Prepare to have your perception of cabbage completely transformed! This incredibly easy and outrageously delicious baked creamy cheesy cabbage recipe will make you a believer. With perfectly seared cabbage wedges bathed in a rich, savory cream sauce and topped with melted Gruyère, this dish is a comforting and surprisingly elegant meal that will have everyone asking for the recipe. It’s so good, you’ll want to make it every week!
Ingredients
- 1 medium green cabbage (approx. 2.2 lb / 1 kg)
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, divided
- 1 medium onion, finely sliced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp (15ml) balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup (120ml) beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (double cream)
- Few fresh thyme sprigs, or ½ tsp (1.25g) dried thyme
- 7 oz (200g) Gruyère cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage: Start by cutting one medium green cabbage into thick wedges, keeping the core intact so the leaves stay together.
- Sear the Cabbage: Melt 1 tablespoon (15g) of butter in a large oven-safe skillet or frying pan over medium-to-high heat. Place the cabbage wedges cut-side down in the hot skillet. Sear for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and slightly caramelized. Season generously with salt and black pepper while searing. Once seared, remove the cabbage wedges from the skillet and set them aside.
- Sauté the Onion: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the finely sliced onion to the skillet and sauté for about 10 minutes until it becomes very soft and translucent. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Caramelize Onion with Balsamic: Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon (15g) of butter into the skillet with the onions. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and continue to cook for another 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns a deep golden brown and is beautifully caramelized.
- Build the Sauce: Return the seared cabbage wedges to the skillet, arranging them amongst the caramelized onions. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Add the fresh thyme sprigs (or sprinkle in dried thyme) and a good grinding of black pepper.
- Bake to Perfection: Sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese evenly over the cabbage and sauce.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to an oven preheated to 205∘C (400∘F). Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly, the cheese is melted and golden brown, and the cabbage is tender.
- Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Time, Serving, and Nutrition
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 45-50 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Nutrition (approximate per serving): This dish is a good source of vitamins K and C from the cabbage, as well as calcium from the cheese and healthy fats from the cream and butter. While indulgent, it incorporates a significant amount of vegetables, making it a satisfying and comforting meal.
Why This Recipe is Good and Healthy
This recipe takes humble cabbage to an extraordinary level of deliciousness, making it incredibly appealing even to those who are typically not fond of it. Cabbage is a nutrient powerhouse, rich in essential vitamins like C and K, and packed with fiber, which aids digestion and promotes gut health. While the cream and cheese add richness, the dish still offers a substantial serving of vegetables. The searing process enhances the cabbage’s natural sweetness, and the caramelized onions add a deep, savory complexity. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy vegetables in a comforting and satisfying meal that can truly become a family favorite.