Cheesy Dream Cabbage Casserole
Level up your weeknight dinner with this dreamy scalloped cabbage casserole Creamy cheesy and surprisingly easy Even better than scalloped potatoes Get the recipe now ... Budget-Friendly Meals
Recipe Introduction: Say Hello to Cheesy Dream Cabbage Casserole !
Ever find yourself staring at a head of cabbage and thinking, "What on earth do I do with this ?" Honestly, I've been there! But trust me on this one, you need to try this scalloped cabbage casserole .
This dish is total comfort food and will transform your opinion of cabbage forever. Think creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.
This casserole recipe takes humble cabbage and turns it into something truly special. Originating from a classic desire to make veggies exciting, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
It's an easy weeknight dinner that’s ready in just over an hour. This recipe will give you around 6 generous servings.
What Makes This Baked Cabbage Casserole So Great?
Aside from the amazing flavor, cabbage recipes are incredibly budget-friendly! Plus, this casserole sneaks in a good dose of Vitamin C.
It's a fantastic potluck recipe or even a unique thanksgiving side dish . What makes it special? The incredible cheese sauce , of course!
Creamy Goodness: Let's Talk Ingredients
So, what goes into this magical cheesy cabbage bake ? We start with the basics: fresh cabbage and onion. Then, we build the cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and lots of cheddar cheese .
Ready to see the full list? Let's get started!
Cheesy Dream Cabbage Casserole Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Gather Our Gear!
Alright, so you wanna dive into this cheesy cabbage casserole adventure? Ace! Here's the lowdown on what you'll need. Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward, no fancy chef skills required.
We’re going for comfort food cabbage casserole , not a Michelin star.
Main Players
- Cabbage: 1 medium head (about 2 pounds / 900g) . Get a nice, firm green cabbage. Avoid ones that are bruised or look sad. Fresh is best!
- Onion: 1 medium (about 8 ounces / 225g) . Yellow onion is perfect for that sweet and savoury flavour.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons (2 ounces / 56g) . Real butter, please. Adds that richness, you know?
- Flour: 1/4 cup (1 ounce / 28g) . All-purpose will do the trick.
- Milk: 2 cups (16 fluid ounces / 475ml) . Whole milk makes the cheese sauce extra creamy.
- Seasoning: 1 teaspoon salt , 1/2 teaspoon black pepper , 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg . Don't skip the nutmeg. It adds a subtle warmth, perfect for a Christmas side dish .
- Cheddar cheese : 2 cups (8 ounces / 225g) shredded. Sharp cheddar is the bomb, trust me.
Seasoning and Flavour Boosters
This scalloped cabbage casserole is super adaptable! For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne. You can sauté some minced garlic with the onion for extra flavour depth.
For a vegetarian casserole , remember to use appropriate cheese and leave out any meat based options. If you want to get creative you can experiment with different cabbage recipes .
And you know what? A little smoked paprika can add a nice depth. Think of it as your little secret weapon for awesome baked cabbage .
Kit List
- A large skillet or Dutch oven. This is where the magic happens, my friend.
- A 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish. The star of the show.
- A cheese grater. Honestly, grating your own cheddar cheese makes a difference. Pre-shredded stuff sometimes doesn't melt as well. I learnt that the hard way making scalloped potatoes once.
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
That's it! See, nothing scary. Let's get this easy weeknight dinner started! I think your family will love this potluck recipe .
Cheesy Dream Cabbage Casserole: Your New Comfort Food
Oh my gosh, you guys, are you ready for this? We're diving headfirst into a scalloped cabbage casserole that's going to change your cabbage game forever! Forget everything you think you know about baked cabbage because this casserole recipe is pure comfort food .
This scalloped cabbage casserole is a fantastic alternative when you are tired of scalloped potatoes .
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic
First things first, let's get organised. Dice up one medium yellow onion. Then shred one medium head of green cabbage .
It's like giving it a haircut! Grate up 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese . Seriously, use a good quality cheddar cheese here, it makes all the difference.
Measure out your flour, milk, and spices. Having everything ready is gonna save you a world of stress.
Step-by-Step: Let's Get Cooking!
Ready to get this show on the road? Here we go:
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5- 7 minutes.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of flour and cook for 1 minute , creating a roux.
- Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk , making sure no lumps.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt , 1/2 teaspoon of pepper , and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg . Reduce heat to low, then stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese until melted. This is your cheese sauce .
- Add the shredded cabbage and stir to coat. Cook until the cabbage softens a bit, about 5- 7 minutes .
