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
Scale
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.