Southern Comfort Cabbage Delight
Indulge in a heartwarming bowl of Southern Comfort Cabbage Delight, a rich and creamy casserole that embodies the essence of Southern cooking. Inspired by the beloved Dillard House, this dish features tender cabbage blended with a savory homemade white sauce and layered with gooey cheddar cheese. It’s topped with crispy buttered breadcrumbs for an irresistible crunch. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, this casserole is sure to warm hearts and please palates. Serve it hot alongside your favorite Southern sides for a truly comforting meal.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cabbage
1 large head (Shredded)
Salt
1 teaspoon (For boiling water and to taste)
Margarine
4 tablespoons (Melted (for white sauce) + 1 cup (for breadcrumb topping))
All-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (For white sauce)
Milk
1 quart (Whole or your preferred type)
Cheddar cheese
2 cups (Grated)
Buttered bread crumbs
1 1/2 cups (Fresh or store-bought, buttered)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the basic white sauce: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of margarine over medium heat.
2
Once melted, add 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, stirring continuously to form a roux. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3
Gradually whisk in 1 quart of milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
4
Prepare the cabbage: Shred the large head of cabbage using a large kitchen knife. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon of salt.
5
Add the shredded cabbage to the boiling water and cook for 5–8 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Be careful not to overcook.
6
Once cooked, drain the cabbage thoroughly to remove excess water.
7
In a greased 2-quart casserole dish, layer the ingredients: Start with half of the shredded cabbage, followed by enough white sauce to cover it. Add the remaining cabbage, then pour the rest of the white sauce over the top.
8
Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the sauce layer. Finally, add the buttered breadcrumbs on top of everything.
9
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the assembled casserole for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and the top is slightly golden.
10
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Southern Comfort Cabbage Delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Comfort Cabbage Delight?
It is a rich and creamy Southern-style cabbage casserole inspired by the Dillard House, featuring white sauce, cheddar cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping.
What are the main ingredients for this cabbage casserole?
The main ingredients include a large head of cabbage, margarine, all-purpose flour, milk, cheddar cheese, and buttered breadcrumbs.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
How long do I need to bake the casserole?
Bake the assembled casserole for 15 to 20 minutes until it is bubbly and the top is slightly golden.
How do I prepare the cabbage?
Shred a large head of cabbage with a kitchen knife and boil it in salted water for 5 to 8 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
What is the base of the white sauce?
The white sauce is made from a roux of 4 tablespoons of margarine and 3 tablespoons of flour, with 1 quart of milk whisked in until thickened.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute margarine with butter for both the white sauce and the breadcrumb topping.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese for a sharp, savory flavor.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this Southern Comfort Cabbage Delight is a vegetarian dish.
What size casserole dish is required?
A greased 2-quart casserole dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
How much milk is needed for the white sauce?
You will need 1 quart of milk, which can be whole milk or your preferred type.
How do I avoid overcooking the cabbage?
Boil the shredded cabbage for only 5 to 8 minutes; it should remain slightly crisp before being added to the casserole.
What provides the crunch on top of the casserole?
A layer of 1 1/2 cups of buttered breadcrumbs provides an irresistible crunchy topping.
How do I layer the casserole?
Start with half the cabbage, cover with some white sauce, add the remaining cabbage, the rest of the sauce, then the cheese and breadcrumbs.
Should I drain the cabbage after boiling?
Yes, it is essential to drain the cabbage thoroughly to remove excess water before layering it in the dish.
Is the white sauce seasoned?
Yes, you should season the white sauce with salt and pepper to taste while preparing the roux.
What is the inspiration behind this dish?
This recipe is inspired by the traditional Southern cooking style found at the famous Dillard House.
Can I make the breadcrumbs at home?
Yes, you can use fresh or store-bought breadcrumbs and mix them with melted margarine for the topping.
What is the first step in making the white sauce?
The first step is melting 4 tablespoons of margarine in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
How much flour is needed for the roux?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to form the roux for the white sauce.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cheddar is recommended for its classic flavor, you could experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby.
Does this dish contain many calories?
The specific nutritional data for calories is not provided, but it is a rich dish containing margarine, milk, and cheese.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, this is a savory dish and does not list any sugar in its ingredients.
What are some common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include cabbage, casserole, southern cuisine, comfort food, and vegetarian.
How do I know when the white sauce is ready?
The sauce is ready once you have whisked in the milk and the mixture has thickened.
Should the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, let the casserole cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to help it set.
How much margarine is used for the breadcrumbs?
The ingredient list suggests 1 cup of margarine for the breadcrumb topping.
Is salt added to the boiling water for the cabbage?
Yes, add 1 teaspoon of salt to the pot of boiling water before adding the cabbage.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under 'Cheese' and 'Southern Cuisine'.