Creamy Dreamy Cabbage: The ‘Marry Me’ Casserole Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with cabbage! This Creamy Dreamy Cabbage Casserole, affectionately nicknamed the ‘Marry Me’ Casserole, is a far cry from bland, boiled cabbage. Imagine tender ribbons of cabbage enveloped in a luxuriously cheesy sauce, baked to golden-brown perfection. This recipe is surprisingly simple to make and yields a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect as a side or a satisfying vegetarian main course. The secret lies in building layers of flavor, starting with sauteed onions and garlic, and ending with a generous blanket of melted cheddar. Prepare for a culinary experience so delightful, it might just inspire a proposal (or at least enthusiastic compliments!).
Why You’ll Love this Marry Me Cabbage Casserole
This isn’t just another cabbage recipe; it’s a flavor revelation. Here’s why you’ll be making this Creamy Dreamy Cabbage Casserole again and again:
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of sauteed onions, garlic, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika creates a deeply savory and complex flavor profile that complements the sweetness of the cabbage.
- Comfort Food at its Finest: The creamy, cheesy sauce and tender cabbage make this casserole the ultimate comfort food.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have this delicious casserole on the table in under an hour.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a side dish or a vegetarian main course. Add cooked turkey bacon or diced turkey ham for a heartier meal.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Even cabbage skeptics will be converted by this irresistible casserole!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need, along with some helpful substitution suggestions:
- Cabbage: 1 large head of green cabbage, thinly sliced. Savoy cabbage also works beautifully.
- Onion: 1 large onion, chopped. Yellow or white onions are suitable.
- Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is best, but 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons butter. Use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness of the dish.
- Flour: 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour. This is used to create a roux that thickens the sauce. A gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be substituted.
- Milk: 2 cups milk. Whole milk will create the richest sauce, but 2% milk can also be used. For a dairy-free version, try unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk, but be aware the flavor will change slightly.
- Vegetable Broth: 1 cup vegetable broth. Low-sodium broth is recommended to control the salt level.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Adds a tangy depth of flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. This adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the cabbage and cheese.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar provides the most flavor, but mild or medium cheddar can also be used. Monterey Jack or Gruyere are also excellent choices.
- Breadcrumbs (Optional): 1/4 cup breadcrumbs. Adds a crispy topping. Panko breadcrumbs will give the best crunch. For another great topping idea, check out this Air Fryer Pineapple Recipe for inspiration on adding a caramelized element. Air Fryer Pineapple Recipe
How to Make Marry Me Cabbage Casserole
Follow these simple steps to create your own Creamy Dreamy Cabbage Casserole:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and vegetable broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add sliced cabbage to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 10 minutes.
- Pour the cabbage mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs (if using).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
Here are some tips to ensure your Creamy Dreamy Cabbage Casserole turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t overcook the cabbage: You want it to be tender, but still have a slight bite.
- Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste: Don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika if needed.
- Be careful not to burn the roux: Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly while cooking the flour in butter.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Dreamy Cabbage Casserole is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:
- As a side dish: Serve alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or beef.
- As a vegetarian main course: Serve with a side salad or crusty bread.
- Add protein: Stir in cooked turkey bacon, diced turkey ham, or shredded chicken for a heartier meal.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in individual portions. The casserole may become slightly less creamy after reheating, but it will still be delicious. If you are searching for more ways to use your oven, then check out these Banana Bread Brownie Bars. Banana Bread Brownie Bars Recipe
FAQ
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses would be delicious in this casserole.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Add the cheese topping just before baking.
Can I freeze this casserole?
While you *can* freeze it, the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. For a complimentary cold dish, check out this Winter Fruit Salad Recipe on CookReel. Winter Fruit Salad Recipe
This Creamy Dreamy Cabbage Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to rediscover the humble cabbage. With its rich, cheesy sauce and comforting flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to be amazed by this surprisingly delicious dish. Who knows, it might just bring a little extra love your way!
Creamy Dreamy Cabbage: The ‘Marry Me’ Casserole
Prepare to be swept off your feet with this incredibly flavorful and comforting Creamy Dreamy Cabbage Casserole. This isn’t your grandma’s boiled cabbage! Tender cabbage leaves are nestled in a rich, cheesy sauce that’s so good, it might just inspire a proposal. Perfect as a side dish or a vegetarian main course, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. We start with sauteed onions and garlic for a savory base, then introduce thinly sliced cabbage that wilts beautifully in the creamy sauce. A generous topping of melted cheese creates a golden-brown crust that adds the perfect finishing touch. Get ready for a cozy and unforgettable culinary experience!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 large head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and vegetable broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add sliced cabbage to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 10 minutes.
- Pour the cabbage mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs (if using).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk. You can also add cooked turkey bacon or diced turkey ham for a heartier dish. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyere or Monterey Jack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg