Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add cabbage wedges, cut side down. Sprinkle with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper. Cook, turning once, until lightly browned on both sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add 1/4 cup water to pan; cover and cook until cabbage is just tender, approximately 3 to 5 minutes more.
Meanwhile, in a small pan, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter; add garlic, thyme, and nutmeg; stirring just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook an additional few seconds. Add cream and cook, stirring until cream has thickened and is bubbling, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and drizzle over the cabbage. Top with the grated Gouda cheese and bread crumbs.
Bake until browned and bubbling, approximately 20 minutes. Taste and, if desired, sprinkle with more salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with sweet paprika for color.
Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Cabbage Gratin Recipe: https://whatscookingamerica.net/karencalanchini/cabbage-gratin.htm