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Marry Me Melting Cabbage Recipe

4.6 from 87 reviews

Marry Me Melting Cabbage is a luscious baked cabbage dish where wedges of green cabbage are seared to golden perfection, then baked in a rich, creamy sauce made with cream cheese, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this elegant but simple recipe transforms humble cabbage into a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth side or main dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 head (900-1100 g) green cabbage, cut into 8 wedges with core intact

Cooking Fats

  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) olive oil
  • 2 tbsps (28 g) butter

Aromatics & Vegetables

  • ½ cup (75 g) finely diced red onion
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Dairy

  • 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 4 oz. (113 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream

Add-ins & Seasonings

  • 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

Cheeses & Garnishes

  • ½ cup (45 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
  • Extra Parmesan for serving, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the cabbage.
  2. Prepare the cabbage wedges: Cut the green cabbage head into 8 wedges, keeping the core intact on each wedge for structural integrity during cooking.
  3. Sear the cabbage: Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch oven-safe cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each cabbage wedge for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown, working in batches if necessary. Transfer the seared wedges to a plate and season them with salt and pepper.
  4. Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium; add the butter to the skillet, then cook the finely diced red onion for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Deglaze the pan: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate into the sauce.
  6. Incorporate cream cheese: Add the softened, cubed cream cheese to the skillet and whisk continuously until it melts and forms a smooth sauce.
  7. Add remaining ingredients: Stir in heavy cream, julienned sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, additional salt and pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly thicken, then remove from heat.
  8. Melt Parmesan: Stir grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until fully melted and well combined.
  9. Bake the cabbage: Return the seasoned cabbage wedges to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and infused with the creamy sauce.
  10. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven; sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and add extra Parmesan cheese to taste. Serve warm for a comforting, flavorful dish.

Notes

  • Keep the core intact on each cabbage wedge to help them hold their shape during cooking.
  • Using an oven-safe cast iron skillet is essential for searing on the stovetop and finishing the dish in the oven.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated burst of flavor; be sure to julienne them for even distribution.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit for a milder dish.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.

Keywords: baked cabbage, creamy cabbage recipe, Marry Me Melting Cabbage, cream cheese cabbage, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cabbage, easy side dish