Description
This Creamy Cabbage Cheese Bake transforms humble cabbage into a rich, comforting dish that’s incredibly satisfying. Tender cabbage steaks are bathed in a luscious, cheesy sauce, all topped with a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
1 medium head green cabbage, cut into 1-inch thick steaks
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1.5 cups whole milk or heavy cream
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1.5 cups Gruyère or Swiss cheese, shredded
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs tossed with 1 tbsp melted butter
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Arrange the cabbage steaks in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle them lightly with a little olive oil (optional, not in ingredients but implied by ‘drizzle’) and season with salt and pepper. Pop them into the oven for an initial quick roast for about 10-15 minutes.
While the cabbage is roasting, prepare the cheese sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk or cream until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken. Stir in the garlic powder and nutmeg. Remove from the heat and stir in the shredded Gruyère (or Swiss) and cheddar cheeses until they are completely melted and the sauce is wonderfully smooth and creamy. Taste and add salt and black pepper as needed.
Once the cabbage has had its initial roast, carefully pour the cheese sauce over the cabbage steaks, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle the buttered panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is beautifully golden brown and crisp.
Notes
Aim for steaks that are about 1-inch thick. Thicker steaks might not cook through as evenly, while thinner ones can become too soft.
Whisk your milk or cream into the flour-butter mixture gradually to prevent lumps. Cooking the roux for a minute before adding liquid also helps ensure a smoother sauce.
If your breadcrumbs aren’t browning as quickly as you’d like, you can always pop the dish under the broiler for a minute or two at the very end, watching it very carefully to prevent burning.
Don’t forget to season your cabbage before roasting and taste your cheese sauce before pouring it over. Adjust salt and pepper as needed for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Protein: N/A