When it comes to side dishes that steal the show, cabbage au gratin deserves a standing ovation. This creamy, cheesy, and perfectly golden dish takes humble cabbage to new heights. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking to elevate a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the steps to create this irresistible dish.
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious cabbage au gratin, you will need:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 stalks of celery, finely chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 large bell pepper, finely chopped
- 8 slices of bacon, fried crisp and crumbled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 ounces grated Swiss cheese (reserve 1/3 cup for topping)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh minced parsley or 1 tablespoon dried
- 1/2 cup green onion, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 3-quart casserole dish and set aside.
- Parboil the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cabbage and parboil until tender. Drain and slice into small pieces.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the celery, onion, and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are soft and limp.
- Combine with Cabbage: Add the parboiled cabbage and melted butter to the skillet. Mix well, cover, and cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Incorporate Cheese and Mix-Ins: Stir in the grated Swiss cheese, reserving 1/3 cup for topping. Add the bread crumbs, sour cream, flour, garlic, bacon, and parsley. Mix thoroughly and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Dish: Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the top with the reserved cheese and additional bread crumbs.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onion before serving. Enjoy this flavorful dish as a side or even a main course!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cabbage au gratin is the perfect blend of cheesy, creamy goodness and savory flavors. The bacon adds a smoky touch, while the seasoned bread crumbs provide a satisfying crunch. It’s a delicious way to make cabbage the star of your meal.
Tips for Success
- Experiment with Ingredients: Feel free to swap Swiss cheese for Gruyère or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
- Serve as a Main Dish: Add cooked chicken or ham to make this a hearty one-dish meal.
Final Thoughts
Cabbage au gratin is more than just a side dish—it’s a comforting embrace of flavor and texture. This recipe will quickly become a staple in your repertoire, celebrated for its ease and elegance. Give it a try, and let the magic of cabbage au gratin transform your table into a feast of deliciousness!
Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience and any creative twists in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow for more mouthwatering recipes.
Cabbage Au Gratin
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1/4 c butter, melted
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 8 slices bacon, fried crisp and crumbled
- salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz Swiss Cheese, grated reserve ⅓c for topping
- 1 c sour cream
- 1 Tbsp flour
- ¾ c seasoned bread crumbs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 T fresh parsley, minced or 1 Tbsp dried
- ½ c green onion, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 3-quart casserole dish and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cabbage and parboil until tender. Drain and slice into small pieces.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the celery, onion, and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are soft and limp.
- Add the parboiled cabbage and melted butter to the skillet. Mix well, cover, and cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the grated Swiss cheese, reserving 1/3 cup for topping. Add the bread crumbs, sour cream, flour, garlic, bacon, and parsley. Mix thoroughly and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the top with the reserved cheese and additional bread crumbs.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onion before serving. Enjoy this flavorful dish as a side or even a main course!