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Lay cabbage leaf flat.
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Place ¼–⅓ cup filling near base.
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Fold sides inward.
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Roll tightly from bottom up like a burrito.
Keep rolls firm but not bursting.
🍲 Step 5: Assemble for Baking
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Spread a thin layer of sauce on bottom of baking dish or Dutch oven.
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Arrange rolls seam-side down.
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Pour remaining sauce over top.
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Cover tightly with foil or lid.
🔥 Step 6: Bake Slowly
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Bake 1½ to 2 hours.
Rolls are done when:
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Cabbage is fork-tender.
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Internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C).
Slow cooking makes them melt-in-your-mouth soft.
⏳ Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Let rest 15–20 minutes before serving.
Sauce thickens and flavors settle.
🍽 Serving Ideas
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With mashed potatoes
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With crusty bread
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With sour cream on top
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With extra fresh parsley
🧠 Pro Tips for Perfect Cabbage Rolls
✔ Slightly undercook rice before mixing (it finishes cooking in oven)
✔ Trim thick rib so rolls don’t split
✔ Don’t skip sugar — balances acidity
✔ If sauce gets too thick, add broth
✔ Even better the next day
❄️ Storage & Freezing
Refrigerator:
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Keeps 3–4 days airtight
Freezer:
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Freeze before or after baking
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Good up to 3 months
Reheat gently covered with extra sauce.
⏱ Total Time
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Prep: 40 minutes
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Bake: 1½–2 hours
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Total: ~2½ hours