The Scalloped Cabbage Bake is a low-carb twist on the traditional scalloped potatoes, offering all the indulgent creaminess with none of the guilt. This dish is layered with buttery cabbage, a rich sour cream-mayo blend, and topped with melted cheddar and parmesan for that irresistible golden crust. It’s the perfect side to accompany any keto-friendly main, but it’s hearty enough to shine as a standalone meal. Whether you’re looking to add variety to your weekly meal prep or need a comforting bake for a family gathering, this cheesy cabbage casserole checks all the boxes for flavor, texture, and simplicity.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
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2 tablespoons butter
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1/2 cup chopped onion
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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3/4 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup crushed pork rinds (or keto-friendly breadcrumbs)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add chopped cabbage and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender. Drain well.
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In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft, about 4-5 minutes.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in sautéed onions and half of the cheddar cheese.
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Add the drained cabbage to the bowl and mix until well coated.
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Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and crushed pork rinds.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
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Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Guide to Scalloped Cabbage Bake: A Keto-Friendly Comfort Classic
Scalloped Cabbage Bake is one of those hidden gems in the world of low-carb, keto-friendly dishes. While cabbage might not usually be considered glamorous or indulgent, this dish transforms the humble vegetable into a rich, creamy, and cheesy masterpiece that competes with any traditional comfort food. If you’re looking to mix up your weekly meal prep or searching for a satisfying side dish to serve with your next dinner, this recipe deserves a top spot in your rotation.
Why Cabbage Deserves More Love
Cabbage often gets overlooked in favor of more popular vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, or zucchini when it comes to keto recipes. However, it has a lot to offer both nutritionally and culinarily. It’s incredibly affordable, easy to find year-round, and holds up well during cooking.
In this scalloped bake, cabbage becomes the star. Once parboiled and baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce, it softens just enough to become tender while still holding its shape, creating the perfect balance between texture and melt-in-your-mouth satisfaction. Combined with savory ingredients like onions, garlic powder, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, the flavor profile becomes rich and comforting, proving that cabbage can indeed be decadent.
A Low-Carb Alternative to Traditional Scalloped Dishes
Scalloped potatoes are a beloved dish in many households, but they’re notoriously high in carbs and not keto-friendly. This version replaces the starchy potatoes with cabbage, slashing the carbs without sacrificing any of the comfort. The result is a cheesy, creamy casserole that feels indulgent without breaking your carb budget.
Each serving of Scalloped Cabbage Bake comes in at around 310 kcal, making it ideal for those who are counting calories as well as carbs. It’s high in fats thanks to the mayonnaise, sour cream, and cheese, which aligns perfectly with the keto diet’s macronutrient goals.
The Role of Dairy in the Recipe
Dairy plays a crucial role in this dish, contributing to both flavor and texture. Sour cream and mayonnaise form the base of the sauce, offering tanginess and creaminess. Sharp cheddar cheese brings bold flavor and a melty, gooey texture, while Parmesan adds a salty, umami-rich crust when baked. These dairy components don’t just make the dish delicious they also provide essential fats for those following a ketogenic lifestyle.
Additionally, the use of crushed pork rinds or keto breadcrumbs on top mimics the breadcrumb topping you might find in a traditional gratin. It gives the dish a pleasant crunch and visual appeal, making it even more inviting.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
Scalloped Cabbage Bake is ideal for meal prep. You can assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. In fact, many people find the flavor even better after the ingredients have had time to meld together in the fridge overnight.
Once baked, the casserole stores well in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm it in the oven at 325°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions as needed.
It also freezes surprisingly well. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before storing in an airtight, freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best results.
Ideal Pairings and Serving Suggestions
This casserole is versatile enough to be served as a side or main course. Here are some delicious pairings and ideas:
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Main Course Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken thighs, baked salmon, or pan-seared steak for a well-rounded keto dinner.
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As a Vegetarian Meal: While the original version includes pork rind topping, you can substitute it with almond flour mixed with butter for a vegetarian-friendly version.
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Holiday Side Dish: Scalloped Cabbage Bake fits right in on a holiday spread—Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. It complements roasted meats and other hearty dishes beautifully.
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Brunch Option: Add a few chopped hard-boiled eggs or even cooked bacon for a satisfying brunch bake that’s a crowd-pleaser.
Nutritional Benefits of Cabbage
Let’s not overlook the health benefits that cabbage brings to the table:
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Low in Carbs: With just about 2 grams of net carbs per 100 grams, cabbage is a keto superfood.
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High in Fiber: Promotes gut health and helps with satiety.
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Rich in Vitamins: Especially Vitamin K and Vitamin C, both of which are crucial for immune health and bone function.
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Antioxidant Properties: Cabbage contains compounds like sulforaphane and anthocyanins (in red varieties) that have been studied for their anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer potential.
By including cabbage in your keto diet, you’re not only sticking to your low-carb goals—you’re also giving your body a solid nutritional boost.
How to Customize the Dish
What’s great about this scalloped cabbage bake is its flexibility. Here are a few ways to tweak it:
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Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
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Make it meaty: Stir in crumbled cooked sausage or diced ham for added protein.
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Different cheeses: Experiment with Gruyère, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for unique flavor profiles.
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Add greens: Mix in chopped spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
These adaptations allow you to make the dish your own without compromising the keto integrity.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
Scalloped Cabbage Bake works because it hits all the right notes creamy, savory, cheesy, and just a bit crispy on top. It’s simple enough for weeknight cooking, yet indulgent enough to serve at a dinner party or holiday meal.
It also caters to multiple dietary preferences:
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Keto and Low-Carb: With its high fat and low carb profile, it’s ideal for ketogenic eating.
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Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free when using keto breadcrumbs or pork rinds.
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Grain-Free: A perfect fit for those avoiding grains entirely.
With just a few core ingredients and minimal prep, it delivers maximum satisfaction.
Conclusion:
Scalloped Cabbage Bake is more than just a low-carb alternative it’s a celebration of comfort food done right. It proves that you don’t need potatoes or pasta to create a rich, indulgent casserole. Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned low-carb eater, this dish offers a delicious way to stay on track without feeling like you’re missing out.
Its versatility, make-ahead convenience, and crowd-pleasing flavor make it a must-have in your culinary toolkit. From weeknight meals to holiday dinners, Scalloped Cabbage Bake is destined to become a staple on your table.