Escalloped Cabbage

Escalloped Cabbage is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender cabbage with a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s an easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for dinner or special occasions. Here’s a simple recipe to prepare this tasty dish:

Escalloped Cabbage

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (you can also use Gruyère or Monterey Jack for variation)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional for topping)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cabbage:

   • Wash and chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer, you can blanch the cabbage by boiling it for 2-3 minutes in salted water, then draining it well to soften it slightly. Alternatively, you can sauté the cabbage directly in a pan.

2. Sauté the Onion:

   • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux (paste). Slowly add the milk (or cream) while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens to a creamy sauce consistency, about 3-5 minutes.
   • Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using).

4. Combine Cabbage and Sauce:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cabbage with the cheesy sauce and stir until the cabbage is evenly coated. If you blanched the cabbage, just mix the cabbage with the sauce and proceed to the next step.

5. Bake the Escalloped Cabbage:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Transfer the cabbage mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If desired, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
   • For an optional crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top, and drizzle the melted butter on top of the breadcrumbs.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

6. Serve:

   • Remove the escalloped cabbage from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. It’s perfect as a side dish with roasted meats or as part of a hearty meal.

Tips:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix up the cheeses! Sharp cheddar adds great flavor, but you can also use mozzarella, Gruyère, or even a combination of your favorites.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the escalloped cabbage ahead of time and store it in the fridge before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
• Add-ins: You can add cooked bacon bits or ham for added flavor or sprinkle some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley on top before serving.

This creamy, cheesy Escalloped Cabbage is a cozy, flavorful dish that’s sure to be a hit at your table! 🧀🥬