Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage
Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage features tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of cracker crumbs, eggs, and milk, then boiled and topped with browned butter for a hearty, comforting dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Shred the remaining cabbage and boil it in a small amount of water for 10 minutes.
- Drain and cool the cooked cabbage.
- Mix cracker crumbs, beaten eggs, milk, flour, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Combine the mixture with the cooked cabbage.
- Shape 6 cabbage leaves inside a white cloth.
- Fill each leaf with the cabbage and mixture, then tie the cloth at the top to shape it like a cabbage head.
- Fill a pot two-thirds full of water and place the cloth-wrapped cabbage in it.
- Boil for 20 to 25 minutes, then untie the cloth and turn the stuffed cabbage upside down onto a platter.
- Pour browned butter over the top and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider including herbs like dill or parsley in the filling mixture. If you don't have cracker crumbs, stale bread can be processed into crumbs as a substitute. When boiling cabbage, ensure the water is gently simmering to prevent overcooking, which can lead to mushy leaves.
Serving Suggestions
This stuffed cabbage pairs beautifully with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it with crusty bread and a dollop of sour cream. To elevate your dessert, follow up with a slice of Cream Cheese Coffee Cake With Preserves.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently steam the stuffed cabbage or microwave it covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Avoid boiling as it may cause the dish to break apart.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage contains roughly 708 calories, with 16g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (50% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1230mg per serving (53% 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 meat in the filling?
Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on a vegetarian approach, you can incorporate ground beef, pork, or turkey for a heartier filling. Simply adjust the seasoning to complement the meat used.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this stuffed cabbage gluten-free, substitute the cracker crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Additionally, ensure that the flour used is a gluten-free variety.
Can I prepare the stuffed cabbage in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed cabbage ahead of time. Assemble and refrigerate it the night before. When ready to cook, simply place it in boiling water, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's chilled.
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).