Crispy Cabbage Gratin Casserole

Crispy Cabbage Gratin Casserole is a low-carb side dish featuring roasted cabbage, white cream sauce, and melted cheese. 

Raise your hand if you need an updated veggie dish? 

Sauteed vegetables are great when you need a healthy side dish on the fly, but even that method can bring on a snoozefest. 

Personally, one of the best ways to sneak in your vegetables with some flavor is either roasting or piling them high in a casserole dish. A few dishes I’ve made in the past – Green Bean Skillet Casserole, Creamed Brussels Sprouts Tater Tot Casserole, Sheet Pan Roasted Squash and now this Crispy Cabbage Gratin Casserole. 

The best thing about this casserole is that the roasted cabbage gets covered in a luxurious cream sauce and piled-high with cheese. Healthy? Maybe. But in my world there’s still a veggie in the recipe so it counts! Right? Right. 

Anyway, this is a great recipe that’s fun to make and gets us out of the sauteed vegetables scene like I mentioned above. Shall we get roasting? 

What is a Crispy Cabbage Gratin Casserole? 

Similar to a potato gratin, a cabbage gratin casserole is a layered dish that includes thinly sliced or shredded cabbage, a creamy sauce, and a crispy, cheesy topping. Common ingredients include: 

Cabbage: Thinly sliced or shredded cabbage.

White Creamy Sauce: You can make a sauce using ingredients like heavy cream, milk, cheese (such as gruyere or cheddar), butter, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Crispy Topping: A crispy that typically involves breadcrumbs, panko, or crushed crackers mixed with melted butter.

Best Cabbage to Use

For this recipe I would use Napa cabbage, also known as Chinese cabbage, is a popular ingredient in many Asian cuisines, and it’s chosen for various reasons in cooking:

• Mild Flavor: Napa cabbage has a mild and slightly sweet flavor compared to regular green cabbage. This makes it versatile and suitable for a wide range of dishes without overpowering other flavors.
• Textural Appeal: Napa cabbage has a crisp and tender texture, which can add a pleasant crunch to dishes. Whether used raw in salads or cooked in stir-fries, it maintains a satisfying texture.
• Versatility: Napa cabbage can be used in both raw and cooked preparations. It’s commonly used in salads, slaws, kimchi, stir-fries, and soups. 
• Nutritional Value: Napa cabbage is rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C and vitamin K, and it’s low in calories. It also contains some essential minerals and dietary fiber, making it a nutritious addition to meals.

Ingredients Used to Make Crispy Cabbage Gratin Casserole

This dish is perfect as a side and is a great way to enjoy vegetables. For this recipe you will need:

• Napa cabbage – if you can’t find Napa cabbage, look at any other cabbage that is green or savory.
• Olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• Shallot – a yellow onion will also work
• Garlic
• Cream – buttermilk will also work if you have that on hand
• Fresh Thyme
• Unsalted butter
• Parmesan and Mozzarella – feel free to use any white cheese. You could also use gruyere, fontina, or havarti 

How to Make Crispy Cabbage Gratin Casserole

Roasting cabbage is a simple and delicious process. This recipe combines the savoriness of cabbage with the mixture of luxurious cream sauce. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this casserole: 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Place the cabbage wedges on a baking sheet and drizzle tops with olive, kosher salt and pepper. Roast the cabbage until tender, about 35 to 45 minutes. 
2. In a small saucepan preheated to medium-low heat add the shallots, garlic, cream, thyme, kosher salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer. You will stir occasionally until the shallots and garlic are softened; about 15 to 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and then transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. 
3. Spray a 9X13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Place the roasted cabbage wedges in the baking dish. Next, pour the cream sauce over the wedges. Bake the cabbage uncovered for about 30 to 40 minutes or until the cream thickens. Let the wedges cool for about 15 minutes. 
4. Preheat the broiler. Sprinkle the casserole with cheese and place under the broiler for about 5 minutes or until crispy. Serve and enjoy! 

Proper Storing

Storing Crispy Cabbage Gratin Casserole properly is essential to maintain its flavor, and texture. Here’s a guide on how to store it:

Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, allow the Crispy Cabbage Gratin Casserole to cool to room temperature within two hours of cooking. Once cooled, cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.The casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing:If you want to store the casserole for a longer period, freezing is an option. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Thawing and Reheating: When ready to eat, thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it in the oven for the best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake until the casserole is heated through.