Description
This comforting cabbage casserole is a delightful side dish featuring tender sautéed cabbage, celery, onions, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, topped with buttery breadcrumbs for a perfectly golden finish. It pairs wonderfully with barbecued pork or brisket and offers a cozy, savory vegetable option for any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium (2 lb.) cabbage, shredded (about 10 cups)
- 1 cup chopped celery (about 2 stalks)
- 2 medium-size yellow onions, chopped (about 2 1/2 cups)
- 1 garlic clove, chopped (about 1 tsp.) or to taste
Butter and Seasoning
- 5 Tbsp. (2 1/2 oz.) salted butter, divided
- 1 tsp. kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper, or to taste
- Dash of Worcestershire sauce
Dry Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 4 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1 cup), divided
- 1/3 cup dry breadcrumbs
Dairy
- 1 1/2 cups evaporated milk (from 1 12-oz. can)
Other
- Cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Cook the cabbage: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded cabbage, chopped celery, onions, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender and slightly softened, about 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer this mixture to a 3-quart baking dish that has been lightly greased with cooking spray.
- Make the sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture becomes smooth and thickens, about 1 minute. Gradually pour in the evaporated milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until fully combined. Pour this creamy sauce over the cabbage mixture in the baking dish.
- Make the breadcrumbs topping: Place the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on HIGH for about 30 seconds until melted. Add the dry breadcrumbs and the remaining half of the Parmesan cheese to the melted butter, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let it rest briefly before serving.
Notes
- This cabbage casserole is a great way to use up surplus cabbage from your produce drawer.
- You can prepare it ahead and freeze it in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 6 months.
- To reheat frozen casserole, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until heated through.
- For a richer flavor, ensure you use salted butter and good-quality Parmesan cheese.
- If you prefer a crispier breadcrumb topping, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
