If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy vegetable side, this Escalloped Cabbage Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to dishes. Tender cabbage drenched in a luscious cheese sauce, topped with a golden, buttery breadcrumb crust, makes every forkful pure joy. It’s a timeless recipe that takes a humble vegetable and transforms it into a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, everyday ingredients come together to create a sensational blend of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors. Each component plays a key role, from the mild sweetness of cabbage to the richness of cheddar, making this dish both comforting and satisfying.
- Green cabbage (1 medium head, about 8 cups chopped): Provides the tender, slightly sweet base and beautiful texture.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, divided): Adds richness and helps build a perfectly crispy topping.
- Small onion (1, finely chopped): Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed gently.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the creamy cheese sauce for silky smoothness.
- Whole milk (1 1/2 cups): Makes the sauce luscious without overpowering the cabbage.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just enough subtle heat and complexity.
- Ground mustard (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Lifts the cheesy sauce with a gentle tang.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): The heart of the dish, melting into a gooey, flavorful sauce.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, preferably panko): Creates a crisp, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the softness underneath.
How to Make Escalloped Cabbage Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 2-quart baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the chopped cabbage and cook just until tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. It’s important not to overcook here, as you want the cabbage to maintain some texture after baking. Drain the cabbage well and set it aside to prevent sogginess.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt half the butter and gently sauté the finely chopped onion until soft and translucent, around 3 to 4 minutes. This step unlocks sweetness that perfectly complements the cabbage. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly for about a minute, to cook out the raw taste while creating a smooth roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, letting the sauce thicken thick and creamy over about 5 minutes. Season it with salt, pepper, and optionally ground mustard to add a subtle tangy note. Remove from heat and fold in the shredded cheddar until it melts into a velvety, flavorful sauce.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Mix the drained cabbage gently into the cheese sauce to ensure every bite is coated. Pour this rich cabbage mixture into your prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, stir the breadcrumbs with the remaining melted butter to coat each crumb—this guarantees a golden, crispy topping. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cabbage. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is bubbly and beautifully browned.
How to Serve Escalloped Cabbage Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives can add a refreshing pop of color and a hint of brightness that balances the richness of this dish. A light dusting of smoked paprika on top of the breadcrumbs also gives a lovely smoky aroma and an extra depth of flavor.
Side Dishes
This Escalloped Cabbage Recipe pairs wonderfully with hearty roasted meats such as roast chicken, pork, or even beef brisket. It also complements other classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes or glazed carrots, creating a cozy, well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the escalloped cabbage in individual ramekins for personal portions, perfect for dinner parties. Alternatively, try layering in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic presentation that keeps the crust extra crispy around the edges—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can refrigerate any leftover escalloped cabbage in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Before storing, allow it to cool completely to maintain its texture and flavor.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prep ahead. Transfer the cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To keep the topping crispy, you might want to add breadcrumbs fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to avoid drying out, uncover during the last few minutes to crisp the topping back up to its golden glory.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cabbage in this Escalloped Cabbage Recipe?
Absolutely! While green cabbage is classic, you can swap in savoy or even napa cabbage for a slightly different texture and flavor. Just watch the cooking time as thicker leaves may take a bit longer to soften.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk. For the cheese flavor, nutritional yeast can provide a savory note, though the texture will be a bit different.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely. Crumbled cooked bacon, diced ham, or even cooked sausage stirred into the cheese sauce before baking will add a smoky, meaty dimension to this vegetarian-friendly recipe.
How do I know when the escalloped cabbage is done baking?
You’re looking for a bubbly sauce around the edges and a golden brown breadcrumb topping. Usually, this takes between 25 and 30 minutes. The casserole should feel set but still creamy inside when gently stirred.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes, you can assemble the entire dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Escalloped Cabbage Recipe a try because it really transforms something simple into a dish with so much warmth and heart. Whether you’re serving it on a weeknight or bringing it to a holiday table, it promises to delight everyone with its creamy texture and crispy topping. Enjoy every bite of this comforting classic!
Print
Escalloped Cabbage Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious and creamy Escalloped Cabbage is a comforting baked side dish featuring tender cabbage in a cheesy milk sauce topped with buttery breadcrumbs. Perfect for holidays or everyday meals, it combines simple ingredients to create a rich, flavorful casserole that pairs well with roasted meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a vegetarian option.
Ingredients
Cabbage and Topping
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped (about 8 cups)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
Sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 2-quart baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chopped cabbage and cook for 5–7 minutes until just tender. Drain thoroughly and set aside to remove excess moisture.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the finely chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Add milk and thicken: Gradually whisk in the whole milk to avoid lumps and cook until the sauce thickens, approximately 5 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and ground mustard if using.
- Incorporate cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine cabbage and sauce: Mix the drained cabbage with the cheese sauce to coat evenly, then transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter for a crispy topping. Sprinkle this evenly over the cabbage mixture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
Notes
- For a richer, creamier dish, substitute part of the milk with heavy cream.
- Adding cooked crumbled bacon provides a smoky flavor enhancement.
- This dish complements roasted meats beautifully and works well as a festive holiday side.
