Looking for a cozy, mouthwatering dish that brings together crispy bacon and tender white cabbage in a creamy, cheesy bake? Bacon and White Cabbage Gratin is your answer. This simple yet satisfying recipe turns humble ingredients into a decadent side or a hearty main course. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, it’s a dish your family and friends will crave again and again.
In this article, you’ll discover how to make the perfect Bacon and White Cabbage Gratin, tips for success, and answers to common questions about this versatile dish.
What Is Bacon and White Cabbage Gratin?
Bacon and White Cabbage Gratin is a classic baked dish that layers white cabbage with crispy bacon, a creamy sauce, and a golden cheese topping. The cabbage becomes tender and sweet as it bakes, while the bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor. The creamy gratin sauce brings everything together into a rich, comforting casserole.
This dish draws inspiration from French gratins, which typically feature vegetables baked in cream with cheese, but it’s customizable and simple enough for everyday cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Here are just a few reasons why Bacon and White Cabbage Gratin deserves a place in your meal rotation:
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Comforting: Warm, cheesy, creamy goodness in every bite.
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Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
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Versatile: Works as a side dish or a hearty main.
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Easy to Prepare: Minimal prep with big flavor payoff.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit at potlucks and family dinners.
Ingredients for Bacon and White Cabbage Gratin
To make this delicious gratin, you’ll need:
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1 medium white cabbage, cut into wedges or shredded
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200 g bacon lardons or chopped streaky bacon
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1 medium onion, finely sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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300 ml heavy cream (or crème fraîche)
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100 g grated Gruyère cheese (or cheddar)
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2 tbsp butter
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1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish
How to Make Bacon and White Cabbage Gratin
1: Prep the Ingredients
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Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
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Cut the cabbage into wedges or roughly shred it, depending on your texture preference.
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Slice the onion and mince the garlic.
2: Cook the Bacon
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In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
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Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
3: Sauté the Cabbage and Aromatics
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Add butter to the bacon fat.
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Sauté onion until soft and translucent.
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Add garlic and cabbage, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cabbage begins to soften.
4: Make the Creamy Mixture
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Stir in the Dijon mustard (if using) and heavy cream.
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Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5: Assemble the Gratin
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In a buttered baking dish, layer the sautéed cabbage mixture and sprinkle crispy bacon throughout.
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Top with grated cheese.
6: Bake to Perfection
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Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
7: Garnish and Serve
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Let the gratin cool slightly.
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Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley.
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Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Bacon and White Cabbage Gratin
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Use fresh cabbage: White cabbage is ideal, but you can experiment with Savoy or green cabbage.
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Choose the right cheese: Gruyère adds classic flavor, but sharp cheddar works beautifully too.
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Make it ahead: Assemble the dish a day in advance and bake when ready to serve.
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Add texture: Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top before baking for extra crunch.
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Go low-carb: This dish is naturally low-carb and perfect for keto diets.
Delicious Variations
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Vegetarian version: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions.
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Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef for a full meal.
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Extra veggies: Mix in leeks, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition.
What to Serve with Bacon and White Cabbage Gratin
This gratin is versatile and pairs well with many dishes:
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As a main course: Serve with a crisp green salad or crusty bread.
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As a side dish: Perfect alongside roasted meats, sausages, or poultry.
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At holiday feasts: A great addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter spreads.
Why Bacon and White Cabbage Gratin Is a Must-Try
Bacon and White Cabbage Gratin is one of those dishes that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The contrast between the tender cabbage, crispy bacon, and rich cream sauce is simply irresistible.
Whether you’re looking for an easy comfort food dinner or an elegant side dish, this gratin has you covered. Plus, it’s flexible — you can adjust the flavors and ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make Bacon and White Cabbage Gratin ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and assemble the gratin up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
2. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Gruyère cheese is traditional for gratins, but you can use cheddar, Emmental, or even Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
3. Can I freeze Bacon and White Cabbage Gratin?
Yes, it freezes well. Let it cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for best results.
4. Is this dish keto-friendly?
Absolutely! With cabbage, bacon, cream, and cheese, Bacon and White Cabbage Gratin fits perfectly into a low-carb or keto lifestyle.
5. Can I add potatoes to this gratin?
Of course! For a heartier dish, layer thin slices of potato with the cabbage before baking.
Conclusion: Try Bacon and White Cabbage Gratin Tonight!
Bacon and White Cabbage Gratin is comfort food at its best — simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether served as a standout side or a cozy main dish, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ready to give it a try? Bookmark this recipe and share it with friends! And don’t forget to leave a comment below — I’d love to hear how it turns out for you.