Edna Mae’s Escalloped Cabbage Recipe

Edna Mae’s Escalloped Cabbage

If you’re seeking a dish that delivers nostalgia, comfort, and indulgent flavor in every forkful, Edna Mae’s Escalloped Cabbage stands as a pillar of classic American home cooking. Beloved by generations and cherished for potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday feasts, this cheesy cabbage casserole is both simple to prepare and astonishingly satisfying.
Let’s explore the origins, ingredients, preparation, and secrets behind this comforting favorite.

Introduction: Why Escalloped Cabbage?

This recipe began as a loving tribute—from Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman—to her husband’s grandmother, Edna Mae. “All things from Edna Mae are generally splendidly delicious,” Ree confides. The escalloped cabbage blends the tender, slightly sweet flavor of parboiled cabbage with an irresistibly creamy cheese sauce, finished with jalapeño and paprika for color and just enough zip.
Whether you serve it as a side to beef brisket or roast chicken, or enjoy it as a main with crusty bread and a salad, it’s the kind of dish that’s always met with enthusiasm.

Ingredients & Substitutions

The power of Edna Mae’s Escalloped Cabbage comes from its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredient list. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 head Cabbage, cut into 6–8 wedges
• 2 Tbsp Butter (plus extra for greasing)
• 2 Tbsp Flour
• 1½ cups Milk
• 1 container Cheez Wiz (or Velveeta, for a variation)
• Salt & Pepper, to taste
• 1 cup Pepper Jack Cheese, grated
• 1 Jalapeño, sliced (seeds removed)
• Paprika, for sprinkling

Possible Ingredient Substitutions

• Instead of Cheez Wiz, use Velveeta Cheese cubed—some cooks prefer its milder flavor and meltability.
• Substitute Cream of Celery or Cream of Mushroom Soup for an even creamier sauce and vegetarian-friendly twist.
• Swap fresh jalapeños for canned diced green chiles or omit entirely for a milder version.
• Milk: Use whole or 2% milk; for extra richness, substitute some half-and-half.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prep the Oven & Baking Dish
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9″ x 9″ baking pan.
2. Parboil the Cabbage Wedges
   Bring a medium pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add cabbage wedges and parboil for 1–2 minutes—just until slightly tender. Drain thoroughly.
   Slice off the hard cores after boiling to prevent wedges from falling apart during cooking.
3. Arrange Cabbage in Pan
   Neatly place drained cabbage wedges into the prepared baking dish. This will form the base of the casserole.
4. Make Cheese Sauce
   In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Sprinkle in flour, whisking constantly.
   Cook until just golden. Gradually add milk in a slow stream, whisking until sauce begins to thicken (about 2 minutes).

5. Add Cheez Wiz & Pepper Jack
   Turn off the heat. Stir in the container of Cheez Wiz (or substitutes) until completely melted and smooth.
   Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the grated pepper jack cheese until the cheese sauce is glossy and rich.
6. Assemble & Top
   Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the cabbage wedges. Top with jalapeño slices (seeds removed for less heat) and a light dusting of paprika for color and hint of flavor.
7. Bake
   Bake in the oven for 20 minutes—until the cheese sauce is bubbly and the top is golden.

8. Rest & Serve
   The dish actually improves if allowed to rest for 20 minutes before serving—it thickens, the flavors meld, and slicing is easier.
   Serve warm as a side, or enjoy a generous square as a comforting main!

Tips for Perfect Escalloped Cabbage

• Parboiling: Keep cabbage slightly firm—overcooking leads to mushy casserole.
• Coring: Remove the core only after boiling. This keeps wedges intact during cooking.
• Casserole Size: A single recipe makes enough cheese sauce that you can use more cabbage if you wish.
• Jalapeños: Remove seeds and membranes for milder heat, or replace with canned green chiles for a different flavor.
• Cheese Sauce: Don’t hesitate to stir and taste for seasoning; the cheese sauce is forgiving and adapts easily to preferences.
• Advance Prep: Make ahead and reheat—the flavors are even better after resting.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Meat Pairings: Beef brisket, roasted chicken, ham, or pork chops—all benefit from the creamy side of this casserole.
• Vegetarian Table: Make with vegetarian soup bases and serve with roasted root vegetables or a hearty salad.
• Potluck & Holidays: Especially fitting for Thanksgiving, Easter, or any gathering where comfort food is welcome.

Background: The Edna Mae Legend

Edna Mae is fondly remembered as Ree Drummond’s husband’s grandmother—a woman whose cooking defined family gatherings and comfort. This escalloped cabbage stands as a testament to classic, no-nonsense cooking that’s “splendidly delicious” and nostalgic.
Ree Drummond calls it “a blast from the past that’s stood the test of time.” The inclusion of Cheez Wiz may surprise or amuse, but it’s essential to the recipe’s iconic, down-home feel—it’s the ingredient that lifts the dish from simple to uniquely crave-worthy.

Why Cheez Wiz? Addressing the Ingredient Debate

Yes, Cheez Wiz is a divisive ingredient. “There’s an ingredient in this casserole that might be offensive to some… but delicious to others,” Ree jokes. While some cooks opt for Velveeta or shredded cheese blends, Cheez Wiz endures for its ultra-creamy texture and easy meltability.
Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it!

Variations & Modern Tweaks

• Make it Spicier: Add extra jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the cheese sauce.
• Add Protein: Stir in crispy bacon bits or cubed ham before baking.
• Use Alternate Sauces: Cream of celery or mushroom soup offers vegetarian and richer alternatives.
• Cheese Choices: Swap pepper jack for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combo for extra flavor.
• Low-Carb Variation: Skip flour or use a gluten-free thickener in the cheese sauce.

Nutritional Highlights & Cabbage Benefits

Cabbage packs plenty of Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. While the cheese sauce makes this recipe an indulgence, it’s a delicious way to enjoy this affordable, nutritious vegetable.
For lighter versions, try reducing the cheese or using lighter dairy options.

Table: Ingredient Alternatives

Common Questions (FAQs)

Pro Tips & Serving Ideas

• If serving as a main, add crusty bread and mixed greens.
• Double the recipe for large gatherings—use a 9″ x 13″ pan and increase cabbage and cheese sauce accordingly.
• For holidays, prep the dish a day in advance and bake before serving.
• Experiment with smoked cheeses for a unique twist.

The Enduring Appeal of Escalloped Cabbage

In an era of trendy side dishes and complicated casseroles, Edna Mae’s Escalloped Cabbage remains a steadfast classic. It’s the kind of dish that never goes out of style—capable of bringing comfort, nostalgia, and flavor to any table.
Whether you’re a longtime cabbage lover or hesitant to try this humble vegetable, the creamy, cheesy transformation here will convert even the most skeptical diner.
Enjoy this blast from the past—a dish that’s stood the test of time and invites every bite to be savored!