Savory Cabbage Delight Rolls

Comfort Meets Gourmet in Every Bite

Looking to bring a touch of gourmet to your kitchen without the fuss? These Savory Cabbage Delight Rolls deliver just that—a hearty, homestyle meal elevated with sophisticated flavors and textures. Tender cabbage leaves embrace a juicy blend of minced meat, wrapped in smoky bacon, and finished with a rich, creamy dill sauce. This dish is the perfect marriage of comfort food and elegance, ideal for a cozy family dinner or an impressive main course at your next gathering.

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Ingredients

For the Rolls:

• 1 whole cabbage (medium to large)

• 1.5 kg minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)

• 15 g salt (about 2 ½ tsp)

• 7 g ground black pepper (about 1 ½ tsp)

• 2 eggs

• 100 g hard cheese, grated (e.g., aged cheddar, gouda, or parmesan)

• 350 g bacon, thinly sliced

For the Creamy Dill Sauce:

• 100 g cheese cream (cream cheese or a creamy spreadable cheese)

• 120 g sweet cooking cream (or heavy cream)

• 7 g fresh dill, finely chopped (about 1 ½ tbsp)

• 5 g salt (about 1 tsp)

• 70 g pickled cucumbers, finely diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 20 g mustard (preferably Dijon or whole grain)

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Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep the Cabbage

• Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).

• Remove the core of the cabbage and gently blanch the whole head in boiling water until the leaves soften and peel off easily.

• Carefully separate the leaves and pat dry.

2. Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Minced meat

• Salt and pepper

• Eggs

• Grated hard cheese

Mix until fully combined and uniform.

3. Assemble the Rolls

• Lay a cabbage leaf flat. Place a portion of the meat mixture in the center.

• Roll up like a burrito, folding the sides inward first, then rolling tightly.

• Repeat until all filling is used.

4. Prepare the Baking Dish

• Line the base of a large baking dish with bacon slices.

• Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down on top of the bacon.

• Wrap additional bacon slices over the tops of the rolls if desired.

5. Mix the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• Cheese cream

• Cooking cream

• Chopped dill

• Salt

• Pickled cucumbers

• Garlic

• Mustard

Blend until smooth and creamy.

6. Bake

• Pour the sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls.

• Cover the dish with foil or a lid.

• Bake for 2 hours, until the rolls are tender and infused with flavor.

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⏱️ Time & Serving Info

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 2 hours

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

• Serves: 6 generous portions

• Calories: ~350 kcal per serving

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Why This Recipe Works

• Balanced Flavor: The saltiness of bacon and cheese contrasts beautifully with the tang of dill and pickles.

• Textural Harmony: Juicy meat, tender cabbage, crisp bacon, and creamy sauce.

• Elegant Comfort: Home-cooked appeal with restaurant-quality flavor.

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Deep Dive into Ingredients

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Customization Tips

• Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with cooked quinoa, lentils, sautéed mushrooms, and finely chopped veggies.

• Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or hot paprika to the meat mixture.

• Alternate Sauce: Use tomato sauce or a mushroom cream sauce for variation.

• Low-Carb Version: Omit cheese in the meat mixture and replace pickled cucumbers with capers.

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️ Serving Suggestions

Serve these cabbage rolls:

• With buttery mashed potatoes

• Alongside a crisp green salad

• Topped with extra dill and a drizzle of olive oil

• With a slice of rustic bread to mop up the sauce

Pro Tip: These rolls taste even better the next day. Reheat gently in the oven for best texture and flavor.

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Conclusion

These Savory Cabbage Delight Rolls prove that humble ingredients can be transformed into something truly special. With a little care and a lot of flavor, you’ll have a showstopping main dish that warms both the heart and the palate.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating your family, this recipe offers a perfect balance of gourmet flair and cozy tradition. Once you try it, you’ll keep coming back.