Loaded Cabbage Casserole

 Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided 

1/2 small head green cabbage, shredded (about 8 cups)

2 tablespoons chopped garlic

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups whole milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

1/4 cup sour cream

3/4 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided

1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon

1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 7-by-11-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add cabbage and garlic; cook, stirring often, until the cabbage is just tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the cabbage mixture to the prepared baking dish. Do not wipe the skillet.

Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in the same skillet. Add flour; cook, whisking constantly, until smooth and thick, about 1 minute. Stir in milk, salt and pepper; cook, whisking often, until thickened, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat; whisk in sour cream and 1/2 cup Cheddar until melted and smooth. Pour the sauce over the cabbage; toss to combine. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup Cheddar.

Bake until the cabbage is tender and the cheese is melted, about 20 minutes. Top with chopped turkey or chicken Bacon, Simulated Bacon Bits, or chopped Stripples and chives.