Ingredients
For the cabbage:
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- Salt, for boiling water
For the filling:
- 1 lb (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- ½ lb (225 g) smoked sausage or andouille sausage, sliced or diced
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For topping:
- ½ cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend)
- Extra Cajun seasoning for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Carefully remove 10–12 cabbage leaves from the head.
- Boil the leaves for about 3–4 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Make the filling:
- In a large skillet, heat butter or oil over medium heat.
- Add sausage slices and cook until lightly browned, about 3 minutes.
- Add onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped shrimp and cook until just pink, about 2 minutes.
- Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add shredded cheese and heavy cream, stirring until creamy.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before filling the cabbage leaves.
- Assemble the rolls:
- Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of filling into the center.
- Roll the leaf around the filling, folding in the sides as you go.
- Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the rolls in a lightly greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle with extra shredded cheese and a pinch of Cajun seasoning.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve:
- Garnish with parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy the spicy, creamy Cajun goodness!
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Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeño or more cayenne.
- You can use cauliflower rice in the filling if you want more texture.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.