Marry Me Melting Cabbage will warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds. This delightful dish blends tender cabbage with creamy flavors, making it a perfect side or main course. Read on to discover how to create this irresistible recipe that everyone will love!
Ingredients List for Marry Me Melting Cabbage
- 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
How To Make Marry Me Melting Cabbage Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for allowing the cabbage to get tender while soaking up all the flavorful ingredients.
Step 2: Cut the Cabbage
Next, cut the cabbage into 8 wedges, keeping the core intact. This will help the wedges hold their shape while cooking.
Step 3: Sear the Cabbage
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 until they start to get a nice golden color.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Reduce the heat and add the butter, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Deglaze the Pan
Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping the bits from the bottom. Then, add the cream cheese and whisk until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasonings (oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using). Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 7: Melt the Cheese
Add the Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and combined, creating a rich sauce that will envelop the cabbage.
Step 8: Bake
Nestle the cabbage wedges in the sauce, cover the skillet, and bake for 45 minutes. This time allows the cabbage to absorb all the delicious flavors.
Step 9: Uncover and Baste
After 45 minutes, uncover the skillet and baste the cabbage with the sauce. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cabbage is completely tender and the sauce is bubbly.
Step 10: Serve
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan to elevate the flavors. Enjoy your Marry Me Melting Cabbage!
Chef’s Notes & Pro Tips About Marry Me Melting Cabbage
- Choose Fresh Cabbage: Look for a bright green, firm head of cabbage to ensure the best flavor and texture.
- Make it Vegetarian: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
- Use Other Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, like Gouda or cheddar, for a unique twist on the traditional flavor.
- Extra Veggies: Add in other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and taste.
Reasons Why You’ll Love Marry Me Melting Cabbage
- Comforting Dish: This recipe is the definition of comfort food, combining creamy sauce and tender cabbage.
- Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward and perfect for beginners or busy cooks.
- Versatile: Serve it as a delightful side or a veggie-forward main dish.
- Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions; it’s sure to impress!
Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Melting Cabbage
Pair Marry Me Melting Cabbage with grilled chicken, roasted fish, or a hearty steak for a complete meal. Serve alongside mashed potatoes or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It also works well with a fresh salad for a light dinner option.
Tips For Success
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Allow your cabbage to caramelize slightly for added flavor.
- Whisk Well: When adding cream cheese, ensure you whisk thoroughly to avoid lumps.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce as you go, and adjust salt and spices according to your preference.
- Leave the Core: Keeping the core intact helps the wedges hold shape and cook evenly.
Flavor Variations
- Add Protein: Include cooked sausage or shredded chicken for a heartier dish.
- Spice It Up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Herbs: Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme just before serving for a fresh pop of flavor.
- Nuts: Toss in chopped nuts like pine nuts for a crunchy texture.
How To Store Marry Me Melting Cabbage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Consider freezing leftover portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in the oven or stovetop with a splash of broth to revive creaminess.
- Avoid Overlapping: If storing more than one layer in a container, place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
- Fresh Garnish: Always add fresh parsley just before serving to maintain its vibrant flavor and color.
FAQs About Marry Me Melting Cabbage
-
Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Yes, you can use savoy or Napa cabbage for a different texture and flavor. -
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, use coconut cream and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a delicious dairy-free option. -
Can I use homemade chicken broth?
Absolutely! Homemade broth gives a depth of flavor that store-bought broth sometimes lacks. -
How do I know when the cabbage is done?
The cabbage should be tender and easily pierced with a fork when it’s finished cooking.
Closing Notes
Marry Me Melting Cabbage is a dish that transforms simple ingredients into something special and heartwarming. The combination of creamy flavors with tender cabbage makes this recipe a must-try for any family dinner or gathering. Take your time with the cooking process to celebrate the flavors, and don’t hesitate to make it your own with variations. Enjoy this cozy dish and the joy it brings to your table!
Marry Me Melting Cabbage
Ingredients
Cabbage and Base Ingredients
- 1 head green cabbage cut into 8 wedges with core intact Look for a bright green, firm head of cabbage.
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup finely diced red onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth Can be substituted with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- 4 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened and cubed Whisk well to avoid lumps.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, julienned
- 1 tsp dried oregano leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme leaves
- ½ tsp dried rosemary leaves
- 1 tsp table salt Adjust according to taste.
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) Increase for more heat.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese More for serving to taste.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish Add just before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 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 until they start to get a nice golden color.
- Reduce the heat and add the butter, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping the bits from the bottom. Add the cream cheese and whisk until smooth.
- Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasonings. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until melted.
Baking
- Nestle the cabbage wedges in the sauce, cover the skillet, and bake for 45 minutes.
- Uncover the skillet, baste the cabbage with the sauce, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until tender and bubbly.
Serving
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan.
