Cabbage and Yukon Gold Potato Casserole: A Heartwarming Winter Delight
Introduction
There’s something comforting about the aroma of fresh sage and melting cheese coming together in a warm, hearty casserole. This Cabbage and Yukon Gold Potato Casserole recipe embraces the rich flavors of winter vegetables, perfect for cozy nights when you crave a dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. The Yukon Gold potatoes provide a creamy texture, while the green cabbage adds a bit of texture and bite, creating a delightful contrast in every bite. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a main course, this casserole is sure to please the whole family. Plus, it’s easy to tweak for any season — try fresh dill in place of sage for a fresh, summery version.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the instructions, here’s a quick look at what you’ll need to make this dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yukon Gold potatoes | 1 |
| Baking potato | 1 ½ |
| Green cabbage | 1 head |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh sage | 1 tablespoon, chopped |
| Dried rubbed sage | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic | 1 clove, minced |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/3 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/3 tablespoons |
| 1% low-fat milk | 2 cups |
| Part-skim mozzarella cheese | ¼ cup, shredded |
| Fresh Parmesan cheese | 2 tablespoons, grated |
| Eggs | 1 |
Nutritional Information
For those keeping track of their health goals, here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (1/6th of the casserole):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230.4 |
| Fat | 7.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 88 mg |
| Sodium | 603.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 30.8 g |
| Fiber | 4.5 g |
| Sugar | 7.9 g |
| Protein | 12.3 g |
Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the casserole cooks evenly and becomes beautifully golden and bubbly by the time it’s done.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
In a large Dutch oven, place the Yukon Gold and baking potatoes. Cover them with water, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat slightly and allow the potatoes to cook for about 6 minutes or until they’re tender but not too soft. Once cooked, remove the potatoes with a slotted spoon, ensuring to reserve the cooking liquid. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and set them aside to cool.
Step 3: Cook the Cabbage
Next, take the cabbage and cut it into quarters. Shred the cabbage finely or into bite-sized pieces. Add the cabbage to the reserved cooking liquid from the potatoes and cook for about 5 minutes until softened but still retaining some bite. Drain the cabbage well and add it to the bowl with the potatoes.
Step 4: Prepare the Flavorful Butter Mixture
In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the fresh sage and garlic. Stir the mixture for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn — it should only be lightly golden.
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
Add the sage-garlic butter mixture to the bowl with the cabbage and potatoes. Stir in the dried rubbed sage, salt, and black pepper. You should have a rich, aromatic base that’s packed with flavor.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 2 ½-quart casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Spoon the potato-cabbage mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. It should form a nice, solid layer at the bottom of the dish.
Step 7: Make the Creamy Milk Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and 1% low-fat milk until smooth. The flour will help thicken the milk and create a creamy sauce. Once smooth, add the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Stir everything together until fully combined.
Step 8: Pour and Bake
Pour the creamy milk mixture over the potato and cabbage mixture in the casserole dish. Do not stir, as the milk will settle and create a creamy layer around the vegetables as it bakes.
Now, place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and the casserole is bubbling. You’ll know it’s done when a golden crust forms on top and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This casserole can be served as a hearty side dish alongside roasted meats or as a main dish paired with a fresh green salad. It’s also a great option for a holiday meal, where it can complement rich meats like turkey, ham, or roast beef.
Tips for Success
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses if you don’t have mozzarella or Parmesan on hand. Cheddar, Gruyère, or Swiss cheese would also work beautifully in this dish.
- Make it Vegetarian: This dish is already vegetarian, but if you want to make it a bit heartier, you can add some sautéed mushrooms or other vegetables to the mix.
- Adjust the Seasoning: The beauty of this recipe is in its flexibility. If you’re not fond of sage, try fresh dill for a lighter, more summery flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Roasted Chicken: This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple roasted chicken or turkey. The creamy, earthy flavors of the potatoes and cabbage complement the savory flavors of the poultry.
- Grilled Steak: For a heartier meal, serve this casserole alongside a grilled steak or pork chop.
- Light Salad: If you’re looking to keep it on the lighter side, pair this dish with a fresh, crisp salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness.
Conclusion
This Cabbage and Yukon Gold Potato Casserole is an absolute winner for any season, offering a hearty, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Whether you’re celebrating the cold months or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this casserole is the kind of dish that brings family and friends together. With its balance of textures and savory flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire!
By following these simple steps and using basic ingredients, you’ll be able to create a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Give this Cabbage and Yukon Gold Potato Casserole a try next time you’re looking for something warm, cozy, and satisfying!
