Nothing says love quite like indulging in a delicious home-cooked meal, and Marry Me Melting Cabbage is the perfect embodiment of that sentiment. This enchanting dish features tender cabbage wedges enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce that hits all the right notes. Ideal for impressing family or friends, the combination of ingredients creates a flavor explosion that is comforting, elegant, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or a cozy gathering, Marry Me Melting Cabbage will undoubtedly steal the spotlight on your dinner table.
The beauty of this dish lies not only in its delightful flavors but also in its simplicity. Its straightforward preparation means that even those new to cooking can pull it off without a hitch. You’ll be surprised at how easily you can transform basic cabbage into a culinary masterpiece that pleases both the palate and the eye. With savory notes from garlic and herbs, along with the indulgent creaminess of cream cheese and heavy cream, this dish will also leave your guests raving long after the meal has ended.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Melting Cabbage
If you’re looking for a show-stopping side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses, look no further than Marry Me Melting Cabbage. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Flavorful and Decadent: The rich combination of cream, garlic, and herbs harmonizes beautifully with the sweetness of the cabbage.
- Impressive Presentation: Arranging the cabbage wedges in a skillet drizzled with a creamy sauce makes for a striking visual appeal that’s sure to impress.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe requires minimal culinary expertise, but the results feel gourmet.
- Versatile: Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or any family meal, it complements countless main dishes.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: An excellent choice for plant-based eaters, this dish does not compromise on flavor or satisfaction.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you embark on creating the scrumptious Marry Me Melting Cabbage, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather all the tools needed for success. Start by clearing your workspace and ensuring that you have all your ingredients at hand so that you can proceed smoothly.
For this recipe, you will need a solid cutting board and a chef’s knife to cut the cabbage into wedges. A 12-inch cast-iron skillet is ideal for this dish as it can go from stove to oven seamlessly, allowing you to sear the cabbage and bake it all in one pan. You also want to have a whisk handy to ensure that your sauce turns out perfectly creamy, and measuring spoons and cups will help you accurately portion out your ingredients.
Ingredients
Gathering fresh and quality ingredients is key to achieving the best flavor in your Marry Me Melting Cabbage. Here’s what you will need:
- 1 head (900-1100 g) green cabbage cut into 8 wedges with core intact
- 3 tbsps (45 ml) olive oil
- 2 tbsps (28 g) butter
- ½ cup (75 g) finely diced red onion
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 oz. (113 g) full-fat cream cheese softened and cubed
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (60 g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil julienned
- 1 tsp (1 g) dried oregano leaves
- 1 tsp (1 g) dried thyme leaves
- ½ tsp (0.5 g) dried rosemary leaves
- 1 tsp (6 g) table salt
- ½ tsp (1 g) black pepper
- 1 tsp (1 g) red pepper flakes optional
- ½ cup (45 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Extra Parmesan for serving to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This crucial first step ensures that your melting cabbage cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare the Cabbage Wedges
Next, cut the cabbage into 8 wedges, making sure to keep the core intact on each piece. This will help the wedges hold their shape during cooking. Set the wedges aside as you prepare to sear them.
Step 3: Sear the Cabbage
Heat the olive oil in a large 12-inch oven-safe cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the cabbage wedges into the skillet. Sear them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color. You may work in batches if your skillet is not large enough. Once browned, transfer the seared wedges to a plate and season them with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Cook the Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the butter and allow it to melt. Toss in the finely diced red onion, cooking for about 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes softened. Then, add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until it becomes aromatic.
Step 5: Deglaze and Create the Sauce
Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze the pan, scraping up any yummy browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step adds immense flavor to your sauce. Now, add the cream cheese to the pan and whisk it in until it’s melted and smooth.
Step 6: Incorporate Cream & Seasonings
Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, thyme, rosemary, more salt and pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, letting it thicken slightly. After this, remove it from heat.
Step 7: Melt the Parmesan
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until it’s fully melted and well combined with the cream mixture.
Step 8: Bake the Cabbage
Carefully nestle the seared cabbage wedges back into the skillet, spooning some of the delicious sauce over the top of each wedge. Cover the skillet with foil or a lid and bake for 45 minutes. This slow cooking will allow the cabbage to absorb all the creamy goodness.
Step 9: Uncover & Baste
After 45 minutes, remove the lid or foil, carefully baste the cabbage with the sauce, and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cabbage is fork-tender and beautifully caramelized.
Step 10: Serve
Let the cabbage rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese to taste.
Variations
- Protein: Add cooked sausage, chicken, or bacon pieces for a heartier dish.
- Vegetables: Incorporate other veggies such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with different herbs like basil or parsley, or add nutmeg for a unique taste.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure to cut the cabbage uniformly for even cooking.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with low-fat milk.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside roasted meats or grilled fish for a balanced meal.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad for a refreshing contrast.
Tips
- If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can pre-cook the cabbage and then reheat it in the oven just before serving.
- Using fresh herbs rather than dried can elevate the flavor profile significantly.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 8 grams
- Sodium: 500 mg
FAQs
Can I make Marry Me Melting Cabbage ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, just bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to account for the chill.
What type of cabbage is best for this recipe?
Green cabbage works best due to its sturdiness, but you can also use Savoy cabbage for a slightly sweeter flavor and different texture.
Can I omit the cream cheese?
Sure! You can replace it with more heavy cream or a non-dairy cream cheese alternative if you want to keep it dairy-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Marry Me Melting Cabbage is more than just a dish; it’s an experience—a delightful blend of flavors and textures that is sure to win your heart and impress anyone who shares the table with you. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe brings joy, flavor, and love into your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to try variations and make it your own! We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments and let us know how your Marry Me Melting Cabbage turned out. Enjoy every savory bite!
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Marry Me Melting Cabbage
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Marry Me Melting Cabbage is more than just a dish; it’s an experience—a delightful blend of flavors and textures!
Ingredients
- 1 head (900-1100 g) green cabbage cut into 8 wedges with core intact
- 3 tbsps (45 ml) olive oil
- 2 tbsps (28 g) butter
- ½ cup (75 g) finely diced red onion
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 oz. (113 g) full-fat cream cheese softened and cubed
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (60 g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil julienned
- 1 tsp (1 g) dried oregano leaves
- 1 tsp (1 g) dried thyme leaves
- ½ tsp (0.5 g) dried rosemary leaves
- 1 tsp (6 g) table salt
- ½ tsp (1 g) black pepper
- 1 tsp (1 g) red pepper flakes optional
- ½ cup (45 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Extra Parmesan for serving to taste
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Next, cut the cabbage into 8 wedges, keeping the core intact.
- Heat the olive oil in a large 12-inch oven-safe cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the cabbage wedges for about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
- Reduce the heat and add the butter, onion, and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, add cream cheese, and whisk until smooth.
- Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasonings. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted.
- Nestle cabbage wedges in the sauce, cover, and bake for 45 minutes.
- Uncover, baste with the sauce, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving, garnished with parsley and additional Parmesan.
Notes
Ensure to cut the cabbage uniformly for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Protein: 8 g