There’s just something so comforting about easy scalloped cabbage, don’t you think? It’s one of those dishes that wraps you in warmth, perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity—just a few basic ingredients come together to create a creamy, cheesy delight that pairs beautifully with almost any main course. I remember the first time I made it for my family; their eyes lit up as soon as the aroma filled the kitchen! It’s versatile too; you can serve it alongside roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or even on its own as a hearty vegetarian option. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your weeknight rotation!
Ingredients for Easy Scalloped Cabbage
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love cheddar for its sharp flavor!)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for that lovely crunchy topping)
How to Prepare Easy Scalloped Cabbage
Alright, let’s dive into the delightful process of making this easy scalloped cabbage! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s crucial to get that oven nice and toasty while you work on the cheesy goodness. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s bubbly and inviting, whisk in the flour and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes until it’s slightly golden. This is where the magic begins!
Now, it’s time to gradually pour in the milk while stirring constantly. You want to keep whisking until the mixture thickens up nicely—this is your sauce! Don’t forget to mix in the shredded cheese until it’s completely melted and creamy. Yum!
Next, grab your baking dish and layer the chopped cabbage at the bottom. Pour that luscious cheese sauce over the cabbage, making sure it’s well-covered. Finally, sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top for that irresistible crunch. Bake it all in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until it’s beautifully golden brown and bubbling. Trust me, your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, then mix in 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted.
- In a baking dish, layer 1 medium head of chopped cabbage.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cabbage, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Top with 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish.
- Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Enjoy the aroma!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to whip up—perfect for busy weeknights!
- With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a comforting side dish ready in no time.
- The creamy cheese sauce makes every bite heavenly.
- It’s incredibly versatile, pairing well with almost any main dish.
- Great for meal prep—leftovers taste just as amazing!
Tips for Success
To really elevate your easy scalloped cabbage, I’ve got a few handy tips! First, try using a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor—parmesan or gouda can add a nice twist. If you’re looking to lighten things up, swap out whole milk for a lower-fat option, but keep in mind it might affect the creaminess just a bit. Also, don’t skip the breadcrumbs; they add that delightful crunch! And if you want to infuse some extra flavor, toss in a pinch of garlic powder or some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. Happy cooking!
Variations of Easy Scalloped Cabbage
One of the best things about easy scalloped cabbage is how versatile it is! If you’re feeling adventurous, why not mix in some other veggies? Sliced carrots, broccoli florets, or even diced potatoes can add great texture and flavor. For a bit of a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. If you love herbs, fresh thyme or dill can really brighten up the dish. And for a twist on the cheese, try adding some crumbled feta or a sharp blue cheese for a unique flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
When you enjoy a serving of this easy scalloped cabbage, you’re looking at approximately 250 calories, with 12g of fat and 10g of protein. It also packs in 28g of carbohydrates, including 4g of fiber. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s a satisfying dish that keeps you feeling full while being kind to your waistline!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your easy scalloped cabbage is super simple! Just make sure it’s completely cooled down before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days—though I doubt it’ll last that long because it’s just so delicious! If you want to preserve the flavors and textures, I recommend reheating it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then cover the baking dish with foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but keep in mind that you might lose a bit of that lovely crunch from the breadcrumbs. Either way, you’re in for a tasty treat when you dig back into those leftovers!
FAQ About Easy Scalloped Cabbage
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While I love cheddar for its sharpness, you can experiment with any cheese you like. Gouda or mozzarella will also melt beautifully and add a different flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
You bet! This easy scalloped cabbage holds up well in the fridge for about three days. Just remember to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance! Just assemble everything, cover it, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, pop it in the oven to bake. It might need an extra few minutes to heat through.
What can I serve it with?
This scalloped cabbage pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even a hearty vegetarian dish. It’s a versatile side that complements many flavors!
Can I freeze the leftovers?
While I recommend enjoying it fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Just make sure to cool it completely, then wrap it tightly before freezing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge and reheat as mentioned earlier.
Easy Scalloped Cabbage: 7 Comforting Ways to Indulge
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple recipe for scalloped cabbage that is delicious and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour and stir for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly add milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Mix in cheese until melted.
- In a baking dish, layer chopped cabbage.
- Pour cheese sauce over cabbage.
- Top with breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Feel free to add herbs for extra flavor.
- This dish pairs well with meats.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: easy scalloped cabbage, scalloped cabbage recipe, vegetable side dish
