Calico Cabbage
Calico Cabbage is a hearty, colorful dish featuring tender cabbage, sweet carrots, and savory celery, all coated in a lightly sweetened butter sauce. This comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering a blend of flavors that appeal to both vegetable lovers and those seeking a satisfying side.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter a large casserole dish.
- Mix the cabbage, grated carrots, chopped celery, chopped onion, sugar, salt, and pepper together in a bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
- Dot the top with the remaining butter.
- Bake at 350°F for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, consider adding bell peppers or peas for extra color and flavor. If you're short on time, pre-shredded cabbage and pre-cut vegetables can save you preparation time. To enhance the dish, a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top before baking can add a nice richness, making it pair beautifully with Cheese Coffee Cake for dessert.
Serving Suggestions
This dish serves well as a side for grilled meats or roasted chicken. It also pairs nicely with cornbread or a light salad for a complete meal. For a comforting family dinner, serve it alongside Cowboy Casserole for a hearty feast that everyone will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Calico Cabbage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place it in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave, heating in 1-minute intervals until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Calico Cabbage contains roughly 124 calories, with 4g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (91% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1575mg per serving (68% 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 cabbage?
Yes, you can substitute green cabbage with red cabbage for a pop of color or Napa cabbage for a milder flavor. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of cabbage used.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian. However, you can enhance the flavor even more by using vegetable broth instead of water if you want to add extra moisture when baking.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. Just remember to take it out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature before baking it.
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).