- Pour the cabbage mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese . If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons of melted butter on top.
- Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 30- 45 minutes , or until bubbly and golden. Then, let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
This easy weeknight dinner is so quick!
Pro Tips: Casserole Confidence
Honestly, the key to a killer scalloped cabbage casserole is not overcooking the cabbage! You want it tender, not mushy.
Also, grating your own cheddar cheese makes a huge difference. Those pre-shredded bags often don't melt as smoothly. Want to make this ahead? Assemble the casserole and keep it in the fridge before baking.
You might need to add a bit of extra baking time if it's cold. This would be a perfect potluck recipe .
And there you have it. So quick! If you want to make it gluten free casserole , substitute the flour and breadcrumbs.
Want a low carb casserole ? Just skip the roux and breadcrumbs. Dairy free? Try dairy free casserole ! You could serve this as a thanksgiving side dish or christmas side dish .
This budget friendly meal will be loved by everyone and make a fantastic side dish . Don't forget it could also be a vegetarian casserole .
Recipe Notes: Your Scalloped Cabbage Casserole Cheat Sheet
Alright, so you're ready to make this k_annotated: [casserole recipe]? Fantastic! Before you dive in, let's chat about some little things that can make your cheesy cabbage bake experience even better.
Honestly, these tips are from my own kitchen fails and triumphs. You know, the kind of stuff you only learn by doing?
Level Up Your Plating: Serving Suggestions
This comfort food cabbage casserole is pretty yummy on its own. But, presentation matters, right? Try serving it straight from the baking dish.
A dollop of sour cream adds a nice touch. You can add a sprinkle of fresh parsley, too!
For sides, think about things that balance the richness. k_annotated: [ side dish ] like roasted chicken or pork work wonders.
A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the cheese sauce perfectly. Around the holidays, cranberry sauce is a must.
This can easily be part of your christmas side dish spread!
Storage Secrets: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries! Let the scalloped cabbage casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing isn't really recommended for this one. The cheese sauce can get a bit weird after thawing. Reheating is easy: just pop it back in a 350° F ( 175° C) oven until heated through.
You can also microwave it, but it might not be as crispy.
Remix Time: Variations on a Theme
Want to mix things up? I hear you! For a dairy free casserole , use plant-based milk. Try almond or oat milk! Sub in dairy-free cheddar cheese .
Bam! k_annotated: [ vegan casserole ] option sorted.
If you're watching carbs, consider using cauliflower rice instead of some of the cabbage. For seasonal swaps, try adding roasted butternut squash in the fall. Get creative!
Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness Inside
Okay, let's talk nutrition basics . This baked cabbage dish has a good dose of vitamin C from the cabbage, plus protein from the cheese.
It's not exactly a healthy casserole , but it's definitely a comfort food hug in a dish. Just be mindful of the cheddar cheese and cheese sauce !
I hope these notes are helpful! Making a scalloped cabbage casserole should be fun. Don't be afraid to experiment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the scalloped cabbage casserole ahead of time? Like, could I prep it on Sunday for a Wednesday night dinner?
Absolutely! You can assemble the scalloped cabbage casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven. This helps ensure it cooks evenly. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
My family isn't the biggest fan of cabbage. Is there anything I can add to this scalloped cabbage casserole to make it more appealing?
Definitely! Consider adding some crispy bacon bits, cooked ham, or even sausage to the cabbage mixture for a smoky, savory flavour. A sprinkle of smoked paprika in the cheese sauce can also do wonders. These additions can really elevate the dish and make it a crowd-pleaser, even for the cabbage skeptics in your life!
How long does leftover scalloped cabbage casserole last, and what's the best way to reheat it?
Leftover scalloped cabbage casserole will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions, but for the best results, reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This will help retain its texture and prevent it from becoming soggy.
I'm trying to cut down on carbs. Can I still enjoy this scalloped cabbage casserole, or is there a way to make it a bit lighter?
You can definitely make a lighter version! Consider using a lower-fat milk (like 1% or skim), reducing the amount of cheese, or using a lighter cheese option. You could also skip the breadcrumb topping or substitute it with almond flour for a lower-carb alternative. Cabbage is already relatively low in carbs, so these small tweaks can make a big difference.
I'm a vegetarian, but I noticed some variations like adding bacon. What are some other veggie-friendly ways to add more flavor to this cheesy scalloped cabbage casserole?
Great question! Sautéing some garlic with the onions at the beginning is a fantastic way to boost the flavour. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little kick. Roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even some sautéed mushrooms would also be delicious additions to your scalloped cabbage casserole!
