Amaze Guests: Pioneer Woman Cabbage Casserole Recipe

Sink your teeth into a cabbage casserole that elevates humble ingredients to culinary brilliance.

This comforting dish transforms ordinary vegetables into a mouthwatering masterpiece that sizzles with flavor.

Layers of tender cabbage mingle with rich, melting cheese, creating a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Weeknight dinners find their superhero in this easy-to-assemble marvel that requires minimal prep but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Packed with nutrients and bursting with savory goodness, this casserole turns simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing sensation.

Families will gather around the table, eagerly anticipating each golden-brown, crispy bite that promises pure deliciousness.

Get ready to make dinner magic happen with this irresistible recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Storage and Reheat Tips for Cabbage Casserole

• Preserve Freshness: Cool the cabbage dish completely before storing. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container for maximum flavor retention.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Safely store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a sealed lid to prevent moisture loss and maintain texture.
• Reheating Technique: Warm gently in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Add a splash of milk to restore the sauce's creamy consistency and prevent drying out.
• Freezing Option: Wrap portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the dish's original delicious qualities.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 8

Cabbage Casserole Ingredients Overview

• Cabbage: Choose a fresh, firm head with crisp, bright green leaves and no brown spots or wilting.
• Jalapeno: Select peppers that are glossy, smooth, and have a vibrant green color with no soft spots.

• Butter: Look for fresh, high-quality butter with a rich, creamy texture and no off-smells.
• Processed Cheese Sauce, Pepper Jack Cheese: Opt for brands with smooth melting qualities and bold, tangy flavors.
• Milk: Select whole milk for a richer, creamier sauce with deeper flavor complexity.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Choose freshly ground spices for maximum aromatic intensity and robust taste profiles.

Kitchen Tools for Baking Cabbage Casserole

• Large Pot: Used for boiling cabbage and salting water.
• Medium Skillet: Perfect for creating the creamy cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Essential for stirring flour and preventing lumps in the sauce.
• 9-by-9-inch Baking Dish: Provides the perfect space for assembling and baking the cabbage.
• Cutting Board: Helps slice cabbage into neat wedges.
• Sharp Knife: Precise tool for removing cabbage core and cutting wedges.
• Colander: Helps drain boiled cabbage thoroughly.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Oven: Bakes the dish to golden, bubbly perfection.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring cheese sauce smoothly.

How to Prepare Cabbage Casserole Comfort Food

• Fire Up the Oven

Preheat your kitchen companion to a toasty 350°F. Grab a square baking dish and lovingly coat every inch with butter.

• Transform the Cabbage

Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Slice cabbage into elegant wedges, removing the stubborn core. Quickly blanch the wedges for a brief moment to soften, then nestle them into the buttered dish.

• Craft the Cheese Dream

In a skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour until it dances smoothly. Pour in milk, seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture thickens like velvet. Remove from heat and fold in creamy cheese, stirring until silky and irresistible.

• Create Flavor Magic

Cascade the cheese sauce over cabbage wedges. Sprinkle jalapeño slices for a spicy surprise and dust with a hint of paprika. Bake until the top turns golden and bubbly, about 20 minutes. The result? A mouthwatering dish that’ll make taste buds do a happy dance.

Tips for Flavor in Cabbage-Based Casseroles

Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, gouda, or gruyere for unique flavor profiles.

Adjust jalapeño quantity based on heat preference – remove seeds for milder taste or add more for extra fire.

Prep the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heating.

Sprinkle cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken over the top for a hearty, protein-packed variation that transforms this side dish into a complete meal.

Serving Ideas for Hearty Cabbage Casserole

• Spice Up Your Plate: Pair this cheesy cabbage dish with hearty protein options like grilled chicken or pan-seared steak for a complete meal that satisfies.
• Kick Back with Comfort: Serve alongside crispy garlic bread or fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious cheese sauce and add extra texture to your dining experience.
• Cool Down the Heat: Balance the spicy jalapeños with a refreshing side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or a dollop of sour cream to calm the pepper's intensity and provide a creamy contrast.
• Weekend Game Day Winner: Transform this recipe into a crowd-pleasing appetizer by cutting cabbage into smaller bite-sized pieces, perfect for sharing during sports gatherings or casual get-togethers.

Hearty Pioneer Woman Cabbage Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Cabbage Casserole showcases comfort cooking from American heartland kitchens with simple ingredients and rich flavors. Midwestern families cherish this nourishing dish that delivers satisfying warmth and wholesome goodness you can savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 head green cabbage
• 2–15 oz processed cheese sauce or dip (Cheez Whiz)
• 1 cup grated pepper Jack cheese
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) butter
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 2 tbsps (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 jalapeno pepper, sliced into rounds with seeds removed
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) kosher salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika

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Instructions

1. Preheating and Preparation: Activate the oven to 350°F and lavishly grease a 9-by-9-inch baking dish with butter, creating a non-stick foundation for the culinary creation.
2. Cabbage Processing: Meticulously cleanse the cabbage, extracting its rigid core. Divide into four symmetrical wedges. Immerse in salted boiling water for a brief 1-2 minute bath, achieving a tender yet structured texture without complete submersion.
3. Sauce Crafting: In a medium skillet, melt butter and introduce flour, whisking vigilantly to prevent burning. Gradually stream milk into the roux, infusing with salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture transforms into a luxuriously smooth sauce. Incorporate processed cheese and pepper Jack, stirring until a homogeneous, creamy consistency emerges.
4. Assembly and Baking: Arrange softened cabbage wedges in the prepared dish. Cascade the velvety cheese sauce over the vegetable landscape, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Embellish with jalapeno slices and a delicate paprika dusting. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the top to caramelize and the sauce to bubble with tantalizing promise.

Notes

• Blanch with Precision: Briefly boil cabbage for 1-2 minutes to soften without overcooking, maintaining its crisp texture and vibrant color.
• Prevent Lumpy Sauce: Whisk flour and butter continuously to create a smooth roux, ensuring a silky cheese sauce without unwanted clumps.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove sauce from heat before adding cheeses to prevent separation and achieve a creamy, uniform consistency.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust jalapeno quantity to match your heat preference, creating a personalized spice experience for every palate.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg