Hey there, food aficionados! Jason Griffith here, and today we’re diving into a recipe that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat: Bacon-Wrapped Cheese-Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. These little parcels of joy are packed with savory bacon and gooey melted cheese, all hugged by tender cabbage leaves. It’s a fantastic dish for a hearty appetizer, a unique side, or even a light main course.

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about these cabbage rolls. They’re a wonderful twist on traditional cabbage dishes, bringing in the irresistible flavors of bacon and cheese. The combination of the slightly crisp bacon, the soft, blanched cabbage, and the molten cheese inside is simply heavenly. They’re surprisingly easy to make and look impressive on any platter, making them perfect for entertaining or just a special weeknight treat. Plus, they offer a great way to enjoy vegetables with a rich, comforting twist.

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delectable bacon-wrapped cheese-stuffed cabbage rolls:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 8 slices of bacon
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your choice works beautifully)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Swaps and Notes

This recipe is quite forgiving and allows for some delicious variations:

• Cheese: Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite cheese! Provolone, Gruyere, or even a spicy pepper jack would add fantastic flavor. A mix of cheeses can also create a more complex taste.
• Bacon: While bacon is key here, if you’re looking to reduce the fat, you could use turkey bacon, though the flavor profile will be different. For a vegetarian option (if omitting the bacon), consider adding a smoky spice like paprika or liquid smoke to the cheese mixture, or even some sautéed mushrooms for an umami boost.
• Flavor Boosts: A sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder with the cheese can elevate the savory notes. A dash of red pepper flakes would add a subtle heat if you like things spicy.
• Sauce: While these are delicious on their own, you could serve them with a side of marinara sauce, a light tomato sauce, or even a creamy dill sauce for dipping.

List of Steps for the Recipe

Ready to roll? Let’s get started!

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Cabbage: Carefully remove the outer leaves of the cabbage. Then, cut out the core of the cabbage. Gently peel off the individual leaves, trying to keep them as intact as possible. You’ll want about 8-10 good-sized leaves.
3. Blanch the Cabbage Leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the cabbage leaves to the boiling water and blanch them for 2-3 minutes, or until they become pliable and slightly tender. Drain them well and let them cool slightly.
4. Cook the Bacon: While the cabbage cools, cook the bacon in a skillet until it’s slightly crispy but still pliable. You don’t want it overly crisp, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
5. Assemble the Rolls: Lay a blanched cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Place one slice of the cooked bacon on top of the cabbage leaf.
6. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the bacon.
7. Roll ‘Em Up: Carefully roll up the cabbage leaf, starting from the stem end. As you roll, tuck in the sides to create a neat, compact roll.
8. Secure the Rolls: Secure each roll with one or two toothpicks to keep them from unraveling during baking.
9. Bake: Arrange the assembled cabbage rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese inside is gloriously melted and bubbly.
11. Season and Serve: Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
12. Enjoy! Serve hot and relish these delicious bacon-wrapped cheese-stuffed cabbage rolls!

Tips for Success

• Handle Cabbage Carefully: Cabbage leaves can tear easily. Be gentle when peeling and blanching them.
• Don’t Overcook Bacon: The bacon should be cooked enough to render some fat but still flexible, as it will crisp up more in the oven.
• Secure Well: Toothpicks are your friend here! Make sure the rolls are tightly secured so they don’t unroll during baking.
• Experiment with Size: You can make these larger or smaller depending on whether you want them as a main course or an appetizer. Adjust baking time accordingly for smaller rolls.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Bacon-Wrapped Cheese-Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are versatile. They make an incredible appetizer on their own, or you can serve them as a savory side dish. They pair wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even as a unique addition to a brunch spread.

For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside:

• A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• A side of rice or quinoa.
• More cheesy goodness, like our Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
• If you’re hosting a party, they would be a perfect complement to our Crockpot Nacho Dip.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftover Bacon-Wrapped Cheese-Stuffed Cabbage Rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave for a quick warm-up, but for best results, pop them back into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the bacon crisps up again.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed these cheesy, bacon-filled delights, you’ll definitely want to check out some of our other crowd-pleasing recipes:

• For another fantastic cheesy and easy recipe, try our Easy Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch. They’re addictive!
• And if you’re in the mood for a comforting, one-pan meal, our Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is always a hit.
• Don’t forget our incredible Cheesy Hot Dip, inspired by a classic sandwich.

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Final Thoughts

These Bacon-Wrapped Cheese-Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. They’re savory, cheesy, and utterly delicious – a recipe you’ll be making again and again. Give them a try and let me know how they turn out!

What’s your favorite way to enjoy cabbage? Share your ideas in the comments below, and be sure to follow Chef Maniac for more incredible recipes!