- Core the Cabbage
Use a sharp knife to carefully cut out the core of the cabbage. This helps loosen the leaves for easy peeling. - Blanch the Leaves
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Submerge the entire cabbage head and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until the outer leaves soften and peel away easily.- Remove each softened leaf using tongs and place it on a towel to drain.
- Repeat until you’ve collected 10–12 large, intact leaves.
- Trim the Leaves
Lay each leaf flat and trim the thick vein at the base for easier rolling. Do not cut through the leaf entirely—just shave off the thickness.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, pork, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, and seasonings. Mix with your hands until everything is well blended, but don’t overwork the mixture. - Test for Seasoning
Take a small piece of the mixture, form a patty, and cook it in a skillet. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Stuff the Leaves
Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Place 2–3 tablespoons of the meat mixture near the base. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly from the base to the tip.- Repeat with all leaves and filling.
- Layer the Rolls
In a large casserole dish or Dutch oven, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a single layer. Add a second layer if needed, but keep them snug.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan. Sauté the onion and garlic until translucent. - Simmer the Sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, sugar, herbs, and bay leaf. Stir and let simmer for 15–20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Bake the Cabbage Rolls
- Combine Rolls and Sauce
Pour the tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they’re well-coated. Cover the dish tightly with foil or a lid. - Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 1.5–2 hours.- Check halfway through to ensure the sauce isn’t drying out. Add a splash of broth if needed.
- Rest
Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
- Plate the rolls with a generous ladle of sauce. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve with a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
- Pair with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Cheesy Bacon and Sausage Breakfast Bake Recipe: A Morning Delight
A cheesy bacon and sausage breakfast bake is the ultimate way to start your day. With layers of fluffy eggs, savory sausage, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, this dish will become a family favorite
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 6 slices of bread (preferably day-old, cubed)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Filling:
- 1/2 lb (225 g) breakfast sausage, crumbled and cooked
- 6 strips of bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Base
- Cube the Bread
Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. - Whisk the Eggs
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Add the Fillings
- Layer the Sausage and Bacon
Scatter the cooked sausage and bacon over the bread cubes. - Add Cheese and Onions
Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly, followed by green onions for a touch of freshness.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the Egg Mixture
Pour the egg mixture over the layers in the baking dish. Press gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid. - Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden. - Cool and Serve
Let the bake cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, meaty goodness.
Tips for Both Recipes
- Both dishes can be prepared ahead of time. Refrigerate overnight and bake fresh for the best results.
- Double the sauce for cabbage rolls if you love extra saucy dishes.
- For the breakfast bake, customize with vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
By following these step-by-step guides, you’ll create unforgettable meals that bring comfort and joy to your table. Let your kitchen be a space of culinary adventure!