Escalloped Cabbage

Escalloped Cabbage: A Comfort Food Classic Reimagined

Escalloped cabbage. The very name conjures images of cozy kitchens, family gatherings, and the comforting aroma of a hearty meal. This dish, often relegated to the dusty corners of family recipe books, deserves a place of honor on the modern table. It’s a testament to the enduring power of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. While the nostalgic version may feature a can of cheese whiz, our updated recipe elevates this classic side dish to new heights with the creamy richness of sharp cheddar and mozzarella, creating a flavor profile that’s both familiar and excitingly new.

A Dish Steeped in Nostalgia

For many, escalloped cabbage represents cherished memories. It’s the taste of ham dinners at Grandma’s house, the warmth of a Sunday supper after church, or the hearty comfort of a meal after a long day of winter chores. It’s a side dish that speaks to the soul, offering a hug in every bite. This recipe maintains that comforting essence while adding a touch of sophistication, a perfect balance of tradition and contemporary flair.

Beyond the Classic: An Elevated Escalloped Cabbage

The key to this recipe’s success lies in its thoughtfully crafted components. We’ve replaced the traditional processed cheese with a harmonious blend of sharp cheddar and gooey mozzarella. This creates a richer, more complex cheese sauce that complements the subtle sweetness of the cabbage without overpowering it. The sharp cheddar offers a delightful tang that cuts through the creaminess, while the mozzarella adds a luscious, stretchy quality. The result is a cheese sauce that’s both decadent and refined.

The Magic of the Sauce

The foundation of any great escalloped cabbage is the sauce. Our recipe begins with a classic roux—a simple mixture of butter and flour—which acts as a thickening agent. This roux is gradually whisked with whole milk, creating a smooth, creamy base for the cheese. The addition of the cheeses, stirred off the heat to prevent scorching, results in a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to every wedge of cabbage.

Experimentation is encouraged! Feel free to swap the cheeses for your favorites. A pepper jack cheese would add a spicy kick, while a Gruyère would offer a nutty, earthy depth. The possibilities are as endless as your culinary imagination.

Preparing the Cabbage: A Simple Yet Crucial Step

The cabbage itself plays a starring role. We start by parboiling the cabbage wedges for a few minutes. This tenderizes the cabbage without completely wilting it, allowing it to retain its structural integrity while achieving a delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture. The slight parboiling also helps the cabbage absorb the rich cheese sauce more effectively.

After parboiling, the cores of the cabbage wedges are carefully removed. This step is crucial for ensuring even cooking and preventing any tough, unappetizing bits in the final dish. The wedges are then arranged neatly in a greased baking dish, ready to be enveloped in the luscious cheese sauce.

The Finishing Touch: Paprika’s Subtle Symphony

Many might consider the paprika a mere garnish, but its role is far more significant. A light dusting of paprika adds a subtle smokiness that beautifully balances the richness of the cheese sauce and the delicate sweetness of the cabbage. This seemingly small detail elevates the dish to a whole new level of flavor complexity, creating a harmonious symphony of taste and aroma.

Baking to Perfection: A Bubbly, Golden Delight

Once the cabbage is nestled in its creamy cheese bath, it’s time for the oven to work its magic. Baked at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes, the escalloped cabbage simmers gently, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden perfection. The aroma filling your kitchen during baking will be a tantalizing preview of the deliciousness awaiting you.

Serving and Enjoying: A Culinary Embrace

Serve this delightful escalloped cabbage warm, allowing each bite to transport you to a realm of comfort and culinary bliss. Its versatility shines through – it’s the perfect accompaniment to roasted meats, a delightful addition to a hearty stew, or a satisfying stand-alone side dish. The generous sauce ensures every piece of cabbage is lovingly coated, offering a harmonious blend of textures and flavors in every mouthful.

Recipe: Escalloped Cabbage

Ingredients:

1 small to medium-sized cabbage, cut into 6 to 8 wedges with the core still intact
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
Paprika, for garnish
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Preparation:

Step 1: Parboil the Cabbage
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cabbage wedges and parboil for 1 to 3 minutes. Drain and slice off the cores.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9 baking dish. In a nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, creating a roux, whisking continuously for 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk in batches, stirring until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the cheeses until melted and smooth.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Arrange the par-cooked cabbage wedges in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the cabbage. Sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm and enjoy this comforting classic, a dish that’s both nostalgic and delightfully modern. The perfect blend of creamy cheese and tender cabbage will leave you wanting more!

This recipe yields approximately 6 to 8 servings, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends. So gather your loved ones, prepare this delightful dish, and create new memories around a table filled with the warmth and deliciousness of escalloped cabbage. Share this recipe with your Facebook friends and let the comforting tradition continue!