Today, I am going to make the Pioneer Woman Scalloped Cabbage, a comforting and creamy side dish that transforms humble cabbage into a delicious and satisfying casserole. This recipe combines tender cabbage with a rich cheese sauce, topped with buttery breadcrumbs, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
What is Pioneer Woman Scalloped Cabbage?
The Pioneer Woman Scalloped Cabbage is a baked casserole that features layers of sliced cabbage cooked in a creamy, cheesy sauce and topped with crispy breadcrumbs. This dish takes simple ingredients and elevates them into a flavorful, hearty side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Other Pioneer Woman Recipes
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Comforting: Creamy and cheesy, this dish is the ultimate comfort food.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible.
- Family-Friendly: A great way to make cabbage appealing to everyone.
- Versatile: Can be served alongside many different main dishes.
- Make-Ahead: This can be prepared in advance and baked when needed.
- Nutrient-Rich: Cabbage is low in calories and high in vitamins.
Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Scalloped Cabbage
- 1 large head of cabbage, cored and sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Scalloped Cabbage
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the sliced cabbage and cook for 5-7 minutes until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and slightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) until melted and smooth.
- Combine cabbage and sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked cabbage with the cheese sauce, mixing until the cabbage is evenly coated.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the cabbage mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Scalloped Cabbage
- Roast Chicken: Pairs beautifully with roasted or grilled chicken.
- Ham: A perfect side dish for baked or glazed ham.
- Pork Chops: Complements the flavors of pork chops.
- Mashed Potatoes: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad provides a nice contrast.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Scalloped Cabbage
- Cook Cabbage Properly: Ensure the cabbage is cooked just until tender, not mushy.
- Smooth Sauce: Whisk the milk slowly into the flour mixture to avoid lumps.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a smoother sauce.
- Even Topping: Spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly for a crisp, uniform topping.
- Season Well: Adjust the seasoning of the cheese sauce to your preference.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let the sauce set.
Variations of Pioneer Woman Scalloped Cabbage
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
- Bacon: Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon for added flavor and texture.
- Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of milk for a lighter, vegetarian version.
- Herbed: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cheese sauce for extra flavor.
- Low-Carb: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
Storing Pioneer Woman Scalloped Cabbage: Best Practices
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
- Label: Clearly label containers with the date for easy tracking.
- Cool Completely: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation.
Reheating Pioneer Woman Scalloped Cabbage: Best Practices
- Oven Method: Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
- Microwave Option: Heat individual servings in the microwave on medium power.
- Cover for Moisture: Cover with foil or a microwave-safe lid to retain moisture.
- Stir Occasionally: Stir during reheating to ensure even warming.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
FAQs
How can I make Pioneer Woman Scalloped Cabbage healthier?
To make Pioneer Woman Scalloped Cabbage healthier, use low-fat or skim milk instead of whole milk in the cheese sauce. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use a reduced-fat cheese option. Additionally, substituting whole wheat breadcrumbs for regular breadcrumbs can add more fiber to the dish.
Can I prepare Pioneer Woman Scalloped Cabbage in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Pioneer Woman Scalloped Cabbage in advance. Assemble the casserole as directed but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version?
For a gluten-free version of Pioneer Woman Scalloped Cabbage, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Alternatively, you can use crushed nuts or seeds for a different texture and flavor.
How do I reheat Pioneer Woman Scalloped Cabbage without drying it out?
To reheat Pioneer Woman Scalloped Cabbage without drying it out, cover the casserole with foil and place it in a preheated 350°F oven until warmed through about 20 minutes. For individual servings, use a microwave on medium power, covering the dish with a microwave-safe lid to retain moisture. Adding a small amount of milk or broth before reheating can also help keep it creamy.
Final Words
The Pioneer Woman Scalloped Cabbage is a delicious and comforting side dish that transforms simple cabbage into a creamy, cheesy delight. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or potlucks, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the rich flavors and easy preparation of this wonderful recipe!
Other Yummy Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Cabbage Casserole
- Pioneer Woman Spaghetti and Cheese
- Pioneer Woman Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
- Pioneer Woman Mexican Cornbread Casserole
- Pioneer Woman Breakfast Burrito Casserole
- Pioneer Woman Green Chile Egg Casserole
Pioneer Woman Scalloped Cabbage Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
The Pioneer Woman Scalloped Cabbage is a baked casserole that features layers of sliced cabbage cooked in a creamy, cheesy sauce and topped with crispy breadcrumbs. This dish takes simple ingredients and elevates them into a flavorful, hearty side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage, cored and sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the sliced cabbage and cook for 5-7 minutes until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and slightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) until melted and smooth.
- Combine cabbage and sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked cabbage with the cheese sauce, mixing until the cabbage is evenly coated.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the cabbage mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
