Escalloped Cabbage

Ingredients

• 1 medium head Green Cabbage (Approximately 1.5-2 pounds, yielding about 4-5 cups once boiled and cut.)
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (For greasing the baking dish.)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Or to taste.)
• 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground, or to taste.)
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (For the white sauce.)
• 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (For the white sauce.)
• 1 cup Whole Milk (For the white sauce.)
• 0.125 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (Optional, for the white sauce.)
• 0.5 cup Plain Breadcrumbs (Panko or homemade breadcrumbs work well.)
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Melted, for the buttered crumbs.)

Instructions

1. 1Remove any tough outer leaves from the cabbage. Cut the cabbage into quarters, remove the core, and then cut the cabbage pieces into roughly 1-inch squares or wedges. Place the cut cabbage in a large pot of lightly salted boiling water. Boil for 8-10 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender-crisp. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. 2Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish (approximately 8x8 inch or 2-quart capacity) with 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
3. 3In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, cooking out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of whole milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to whisk and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper, and optionally 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Remove from heat.
4. 4Place the drained, boiled cabbage into the buttered baking dish. Sprinkle the cabbage with an additional 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. Pour the prepared white sauce evenly over the cabbage. Gently lift the cabbage with a fork or spatula to ensure it is well mixed and coated with the sauce.
5. 5In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of plain breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the buttered crumbs over the cabbage and sauce in the baking dish, forming an even layer.
6. 6Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the buttered crumbs are golden brown and crisp. Serve hot.