Creamy Cabbage Ham Skillet (Printable)

Tender cabbage and ham simmered in a creamy sauce for a simple, comforting low-carb meal.

# What You 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

→ Fresh Herbs

11 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
02 - Add sliced cabbage to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to wilt and soften.
03 - Stir in diced ham and cook for 2 minutes to heat through.
04 - Reduce heat to low. Add heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring gently until the cream cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.
05 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in 30 minutes flat, making weeknight dinners feel less like a chore and more like a treat.
  • The creamy sauce is forgiving enough that you can taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to exactly what you're craving.
  • It's naturally low-carb, so you get a filling, satisfying meal without the guilty feeling afterward.
02 -
  • Never let the cream boil once it's in the pan, or it will separate and look broken—keep the heat low and stir gently.
  • The cabbage releases water as it cooks, which actually helps thin out the sauce naturally, so don't panic if it looks thick at first.
03 -
  • Soften your cream cheese in the microwave for 15 seconds before adding it so it melts into the sauce instead of forming stubborn little clumps.
  • Add the cheese when the heat is low and the cream is warm but not bubbling, which gives you a silky finish instead of a grainy, broken sauce.
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