This Baked Cabbage and Potato Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish filled with the flavors of cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and cheddar cheese. With a crunchy exterior and a tender, cheesy interior, it’s the perfect side dish or vegetarian main course. The combination of garlic, dill, and parsley adds a fresh, fragrant flavor that complements the richness of the cheese and eggs.
Preparation, Cooking, and Total Times:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Cuisine: Comfort food, Vegetarian
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 1 cabbage, shredded as thinly as possible
- 3 medium potatoes, grated
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, grated
- Dill and parsley, chopped
- 5-6 garlic cloves, minced
- 4-5 eggs
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 tbsp salt
- Olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 125g (5oz) cheddar cheese, grated
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Shred the cabbage as thinly as possible to ensure it cooks evenly and mixes well with the other ingredients.
- Peel and grate the potatoes and carrots. You can use a box grater or a food processor for faster preparation.
- Finely chop the red onion and mince the garlic cloves to release their aromatic flavors.
- Chop the dill and parsley finely for a fresh burst of flavor.
2. Mix the Casserole Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated potatoes, grated carrots, chopped red onion, minced garlic, and chopped dill and parsley.
- Crack the eggs into the mixture and mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Add 2 cups of flour and 1 tablespoon of salt, mixing until everything is evenly coated. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Fold in the grated cheddar cheese, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. A medium-sized dish (about 9×13 inches) should work well for this recipe.
- Distribute the vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, pressing it down slightly to ensure it’s compact.
4. Bake the Casserole:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set.
- After 40 minutes, sprinkle extra cheese on top and return the casserole to the oven. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and golden brown.
5. Serve:
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This will allow the casserole to set and make it easier to cut into portions.
- Serve the casserole hot, and enjoy this delicious, hearty meal!
Serving Suggestions:
-
With a Side Salad:
Pair this casserole with a green salad topped with a tangy vinaigrette for a well-balanced meal. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the casserole. -
As a Side Dish:
Serve this casserole as a side dish to accompany grilled meats, roast chicken, or seared fish for a complete meal. -
With Sour Cream:
Top the casserole with a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess and tang, balancing the flavors of the baked vegetables and cheese. -
As a Main Course:
This casserole is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own as a vegetarian main course, especially when paired with some crusty bread or garlic bread.
Cooking Tips:
-
Grate the Vegetables Finely:
Grating the vegetables as finely as possible will ensure that they cook evenly and blend better with the other ingredients. This will also prevent large chunks in the casserole. -
Use Fresh Herbs:
Using fresh dill and parsley will give the casserole a bright, herby flavor. You can substitute with dried herbs if fresh ones are unavailable, but fresh herbs work best. -
Adjust the Cheese:
You can use mozzarella, Gruyère, or any other cheese that melts well if you prefer a different flavor. A mix of cheeses can add complexity to the flavor. -
Add More Veggies:
Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or broccoli to increase the nutrition and variety in the dish. -
Make It Vegan:
To make this casserole vegan, replace the eggs with a mixture of flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based cheese and non-dairy milk.
Variations to Try:
-
With Mushrooms:
Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor that complements the cabbage and potatoes. Mushrooms also add extra texture to the casserole. -
Spicy Version:
Add chili flakes or jalapeños to the mixture to give the casserole a spicy kick. -
Potato-Free Version:
If you want to reduce carbs, you can leave out the potatoes and add more cabbage or another vegetable like cauliflower. -
Bacon or Sausage Add-In:
For a non-vegetarian option, add crispy bacon bits or chopped sausage to the mixture for extra flavor and protein. -
With Sweet Potatoes:
Replace the regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor and additional nutrients, including more vitamins and antioxidants.
Conclusion:
This Baked Cabbage and Potato Casserole is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. The combination of crispy vegetables, gooey cheese, and fresh herbs makes it a flavorful and satisfying dish. Whether served as a side, a vegetarian main course, or a hearty brunch dish, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make and packed with healthy ingredients, making it both delicious and nutritious!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
-
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it for about 20-30 minutes before serving, or until heated through. -
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly. -
Can I use other vegetables?
Yes, you can use vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or zucchini in place of or in addition to the cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. -
Can I add more cheese to the casserole?
Yes, feel free to add more cheese if you love a cheesy dish! You can add extra cheese to the top or mix it into the casserole. -
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with fresh salad, garlic bread, or a hearty soup for a complete meal. -
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. -
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or omit it entirely for a lower-carb version. -
How can I make the casserole spicier?
Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the mixture to bring some heat to the dish. You can also add jalapeños or cayenne pepper. -
Can I make this casserole in individual portions?
Yes, you can divide the casserole mixture into individual muffin tins or ramekins and bake them for about 20-25 minutes. -
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can use mozzarella, Gruyère, or feta instead of cheddar for a different flavor profile.