Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Scalloped Potato Bake with Cabbage and Smoked Sausage?
It is a comforting one-dish meal featuring layers of tender potatoes, sweet cabbage, and savory smoked sausage in a rich, creamy sauce.
What are the key ingredients in this dish?
The main ingredients include margarine, flour, milk, potatoes, sweet onion, cabbage, kielbasa or smoked sausage, and shredded cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving of this potato bake contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 17 grams of fat in each serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 15 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 47 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of potatoes should be used?
The recipe calls for 4 medium potatoes, sliced thin.
How should the cabbage be prepared?
The cabbage should be sliced about 1/2 inch thick.
What kind of sausage is suitable for this recipe?
You can use either kielbasa or any variety of smoked sausage, sliced thinly.
How much milk is required for the sauce?
You will need 2 1/4 cups of milk, either whole or 2%.
What is the purpose of the flour in the recipe?
The flour is whisked with melted margarine to create a roux that helps the sauce thicken while baking.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) for the initial baking phase.
How long does the bake need to be covered with foil?
The dish should be covered tightly with aluminum foil and baked for approximately 1 hour.
Why is the oven temperature increased at the end?
The temperature is increased to 400°F (200°C) for the final 15 minutes to melt the cheese and make it slightly golden.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, butter can be used as a direct substitute for the 1/3 cup of margarine.
What size baking dish is needed?
A 13x9-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How should the layers be organized?
Layer half the potatoes, cabbage, onions, and sausage, then repeat the process, finishing with a top layer of potatoes and cheese.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
Shredded cheddar cheese is used to top the dish.
How much cheddar cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Is the sauce thickened before pouring it over the potatoes?
No, the sauce does not need to thicken on the stove; it will thicken naturally as it bakes in the oven.
What type of onion is best for this bake?
A medium sweet onion, sliced thin, is recommended for the best flavor profile.
How do I know when the potatoes are cooked?
The potatoes are done when they are fork-tender after the initial hour of baking.
Can I use the broiler for the final step?
Yes, instead of baking at 400°F, you can place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes to brown the cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for making ahead?
Yes, this is a great make-ahead meal that you can prepare and keep ready to pop into the oven.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as comfort food and a one-dish meal.
What are some of the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include comfort food, scalloped potatoes, cabbage, smoked sausage, one dish meal, easy dinner, and make ahead.
How do I grease the baking dish?
You can grease the dish lightly using the margarine wrapper or a small amount of oil.
What seasonings are used in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How thick should the cabbage slices be?
The cabbage should be sliced approximately 1/2 inch thick to ensure it cooks properly within the layers.