Escalloped Cabbage
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Escalloped Cabbage

ByLily Carter
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A Creamy, Comforting Side Dish

If you’re looking for a delicious and unique way to serve cabbage, this Escalloped Cabbage recipe is a must-try! It transforms humble cabbage into a rich, creamy, and cheesy dish that’s perfect as a side for Sunday dinner or holiday gatherings. With a buttery, golden-brown topping, it’s comfort food at its finest.

My Love Affair with This Dish

Cabbage might not always be the star of the table, but in my family, this dish was always a favorite. My grandmother used to make it for special occasions, and I remember the warm, cheesy aroma filling the kitchen as it baked.

What makes this version special? The combination of tender cabbage, a velvety béchamel sauce, and a crisp, buttery breadcrumb topping gives this dish amazing texture and flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to get even picky eaters to love cabbage!

Ingredient Notes

  • Cabbage: Green cabbage works best, but Savoy or Napa cabbage can be used for a softer texture.
  • Butter & Flour: The base for a creamy white sauce.
  • Milk or Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, rich béchamel.
  • Cheese: Cheddar or Gruyère adds a sharp, melty goodness.
  • Bread Crumbs: Adds a crispy topping.
  • Nutmeg & Mustard: Enhances the flavor of the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a baking dish.
  2. Boil the Cabbage: Cook chopped cabbage in salted boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain well.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk, stirring until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and mustard.
  4. Assemble the Dish: Layer cabbage in the dish, pour over the sauce, and top with cheese and bread crumbs.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Let it Rest & Serve: Allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

  • Drain the cabbage well. Excess moisture can make the dish watery.
  • Use freshly grated cheese. It melts better than pre-shredded.
  • Toast the breadcrumbs first. This gives an extra crispy topping.

Serving Suggestions

Escalloped Cabbage pairs beautifully with:

  • Roast chicken, pork chops, or ham.
  • A fresh green salad for a lighter contrast.
  • Warm dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze before baking for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Assemble it, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

What’s a good cheese alternative? Swiss or Monterey Jack are great substitutes.

Can I add protein? Absolutely! Try adding diced ham or cooked bacon for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

Escalloped Cabbage is a cozy, flavorful dish that deserves a spot on your dinner table. Whether for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress. Give it a try and let me know how you make it your own!

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Escalloped Cabbage

Escalloped Cabbage

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  • Author: Lily Carter
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

This creamy, cheesy Escalloped Cabbage transforms humble cabbage into a rich and comforting side dish. With a velvety béchamel sauce and a crispy golden topping, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head green cabbage (about 6 cups, chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) milk or heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon butter (melted, for topping)

Instructions

 Preheat & Prep

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Grease a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

2. Boil the Cabbage

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add chopped cabbage and cook for 5 minutes, until slightly tender.
  3. Drain well and press out excess water with a paper towel.

3. Make the Sauce

  1. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly golden.
  3. Slowly whisk in milk or heavy cream, stirring constantly until thickened.
  4. Stir in Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.

4. Assemble the Dish

  1. Spread the drained cabbage in the baking dish.
  2. Pour the sauce over the cabbage and gently mix to coat.
  3. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top.
  4. In a small bowl, toss bread crumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle over the cheese.

5. Bake Until Golden

  1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
  2. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

✔ Drain the cabbage well – Too much moisture can make the dish watery.
✔ Use freshly grated cheese – It melts better and has a richer flavor.
✔ Toast the breadcrumbs first – This gives an extra crispy topping.

Nutrition

  • Calories: ~220 kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 8 g
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Life at home is full of love, laughter, and good food. I’m Lily Carter, a mom to two lively girls who keep me on my toes. When I’m not with them, I’m in the kitchen cooking meals that bring us comfort. And it’s not just me—my husband’s the quiet force behind the scenes, making sure everything looks just as good as it tastes.

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