Cabbage Cheese Bake
A comforting baked cabbage and cheese casserole with crispy croutons, rich flavors, perfect for family dinners or potlucks, blending creamy cheese with tender cabbage.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover cabbage with water in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Cook for 2 1/2 minutes; drain well.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt 2 tablespoons margarine in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Blend in flour and paprika.
- Gradually stir in milk; cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
- Add cheese cubes; stir until melted.
- Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Stir until blended.
- Toss cooked cabbage with the cheese sauce and pour into a large oblong baking dish.
- Toss remaining 2 tablespoons margarine with croutons and sprinkle over the cabbage mixture.
- Cover and bake for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and continue baking for 20 minutes or until croutons are toasted.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or mushrooms to the cheese sauce. If you need a dairy-free option, substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative and use almond milk. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences, and feel free to add herbs like thyme or oregano for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Cabbage Cheese Bake makes a fantastic main dish for a vegetarian meal, especially paired with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. Serve alongside crusty bread or a light soup for a complete dinner. It also pairs beautifully with Broccoli Cheddar Noodle Bake for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the croutons may lose their crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cabbage Cheese Bake contains roughly 677 calories, with 14g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (176% of the Daily Value), iron (93% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (79% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 728mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a mixture of cheeses. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may alter the flavor profile of the dish.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Also, ensure your croutons are gluten-free or make your own using gluten-free bread.
How can I add more protein to this dish?
To increase protein content, consider adding cooked ground meat, such as turkey or chicken, or incorporate legumes like chickpeas or lentils into the cabbage mixture before baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).