Potato and Cabbage Bake Recipe | Comforting Family Side Dish

Potato and cabbage bake
Potato and cabbage bake
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This is a delicious way to use up any leftover cabbage, and it even tastes amazing reheated the next day, fried up like bubble and squeak. There’s something wonderfully comforting about a simple potato and cabbage bake: soft layers of potato and tender cabbage come together with a creamy, savoury sauce to create a dish that feels both hearty and homely.

It’s the kind of bake that fills the kitchen with the best smells and brings a bit of old‑fashioned comfort to the table. Perfect as a side for sausages, roast meats, or a cosy midweek dinner, it’s an easy, budget‑friendly recipe that turns humble ingredients into something truly delicious

Serving Suggestions for Potato & Cabbage Bake

  • Crusty Bread — for mopping up the creamy sauce.
  • Sausages (pork, chicken, or herby) — the classic pairing; the bake’s creaminess balances the savoury meat.
  • Roast Chicken — lemony or herb‑roast chicken works beautifully with the soft, comforting bake.
  • Gammon or Ham Steaks — salty, sweet ham is perfect with cabbage and potatoes.
  • Pork Chops — especially with mustard or apple sauce.
  • Pan‑Fried Bacon or Lardons — scattered over the top for extra savoury crunch.
  • Green Vegetables — peas, green beans, or tenderstem broccoli for freshness.
  • Simple Green Salad — sharp vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
  • Fried Eggs — a cosy, budget‑friendly option; the yolk acts like a sauce.
  • Caramelised Onions — sweet, sticky onions complement the cabbage beautifully.
  • Grilled Mushrooms — earthy, savoury and great with creamy potatoes.
  • Baked Beans — homely, comforting, and surprisingly perfect.

Variations for Potato and Cabbage Bake

  • Cheesy Potato and Cabbage Bake — Add extra mature Cheddar or Gruyère for a richer, more indulgent finish.
  • Bacon and Cabbage Bake — Stir through crispy bacon lardons for smoky flavour and added texture.
  • Leek, Potato and Cabbage Bake — Add softened leeks for extra sweetness and depth.
  • Garlic Potato and Cabbage Bake — Mix garlic into the sauce for a savoury boost that complements the vegetables perfectly.
  • Mustard Potato and Cabbage Bake — Stir wholegrain or Dijon mustard into the sauce for a gentle tang.
  • Creamy Potato and Cabbage Gratin — Add extra cream and a crunchy breadcrumb topping for a luxurious gratin-style dish.
  • Potato, Cabbage and Ham Bake — Add diced cooked ham to transform the bake into a hearty main meal.
  • Blue Cheese Potato and Cabbage Bake — Crumble in Stilton or another blue cheese for a bold, creamy variation.
  • Potato, Cabbage and Onion Bake — Add caramelised onions for extra sweetness and richness.
  • Herby Potato and Cabbage Bake — Include thyme, parsley, or chives for a fresher, more aromatic flavour.
  • Potato, Cabbage and Sausage Bake — Add sliced cooked sausages for a filling family-friendly meal.
  • Smoked Cheese Cabbage Bake — Use smoked Cheddar for a deeper, smokier flavour profile.
  • Potato, Cabbage and Mushroom Bake — Add sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and earthy flavour.
  • Potato and Savoy Cabbage Bake — Use Savoy cabbage for a sweeter, more delicate variation.
  • Potato, Cabbage and Cauliflower Bake — Mix in cauliflower florets for a hearty vegetable-packed bake with added texture

Potato and cabbage bake

Potato and Cabbage Bake combines tender potatoes and savoury cabbage in a comforting baked dish, creating a hearty side that's perfect for family meals and roasts.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Cook Time 50 minutes
Course Sides
Cuisine British
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • frying pan
  • Oven proof dish

Ingredients
  

  • 8 potatoes Cut the potatoes into thick slices using a food processor or mandolin
  • 150 g savoy cabbage, shredded
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 4 lean bacon rashers, finely chopped
  • 190 g grated cheese
  • salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large saucepan of lightly salted water to the boil and cook the potatoes for 5mins, add the cabbage to the pan and continue to cook for another 5mins, or until the cabbage is soft.  Drain well and set aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 180ºc / Gas 4.  Heat the oil in a frying pan over a high heat and cook the onion and bacon for around 5-8mins, or until softened and golden.  Remove from the heat and add to the potato mixture.
  • Add half the cheese and combine altogether, season with salt and pepper. 
  • Spoon the mixture into a baking dish, sprinkle with the remaining cheese and bake in the oven for around 35-40mins, or until the cheese is melted and golden.  Serve immediately.