Scalloped Kohlrabi

Scalloped Kohlrabi: A Hearty Twist on a Classic Favorite

Hey there, food lovers! 🌟 I’m thrilled to share one of my favorite comforting dishes that sends me back to my family’s warm kitchen: Scalloped Kohlrabi. If you’ve never had the pleasure of cooking or tasting kohlrabi, get ready—a world of flavor and warmth is just a few steps away.

My Love Affair with Kohlrabi

Growing up, my grandma was the queen of roots. She had a knack for brightening up even the coldest winter days with her comfort food. Every Sunday was a kitchen affair, with the aromas of garlic and cheese wafting through the halls. One day, she surprised us all by serving what I thought was a fancy potato dish but turned out to be none other than scalloped kohlrabi!

At that moment, I was captivated. The creamy, cheesy goodness enveloping those tender slices made me realize that this humble veggie had a significant role in my food world. Not only was it delectable, but it was also adventurous—introducing a new flavor while maintaining that nostalgic vibe I adored. Since then, I’ve enjoyed perfecting the art of scalloped kohlrabi, creating a dish that warms your belly and elevates your kitchen game.

Are you ready? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe together!

Ingredients

To whip up this creamy delight, gather these simple ingredients:

• 2 medium kohlrabi, peeled and sliced thinly
  Kohlrabi has a slightly sweet, crunchy texture that is part cabbage, part turnip. If you can’t find kohlrabi, you can substitute it with potatoes or even cauliflower, but just know that it’ll have a different flavor.

• 1 cup heavy cream
  This luxurious ingredient is what makes scalloped dishes so rich and velvety. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half works well, or you can use a non-dairy alternative like cashew cream.

• 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
  Cheese is the heart of your dish. Go for sharp cheddar for that bold flavor, or mozzarella for a more subtle creaminess. You can definitely mix and match!

• 1 clove garlic, minced
  Garlic adds that aromatic punch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try roasted garlic for a sweeter, mellower flavor.

• Salt and pepper to taste
  A must-have to elevate all the flavors in the dish. Don’t skip this step!

• 1 tablespoon butter
  This will add richness. If you want to keep it dairy-free, opt for olive oil or vegan butter.

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)
  Thyme adds a lovely earthiness to the dish. Feel free to substitute with rosemary or omit it altogether if you prefer a simpler taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to create this delightful dish step by step:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your scalloped kohlrabi cooks evenly and becomes golden and bubbly on top!

2. Prepare the kohlrabi: Start by peeling the kohlrabi using a vegetable peeler. Then thinly slice it with a sharp knife or a mandoline for even thickness. The thinner the slices, the more tender and creamy your dish will be!

3. Sauté the garlic: In a medium-sized skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant but not browned. This is where the magic begins—your kitchen will start smelling divine!

4. Layer the kohlrabi: In a greased 9×9 inch baking dish (or whatever you have on hand), place half of the sliced kohlrabi in an even layer at the bottom. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper, then pour half of the heavy cream over the top.

5. Add cheese and thyme: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese and a sprinkle of fresh thyme (if using) over the kohlrabi. Repeat the layering process with the remaining kohlrabi, cream, cheese, and thyme.

6. Bake it: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Ooh, that crust!

7. Cool and serve: Once out of the oven, let the dish cool for a few minutes. This will help everything set together beautifully. Now, dig in!

Serving Suggestions

Scalloped kohlrabi is so versatile! Here are a few ideas for plating and serving:

• Accompaniment with Roasted Chicken: Pair your dish with a juicy roasted chicken for a family feast. The flavors meld together beautifully!

• Serve with a Fresh Salad: A bright, crunchy salad can balance out the richness of the scalloped kohlrabi. Think arugula with a lemon vinaigrette.

• On its Own: This dish is hearty enough to stand alone as a vegetarian delight. Just grab a fork and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

Now that you have the foundation, let’s have a little fun with variations. You can easily switch things up!

1. Cheesy Spinach Addition: Throw in some cooked spinach between the kohlrabi layers for an extra pop of color and nutrition.

2. Spiced Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or paprika for some heat—perfect for those who like it spicy!

3. Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs such as fresh parsley or basil for a fresher flavor profile.

4. Bacon Lovers Delight: For an indulgent twist, add crispy cooked bacon between layers for a smoky flavor!

5. Vegan Option: Replace heavy cream with cashew cream and use a dairy-free cheese for a vegan version that’s just as delicious.

Chef’s Notes

Kohlrabi often gets overshadowed by its more popular veggie counterparts, but I promise, it’s worth getting to know! Over the years, I’ve learned that cooking is all about finding ways to showcase humble ingredients. My grandmother was incredible at that, and scalloped kohlrabi is the perfect example of bringing rustic vibes to your dinner table.

I remember the first time I made this recipe for my friends—a few were skeptical about kohlrabi, but they were all pleasantly surprised! It’s a great conversation starter and a way to share a little piece of my childhood.

FAQs and Troubleshooting

1. Can I prep this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can slice the kohlrabi and prepare the layers a day ahead. Just cover it with foil in the fridge and bake when you’re ready to serve.

2. What do I do if my kohlrabi slices are thick?
If you notice your slices are a bit thick, just cook it a little longer in the oven. Keep an eye on it, and you can gently cover it with foil if the top browns too quickly.

3. How can I prevent the cheese from getting too greasy?
Using a mix of cheeses can help balance out the fat. Opt for a bit sharper varieties, and don’t overload it with cheese; the creamy sauce does a great job on its own!

4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the scalloped kohlrabi! Just let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly to prevent freezer burn. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Nutritional Info

While I don’t always focus on nutrition (because, after all, food is about joy!), here’s a quick breakdown for those curious:

• Calories: Approximately 350 calories per serving (based on 6 servings)
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 25g

These numbers can vary a bit based on the specific ingredients you choose, but isn’t that the beauty of cooking? You can create the dish that works best for you!

Alright, friends, there you have it! Scalloped kohlrabi is sure to become a household favorite just like it did in mine. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Happy cooking! 🍲✨

Scalloped Kohlrabi

Print Recipe

A comforting and hearty twist on the classic scalloped dish using kohlrabi, creamy and cheesy with layers of flavor.

• Author: ninabellamy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Comfort Food
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 medium kohlrabi, peeled and sliced thinly
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the kohlrabi by peeling and thinly slicing it.
3. Sauté the garlic in melted butter until fragrant.
4. Layer half of the kohlrabi in a greased baking dish, season with salt and pepper, and pour half of the cream on top.
5. Add half of the cheese and thyme, then repeat layering.
6. Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes.
7. Cool for a few minutes, then serve.

Notes

This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking. Experiment with different herbs or add spinach for variation.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: scalloped kohlrabi, comfort food, vegetarian recipe, creamy kohlrabi