French Onion Cabbage Gratin: The Ultimate Side Dish for Ham Recipes
French Onion Cabbage Gratin
When you think of a traditional ham dinner, the first thing that likely comes to mind is the rich, savory flavor of the ham, paired with sides that bring a balance of texture, taste, and color. One such side dish that elevates any ham dinner is the French Onion Cabbage Gratin. This recipe combines the comforting flavors of caramelized onions and tender cabbage, all baked together with a creamy, cheesy topping that is simply irresistible.
Whether you’re preparing for a special holiday meal or just looking for a delicious and hearty side to serve on a weeknight, French Onion Cabbage Gratin is the perfect choice. It’s an excellent companion for ham dishes for dinner and works beautifully with Easter sides with ham or Christmas sides with ham. In this blog post, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of making this delicious gratin, optimizing the recipe with key ingredients and keywords like cheap dinners for a family, what to serve with ham, and more.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
Preparation Time:
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 45 minutes
- Total: 1 hour
Servings:
- 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Learn More: Roasted Asparagus with Lemon
Step-by-Step Recipe:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cabbage
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Begin by preparing your cabbage. Remove any tough outer leaves and chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. It’s best to cut it into pieces that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally. The goal is to caramelize the onions, which should take about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent them from burning and to ensure they cook evenly. As the onions cook, they’ll turn a rich golden brown and develop a sweet, savory flavor that will complement the cabbage.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Add the Cabbage
Once the onions have caramelized, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the chopped cabbage to the pan, stirring to combine everything. Let the cabbage cook for about 5-7 minutes, just until it begins to soften. The cabbage should still have some bite to it and not be fully wilted. This step is key in creating the perfect balance of textures in your French onion cabbage gratin.
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
In a separate saucepan, combine the heavy cream and whole milk. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, but do not let it boil. Once heated, remove from the heat and stir in the shredded Gruyère cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme leaves.
Step 5: Combine the Cabbage and Onion Mixture with the Cream Sauce
Once the cabbage and onions are sautéed, transfer them into a baking dish. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the cabbage mixture, ensuring everything is coated evenly. Stir gently to combine.
Step 6: Add the Topping and Bake
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter to create a golden, crunchy topping. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the cabbage gratin. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy, and the sauce is bubbling. The gratin should be slightly set but still creamy on the inside.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the gratin is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Your French onion cabbage gratin is now ready to serve!
Why French Onion Cabbage Gratin Is the Perfect Side for Ham
Cabbage is often an underrated vegetable, but when cooked with caramelized onions, cream, and cheese, it becomes an indulgent side dish that complements rich meats like ham perfectly. The sweetness of the caramelized onions balances the savory depth of the cabbage, while the creamy sauce and crispy topping provide textural contrast.
Whether you’re wondering what goes with ham for your holiday feast or looking for an easy side to serve with ham, French onion cabbage gratin is a delicious choice. It adds both flavor and elegance to your meal, and its creamy texture pairs beautifully with ham dishes for dinner. It’s also a fantastic option for Easter sides with ham or Christmas sides with ham, offering a comforting, rich flavor profile that can be enjoyed by the entire family.
Perfect for Family Dinners: Cheap, Delicious, and Hearty
French onion cabbage gratin is also a great option for cheap dinners for a family. The ingredients are simple, budget-friendly, and widely available. Cabbage, butter, onions, and cheese are inexpensive ingredients that come together to create a meal that feels rich and indulgent. Plus, this recipe makes 6 servings, which is perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering.
If you are planning a dinner with ham recipes for dinner, this gratin can serve as a perfect side dish that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank. You can even double the recipe to serve larger groups, ensuring everyone gets their fill of this comforting side.
Variations You Can Try
While this French onion cabbage gratin is delicious as is, you can also make a few changes to tailor the recipe to your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few ideas:
- Add Protein: To make this dish even heartier, you can stir in cooked sausage, bacon crumbles, or even leftover ham. These additions will turn this dish into a complete meal, perfect for what to make with ham.
- Vegan Version: If you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan option, you can substitute the heavy cream and cheese with plant-based alternatives. Use almond milk or coconut cream and vegan cheese to create a similar creamy texture.
- Add More Vegetables: If you’d like to add more vegetables, try incorporating other greens like spinach or kale into the gratin. You can also add carrots or parsnips for additional flavor and color.
How to Serve French Onion Cabbage Gratin
This gratin is perfect for a variety of occasions and can be served alongside a wide range of main dishes. Here are some of the best pairings:
- Ham Recipes for Dinner: This gratin is the ultimate companion for what to serve with ham. Whether you’re roasting a bone-in ham or preparing a glazed ham, the rich, creamy gratin will complement the savory ham beautifully.
- Roast Meats: If you’re serving roast chicken, beef, or lamb, this gratin can be the perfect side to balance the flavors.
- Vegetarian Meals: For vegetarians, this gratin can serve as a main dish when paired with a fresh salad and some crusty bread.
- Holiday Feasts: Whether it’s Christmas sides with ham or Easter sides with ham, this gratin is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering. The combination of savory cabbage, creamy sauce, and crispy topping will impress your guests and make your meal feel extra special.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a rich and flavorful side dish to serve with your next ham dinner, look no further than French onion cabbage gratin. This dish offers a wonderful combination of textures and flavors that pair perfectly with ham, and it’s an excellent choice for any holiday or family meal. Plus, it’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying.
Next time you’re wondering what to serve with ham, remember this gratin as your go-to side. It’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting — just what you need to take your ham dinner to the next level. Whether for a special occasion or a casual dinner, French onion cabbage gratin will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Enjoy the savory goodness, and don’t forget to share your creation with family and friends!
