South Georgia Cabbage(By Martha Cass)
South Georgia Cabbage is a hearty, cheesy vegetable casserole featuring tender cabbage, green peppers, celery, and garlic, all baked with rich milk and melted cheddar. Perfect for a comforting family meal, it combines savory flavors with a crispy bread crumb topping for a satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the cabbage into quarters or eighths and cook in salted water for about 7 minutes or until tender.
- Discard the water and chop the cabbage finely.
- Melt margarine in a covered saucepan and add the chopped celery, green peppers, and minced garlic.
- Cook over very low heat until the vegetables are tender.
- Mix the cooked vegetables with the chopped cabbage.
- Stir in the rich milk, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper as needed.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered baking dish.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle buttered bread crumbs on top and bake for another 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the garlic until fragrant before adding the other vegetables. If you don't have half and half, you can substitute with 3/4 cup whole milk mixed with 1/4 cup heavy cream. For a twist, try adding cooked bacon or sausage for a heartier dish. This recipe can easily be made vegetarian by omitting any meat additions.
Serving Suggestions
This South Georgia Cabbage dish pairs beautifully with fried chicken or grilled meats for a complete meal. Serve it alongside cornbread or rice to soak up the flavors. For a festive touch, consider serving it during a family gathering, as it complements holiday dishes like Christmas Pudding or Grits Souffle.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cabbage mixture in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions on high until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of South Georgia Cabbage(By Martha Cass) contains roughly 469 calories, with 13g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 580mg per serving (25% 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?
Absolutely! While Cheddar cheese gives a great flavor, you can substitute it with Monterey Jack or even a sharp Gruyère for a different taste. Just ensure that the cheese melts well for a creamy texture.
How do I know when the cabbage is cooked properly?
The cabbage should be tender but not mushy. Cooking it in salted water for about 7 minutes should achieve that. You can test it with a fork; it should pierce easily but still hold its shape.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cabbage and vegetable mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and bake it just before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully, making it an ideal option for gatherings.
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).