1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the sliced cabbage, smoked paprika, and thyme. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is wilted and slightly caramelized.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
- In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and Dijon mustard. Heat over medium heat until just warmed, but do not boil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spread half of the cabbage mixture over the potatoes.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes and cabbage, forming even layers.
- Pour the warmed cream mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top. If you like, add a layer of breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
4. Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
5. Serve and Garnish:
- Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to set.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for Perfection
- Potato Thickness: For even cooking, make sure the potato slices are uniform in thickness. A mandoline slicer can be very helpful.
- Cheese Choice: Gruyère adds a nutty flavor, while sharp cheddar provides a stronger taste. Feel free to mix cheeses for a more complex flavor.
- Cream Mixture: Be careful not to overheat the cream and milk. Warm it gently to ensure it melds well with the casserole without curdling.
Conclusion
This Baked Cabbage and Potato Casserole is a satisfying dish that brings out the best in simple ingredients. The tender potatoes, sweet caramelized cabbage, and rich, cheesy topping make this casserole a comfort food classic. It’s perfect as a vegetarian main dish or as a hearty side that complements a variety of meals. Enjoy this warming, delicious dish any time you need a little extra comfort on your plate.
Feel free to personalize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or even incorporating other vegetables like carrots or leeks. Happy cooking!