Short Description:
If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy cabbage, this Escalloped Cabbage recipe is the perfect choice! Tender cabbage baked with a rich, creamy sauce, topped with a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping. It’s a comforting, flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with meats or can stand on its own for a light meal. Easy to prepare, hearty, and absolutely delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Escalloped Cabbage is a wonderful twist on the classic scalloped potatoes but with a lighter, yet still comforting, touch. It’s rich and creamy without being too heavy, and the crispy breadcrumb topping adds the perfect texture contrast. Whether you’re looking to try something new or simply want a different way to cook cabbage, this dish is guaranteed to please. It’s a fantastic side dish for holidays, family dinners, or any night you want to impress with something simple yet flavorful.
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need for this creamy, delicious dish:
- Cabbage
- Heavy cream or half-and-half
- Butter
- Onion
- Garlic
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite melty cheese)
- Bread crumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- Salt and pepper
- Ground mustard (optional, for a little extra flavor)
(Full ingredient list and measurements are provided below.)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Start by removing the outer leaves of the cabbage and cutting it into wedges. Remove the core and slice the cabbage into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. You want the cabbage to be small enough to cook evenly but large enough to hold its shape during baking.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, making sure not to burn it. This will create a fragrant base for your sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Add the heavy cream (or half-and-half) to the skillet and stir everything together. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of ground mustard if you’re using it. Let the cream come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. You want it to thicken slightly, but don’t let it boil.
Step 4: Layer the Cabbage
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased baking dish, layer the prepared cabbage. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the cabbage, making sure to coat every piece. You may need to use a spoon to gently toss the cabbage and sauce together so it’s well mixed.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Bread Crumbs
Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the cabbage and sauce. Then, top the entire dish with a layer of breadcrumbs. If you like an extra-crunchy topping, use panko breadcrumbs, but regular breadcrumbs will work too. The cheese and breadcrumbs will form a lovely golden crust as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cabbage is tender. The dish should be bubbly and creamy on the inside with a crispy top.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Let the escalloped cabbage cool for a few minutes before serving. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even as a hearty vegetarian side. Enjoy the comforting, creamy goodness!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Make it ahead: You can prep this dish ahead of time by assembling it the night before, covering it, and refrigerating it. Then, bake it the next day for an easy meal.
- Use a combination of cheeses: While cheddar is the classic choice, you can mix in some Gruyère, mozzarella, or Parmesan for a richer flavor.
- For extra flavor: Try adding a little bit of Dijon mustard to the sauce or sprinkling some smoked paprika on top for a smoky touch.
- Don’t overcook the cabbage: You want the cabbage to be tender but not mushy, so keep an eye on it while baking.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add bacon or sausage: If you want a heartier dish, you can add cooked bacon crumbles or ground sausage to the cabbage before baking.
- Vegan version: Use dairy-free cream (such as coconut cream or almond milk) and vegan butter, and top with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Herbs and spices: Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a burst of fresh flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Escalloped Cabbage is a versatile side dish that can be paired with almost anything:
- With roasted meats: It’s especially great with roast chicken, pork chops, or turkey.
- For a vegetarian meal: Serve it alongside a fresh green salad and some crusty bread for a light but satisfying meal.
- With potatoes: If you’re a fan of pairing cabbage with potatoes, consider serving it with mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes for an extra comforting meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen after baking. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the top won’t stay as crispy.
4 FAQs
- Can I use a different vegetable instead of cabbage?
Yes! You can substitute cabbage with other vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a similar effect. Just make sure to cook the vegetables slightly before baking. - Is this dish spicy?
No, it’s not spicy. The flavor is mild and savory, but you can add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat if you like. - Can I use shredded cabbage instead of whole leaves?
Yes, shredded cabbage will work, but it might cook a little faster, so you’ll want to keep an eye on it while it bakes. It will still be creamy and delicious! - Can I make this without breadcrumbs?
Sure! If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can skip the topping or use crushed crackers or even crumbled cornflakes for a similar crunchy effect.
Conclusion
Escalloped Cabbage is a fantastic way to elevate your everyday cabbage dishes. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has the perfect combination of textures with that crispy breadcrumb topping. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday meal or as a weeknight side, this dish is sure to be a hit. Simple, satisfying, and so full of flavor—what’s not to love?
Escalloped Cabbage: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Side Dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Escalloped Cabbage is a comforting and flavorful twist on scalloped potatoes. Tender cabbage is baked with a rich, creamy sauce, and topped with a crispy, golden breadcrumb layer. This dish is perfect for pairing with roasted meats or served on its own for a light, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice of melty cheese)
- 1 cup bread crumbs (preferably panko)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cabbage: Cut the cabbage into wedges, remove the core, and slice into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
-
Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
-
Make the Creamy Sauce: Add heavy cream (or half-and-half) to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and ground mustard. Simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken.
-
Layer the Cabbage: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased baking dish, layer the cabbage and pour the creamy sauce over it. Toss gently to coat the cabbage.
-
Add Cheese and Bread Crumbs: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the cabbage and then top with bread crumbs.
-
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cabbage is tender.
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Serve and Enjoy: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy as a side dish or light main.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dish the night before and refrigerate. Bake the next day, adding 10 more minutes to the baking time if refrigerated.
- Cheese Options: Try adding a mix of Gruyère, mozzarella, or Parmesan for a richer flavor.
- For Extra Flavor: Add a bit of Dijon mustard to the sauce or sprinkle smoked paprika on top for a smoky finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg