Cabbage Wedges With Cheese Sauce
Cabbage Wedges With Cheese Sauce offers a delightful combination of tender cabbage and rich, cheesy sauce topped with crispy bacon. This comforting dish features savory flavors and crispy textures, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings that enjoy hearty, flavorful vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove outside leaves from cabbage and cut into wedges.
- Place the cabbage wedges in a pan with one inch of salted water, cover, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes until tender.
- Fry bacon until crisp, then remove from pan and crumble.
- Discard all but 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings.
- Add flour, salt, pepper, and cayenne to the drippings and stir until well blended.
- Gradually add evaporated milk and water, cooking until thickened while stirring constantly.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted into the sauce.
- Drain the cooked cabbage and place on a platter.
- Spoon the cheese sauce over the wedges and sprinkle with crumbled bacon.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked bacon for a deeper taste in the cheese sauce. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or use a plant-based bacon alternative. Additionally, for a creamier sauce, try adding a bit of cream cheese along with the cheddar. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, especially the cayenne for heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cheesy cabbage wedges as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or as part of a cozy vegetarian meal. They pair wonderfully with ham, making them a great side for dishes like Ham Sandwiches or Country Cottage Bake. Garnish with additional crumbled bacon or fresh herbs for an extra touch. Enjoy with crusty bread to soak up the delicious cheese sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cabbage wedges and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The cabbage can last for up to 3 days, while the cheese sauce should be consumed within 2 days for the best flavor and texture. To reheat, gently warm the cheese sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth, and reheat the cabbage in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cabbage Wedges With Cheese Sauce contains roughly 227 calories, with 9g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (61% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2017mg per serving (88% 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 the sauce?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like Gouda or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor. Just keep in mind that the melting properties may vary, so choose a cheese that melts well to maintain a smooth sauce.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make the cheese sauce gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. This will thicken the sauce without compromising the texture or flavor.
Can I prepare the cabbage ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cut the cabbage into wedges and store them in the refrigerator up to a day in advance. Just ensure they are in a sealed container to prevent browning. Cook them just before serving for the best texture.
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).