Traditional Jersey Cabbage Loaf with Smoked Bacon & Jersey Cream

A hearty and comforting Jersey Cabbage Loaf, elevated with locally sourced ingredients like Jersey cream and, when in season, Jersey Royal potatoes. The smoked bacon adds a savory depth to this traditional dish.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Total Time

60 minutes

Calories

398 kcal

Difficulty

Easy

Equipment

4 items

Cost

£2.18/serving

Meal Type:

Bread

Cuisine:

Jersey

Main Ingredient:

Chicken•Pork

Dietary:

Gluten-Free

Mood:

Comfort Food•Light & Fresh•Hearty

Ingredients

Servings

1mediumSavoy Cabbage(Roughly chopped)

£1.20

200gSmoked Bacon(Diced)

£2.75

1mediumOnion(Finely chopped)

£0.30

2clovesGarlic(Minced)

£0.15

200mlJersey Cream(Double cream for extra richness)

£1.80

100mlChicken Stock(Optional, adds depth of flavour)

£0.20

1tbspFresh Thyme(Chopped)

£0.50

2tbspPlain Flour(All-purpose or gluten-free)

£0.05

25gButter(For cooking the vegetables)

£0.25

To tasteSalt

£0.01

To tasteBlack Pepper(Freshly ground)

£0.02

200gJersey Royal Potatoes (Optional)(Small, halved or quartered if large, only in season)

£1.50

Total Cost

£8.73

£2.18 per serving

Instructions

1.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F/Gas Mark 4).
2.
In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy.
3.
Remove the bacon from the skillet, leaving the rendered fat behind. Set the bacon aside.
4.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5.
If using Jersey Royal potatoes, add them to the skillet now and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6.
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook until it starts to wilt, about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
7.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
8.
Gradually pour in the Jersey cream and chicken stock (if using), stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer.
9.
Season with salt, pepper, and chopped fresh thyme.
10.
Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and stir to combine.
11.
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
12.
Let the cabbage loaf rest for a few minutes before serving.

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My Notes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition per serving (350g)

398 kcal / 1667 kJ

Carbs

16g

6% of RDA

Fat

30g

43% of RDA

Protein

16g

32% of RDA

Detailed Breakdown

Fibre

5 g

17% of RDA

Sugar

8 g

9% of RDA

Sodium

449 mg

20% of RDA

Saturated Fat

18 g

90% of RDA

Chef's Tips

For a richer flavour, use smoked streaky bacon.

If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the cabbage mixture to a baking dish before baking.

Serve with crusty bread or more Jersey Royal potatoes on the side.

Adjust the amount of Jersey cream depending on your preference for richness.

Add a splash of Jersey cider or apple cider vinegar for a touch of acidity.

Cooking Equipment

Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven

Chopping board

Knife

Mixing bowl

Wine Pairings

No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.

Complete the Meal

Starter

Jersey Bean Crock Terrine with Apple & Cider Dressing

A lighter take on the traditional Jersey Bean Crock, presented as a refreshing terrine with a vibrant apple and cider dressing. Pairs beautifully with richer dishes like cabbage loaf.

45 minutes

4 servings

Easy

"This terrine offers a lighter, fresher counterpoint to the richness of the cabbage loaf. The bean crock provides earthy notes, while the apple and cider dressing introduce a bright acidity that cuts through the cream and bacon. It's a refreshing start that still respects the regional flavors."

Dessert

Jersey Apple & Blackberry Crumble with Clotted Cream

A comforting and delicious crumble made with Jersey apples and blackberries, topped with a buttery crumble and served with rich Jersey clotted cream. Pairs perfectly after a savory main course such as slow-cooked pork belly or a hearty stew.

45 minutes

4 servings

Easy

"The apple and blackberry crumble provides a warm, comforting sweetness that balances the savory main course. The fruits offer a pleasant tartness, preventing the meal from becoming too heavy. Serving it with Jersey clotted cream ties the dessert directly to the region and adds a luxurious, textural element."