Creamed Cabbage Recipe
Introduction
Creamed cabbage is a comforting and flavorful side dish that turns simple cabbage into a creamy delight. With a rich sauce made from butter, milk, and broth, this recipe is perfect for cozy dinners or holiday meals.

Ingredients
- 1/2 head green cabbage, sliced
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare all the vegetables by slicing the cabbage, dicing the onion, and mincing the garlic. Keep everything within reach before you start cooking.
- Step 2: In a pan with a lid, add a little oil and sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant. Then add the butter. Make sure the pan is not too hot—if the butter melts and browns immediately, let the pan cool slightly before continuing.
- Step 3: Stir in the flour and mix it well with the butter, onions, and garlic. Gradually add the milk and chicken broth, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. When the milk begins to steam, lower the heat to medium-low.
- Step 4: Place the sliced cabbage on top of the sauce, cover the pan, and cook for 15 minutes until the cabbage is tender. Stir gently every 5 minutes, lowering the heat if you notice browning on the bottom of the pan.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth or additional milk.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Use red cabbage for a colorful twist and slightly different taste.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook a bit longer uncovered after the cabbage is tender to reduce excess liquid.
Storage
Store creamed cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce thickens too much when cooled, add a splash of milk to loosen it while reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cabbage for this recipe?
Fresh cabbage is best for texture and flavor, but you can use thawed frozen cabbage. Drain excess water well before cooking to avoid a watery sauce.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Replace butter with dairy-free margarine or oil, use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
PrintCreamed Cabbage Recipe
This Creamed Cabbage recipe offers a comforting and creamy side dish featuring tender cabbage cooked in a rich sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth, infused with savory onion and garlic flavors. It’s perfect for a cozy meal and is easy to prepare on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1/2 head green cabbage, sliced
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Seasoning
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Prep the Vegetables: Slice the cabbage, dice the onion, and mince the garlic so all ingredients are ready and within reach for cooking. This preparation step helps keep the cooking process smooth and efficient.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant, creating the flavor base for the dish.
- Add Butter and Make Roux: Add butter to the pan with the cooked onions and garlic. Make sure the pan is not too hot; the butter should melt slowly without browning. Then, stir in the flour to combine it with the butter and vegetables, cooking it gently to form a roux.
- Add Liquids and Season: Gradually add the whole milk and chicken broth to the roux while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Season the mixture lightly with salt and pepper. When the milk starts to steam, reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Cook Cabbage Covered: Place the sliced cabbage directly on top of the liquid mixture in the pan and cover it with a lid. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. If you notice browning at the bottom, lower the heat slightly to prevent burning. Continue until the cabbage is tender and the sauce is creamy.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent burning or uneven cooking.
- Stirring every 5 minutes prevents the sauce from sticking and browning excessively.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk or even cream in place of milk.
Keywords: Creamed Cabbage, Creamed Vegetables, Cabbage Side Dish, Comfort Food, Stovetop Recipe

