Vegan Baked Cabbage with Cheese and Creamy Sauce

Vegan Baked Cabbage with Cheese and Creamy Sauce – A Flavorful and Wholesome Dish

Introduction
If you’re craving a comforting, plant-based meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious, look no further than this Vegan Baked Cabbage with Cheese and Creamy Sauce. This dish takes a humble vegetable like cabbage and transforms it into a savory, satisfying meal. The cabbage is tenderized through baking and smothered in a rich, creamy vegan sauce, then topped with a melty vegan cheese that will leave you wanting more.

The creamy sauce is made without dairy, and the cheese substitute is entirely plant-based, making this recipe perfect for anyone following a vegan or dairy-free diet. Despite being a plant-based dish, the flavors and textures closely mimic traditional baked cabbage with cheese, allowing you to enjoy the comforting flavors of a classic recipe, but with no animal products involved.

Whether you’re a vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this Vegan Baked Cabbage with Cheese and Creamy Sauce is an excellent choice. It’s perfect as a main dish or a side dish for any meal and is guaranteed to be a hit with both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Vegan Ingredient Substitutions and Tips:
To make this recipe entirely vegan, we’ve swapped out traditional ingredients with plant-based alternatives:

• Vegan cheese: For the cheesy topping, we use a dairy-free, meltable vegan cheese. You can use your favorite vegan cheese, whether it’s a shredded variety or a block that melts well in the oven.
• Creamy sauce: The creamy sauce is made using unsweetened coconut milk or cashew cream, instead of heavy cream or dairy-based alternatives. This ensures the sauce remains rich and smooth while still being fully vegan.
• Butter substitute: Instead of butter, we use vegan butter or olive oil, both of which are delicious alternatives that add richness without any animal products.
• Seasonings: The seasonings in this recipe are all plant-based, offering bold and savory flavors without any non-vegan ingredients.

This vegan twist on a classic cabbage dish is perfect for those seeking a healthier, dairy-free alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.

Nutritional Information (per serving – 1 cup):

• Calories: 220
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 350mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 18g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 5g
• Vitamin A: 8%
• Vitamin C: 60%
• Calcium: 10%
• Iron: 15%

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head of cabbage
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (or cashew cream)
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter (or olive oil)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ cups vegan shredded cheese (e.g., almond or cashew-based cheese)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cabbage and creamy sauce will cook evenly and perfectly once assembled.
2. Prepare the cabbage: Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and cut the head into wedges or large slices. Discard the hard core of the cabbage and set the wedges aside. You can also choose to shred the cabbage if you prefer a finer texture, but large wedges will hold up better during baking.
3. Blanch the cabbage (optional but recommended): If you want the cabbage to be extra tender, blanch it before baking. To do this, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the cabbage wedges and cook for about 3-4 minutes, just until slightly tender. Drain the cabbage and pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
4. Sauté the cabbage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cabbage wedges (or shreds) to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, just enough to slightly caramelize the cabbage and bring out its natural sweetness. This step adds a deeper flavor profile to the dish.
5. Prepare the creamy sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly add the unsweetened coconut milk (or cashew cream) while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook the sauce for 4-5 minutes until it thickens and becomes smooth.
6. Season the sauce: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Nutritional yeast gives the sauce a cheesy flavor, making it an essential ingredient in any vegan cheese sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or nutritional yeast to your liking.
7. Assemble the dish: In a large baking dish, arrange the sautéed cabbage wedges. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the cabbage, ensuring that each wedge is coated in the rich, velvety sauce.
8. Top with vegan cheese: Sprinkle the vegan shredded cheese generously over the top of the cabbage. The cheese will melt and create a luscious, golden layer over the dish while it bakes.
9. Bake the cabbage: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the cabbage is tender. If you like your cheese to be more golden and crispy, you can place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
10. Garnish and serve: Once the dish is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the baked cabbage as a main dish or as a hearty side dish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Vegan Baked Cabbage with Cheese and Creamy Sauce:

1. Customize the cheese sauce: If you prefer a nut-free version, you can substitute the coconut milk with oat milk or soy milk. You can also try adding a tablespoon of vegan cream cheese to the sauce for extra creaminess.
2. Add vegetables: For a more nutritious meal, consider adding additional vegetables to the dish, such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. These can be sautéed and added to the cabbage before baking.
3. Use different vegan cheese types: Feel free to experiment with different varieties of vegan cheese, as they can vary in flavor and meltability. Some brands might be better for melting than others, so it’s important to find one that works well in this recipe.
4. Gluten-free option: If you need this recipe to be gluten-free, you can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch. This will ensure that the sauce thickens just as beautifully without any gluten.
5. Prepping in advance: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the dish a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake and enjoy. This can also be frozen for future meals.
6. Reheating leftovers: Leftovers from this dish reheat wonderfully. Simply store any leftover cabbage in an airtight container and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Why You’ll Love Vegan Baked Cabbage with Cheese and Creamy Sauce:

1. Vibrant and Flavorful: The cabbage, when combined with the creamy sauce and melty cheese, creates a rich, savory dish that’s as comforting as it is satisfying. The smoked paprika adds depth to the flavor, and the nutritional yeast provides that cheesy umami punch.
2. Nutrient-Rich: Cabbage is packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making it a fantastic vegetable for supporting your immune system and digestive health. Paired with the creamy sauce and cheese, it becomes a hearty, wholesome meal.
3. Vegan and Dairy-Free: Whether you follow a vegan diet or have lactose intolerance, this recipe ensures you don’t miss out on creamy, cheesy comfort food. It’s the perfect way to indulge without the dairy.
4. Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe to suit your personal taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Add different herbs and spices, use a variety of plant-based cheeses, or even add other vegetables to create your own version of this delicious dish.
5. Great for Meal Prep: This dish makes for a great make-ahead meal. The flavors only get better as it sits, making it a perfect option for meal prepping for the week ahead. Plus, it’s easy to store and reheat.

Conclusion:
This Vegan Baked Cabbage with Cheese and Creamy Sauce is a must-try recipe that will satisfy your cravings for a rich, savory meal. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it transforms cabbage into a delicious, plant-based dish that’s both comforting and healthy. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion