjust seasoning at the end; ham can be salty, so add salt carefully
  • For deeper flavor, brown the cabbage slightly before adding the ham
  • This dish freezes well for up to 2 months in an airtight container
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