Smothered Cabbage Wedges
Smothered cabbage wedges baked with a cheesy, creamy topping, offering a hearty and flavorful side perfect for family dinners or comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cabbage
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing ⓘ
- 3/4 cup shredded natural Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chili sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- In Dutch oven or large skillet, cook cabbage wedges in a small amount of boiling salted water until tender (about 12 minutes). Drain.
- Place wedges in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- In a saucepan, cook finely chopped green pepper and onion in butter until tender but not brown.
- Blend in flour, salt, and pepper.
- Add milk all at once, cook and stir until mixture thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the cabbage wedges.
- Bake, uncovered, at 375°F for 20 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, shredded Cheddar cheese, and chili sauce.
- Spoon the cheese mixture over the cabbage wedges.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding cooked bacon bits or diced ham to the cabbage mixture. You can substitute the Cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack for a milder taste. If you're short on time, you can use pre-chopped onion and green pepper to expedite the preparation process. Additionally, ensure the cabbage is thoroughly drained to prevent excess moisture in the final dish.
Serving Suggestions
Smothered cabbage wedges make a delightful main dish or side. Pair them with grilled meats or a hearty salad like Fresh Cauliflower And Broccoli Salad for a well-rounded meal. For a comforting finish, consider serving with a slice of Tarheel Apple Pie for dessert. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cabbage wedges in a baking dish covered with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smothered Cabbage Wedges contains roughly 595 calories, with 7g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (89% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1469mg per serving (64% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cabbage and sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Just assemble and bake when you're ready to serve. This can save you time on busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you're not a fan of mayonnaise, you can substitute with Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor or sour cream for creaminess. Both options will maintain the texture of the cheese mixture while adding a different taste profile.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians, as it contains no meat products. You can enhance the flavor with vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the cabbage, and feel free to add more vegetables to the dish for added nutrition.
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).