Cabbage Casserole Recipe

The Humble Cabbage Casserole Recipe: A Tasty Family Favorite

Comfort arrives with this hearty cabbage casserole that transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal.

Layers of tender vegetables mingle with savory seasonings and rich cheese.

Family dinners feel special when you bring this warm, inviting dish to the table.

Crisp cabbage provides a delightful texture that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Hearty and filling, this recipe promises to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Unexpected flavor combinations make this casserole stand out from traditional side dishes.

Hearty Cabbage Casserole Recipe

  • Create Comfort on a Plate: This cabbage casserole delivers ultimate comfort food with its creamy, cheesy layers that warm your soul and satisfy deep hunger.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requiring simple chopping and mixing, this recipe lets anyone create a delicious meal without complicated cooking techniques or advanced skills.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings, this casserole offers a crowd-pleasing option that appeals to both kids and adults with its rich, savory taste.
  • Budget-Friendly Cooking: Using affordable ingredients like cabbage, onions, and pantry staples, this recipe provides a delicious meal without breaking the bank, making it an economical choice for home cooks.

Ingredients for Cabbage Casserole

For the Base:
  • Cabbage: A crisp and nutritious vegetable that provides the foundation of this comforting casserole.
  • Vidalia Onion: A sweet and mild onion that adds a delicate flavor and soft texture to the dish.
For the Sauce and Binding:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: A creamy base that helps bind the ingredients and adds rich, savory flavor.
  • Mayonnaise: Contributes to the smooth, creamy texture and enhances the overall richness of the casserole.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps melt and combine the ingredients seamlessly.
For the Topping:
  • Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that creates a golden, crispy top layer with great flavor.
  • Ritz Crackers: Adds a crunchy, buttery texture to the casserole's surface for an irresistible finish.

How to Bake Cabbage Casserole

How to Bake Cabbage Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting ready for some serious casserole magic.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Vessel

Grab your favorite baking dish and give it a quick spritz of nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 3: Create the Cabbage Foundation

Slice the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, spreading them out in an even layer across the bottom of the pan like a crisp green carpet.

Step 4: Sprinkle Sweet Onion Magic

Dice the Vidalia onion into tiny pieces and scatter them generously over the cabbage, adding a touch of sweet flavor.

Step 5: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Mayonnaise
  • Melted butter

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and silky, then carefully spoon it over the onion layer.

Step 6: Craft the Crunchy Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together:
  • Melted butter
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Crushed Ritz crackers

Sprinkle this golden, crispy mixture evenly across the top of the casserole.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and let it bake for 45 minutes. Watch for a beautiful golden-brown top and bubbling edges.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool down for a few minutes, letting the flavors settle. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cabbage Casserole

  • Select fresh, crisp cabbage for the best texture and flavor in this comforting casserole.
  • Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian alternative that maintains rich, creamy consistency.
  • Reduce butter quantity by half to make the dish lighter without compromising taste and moisture.
  • Use low-fat mayonnaise and cheese to create a healthier version of this classic comfort food.
  • Crush Ritz crackers just before topping to ensure maximum crunchiness and prevent sogginess during baking.

Variations on Cabbage Casserole

  • Vegetarian Cabbage Bake: Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup and use vegetable butter for a plant-based version.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: Substitute Ritz crackers with crushed pork rinds, use low-carb mayonnaise, and choose a high-fat cream soup alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Casserole: Use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz, swap regular butter for gluten-free margarine, and verify all ingredient labels for gluten content.
  • Spicy Southwest Cabbage Casserole: Add diced green chilies, use pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle chili powder over the topping for a zesty kick.

Pairing Ideas for Cabbage Casserole

  • Pairing Crisp Chardonnay: Choose a buttery, oak-aged Chardonnay that complements the rich, creamy texture of the cabbage casserole, balancing its savory cheese and butter notes.
  • Serve Southern Sweet Tea: Prepare a cold, refreshing sweet tea to cut through the casserole's richness, providing a classic Southern-style beverage that enhances the comfort food experience.
  • Match with Herb-Roasted Chicken: Create a protein-packed main dish that echoes the cream of chicken soup in the casserole, offering a hearty and complementary protein element.
  • Select Tangy Green Salad: Prepare a light, crisp salad with vinaigrette dressing to provide a fresh, acidic contrast to the creamy, cheesy casserole, cleansing the palate between bites.

Storage Tips for Cabbage Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with aluminum foil or freezer wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Remove casserole from refrigerator, let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying, bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

  • Is cabbage casserole healthy?

While delicious, this dish is comfort food with higher calories due to butter, cheese, and cream of chicken soup. It contains vegetables but isn’t considered a low-calorie meal.

  • Can I use a different type of onion?

Vidalia onions are sweetest, but you can substitute with yellow or white onions. The flavor might be slightly sharper but still tasty.

  • What if I don't have Ritz crackers?

Substitute with breadcrumbs, panko, or crushed saltine crackers. The goal is a crunchy, golden topping that adds texture to the casserole.

  • How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?

Ensure cabbage is chopped into smaller pieces and drain excess moisture before layering. Don’t overcrowd the pan, which can release more liquid during baking.

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Cabbage Casserole Recipe

Cabbage Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comforting German cabbage casserole delights with layers of hearty ingredients and rich, creamy goodness. Savory textures and classic flavors invite you to savor a traditional meal that warms both heart and soul.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small cabbage, chopped
  • 1 Vidalia onion, chopped

Dairy and Sauce:

  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) mayonnaise
  • 1 cup (240 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 stick (57 grams) butter, melted
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup

Topping and Seasonings:

  • 1 stick (113 grams) butter, melted
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 350°F, ensuring an even cooking environment.
  2. Apply a light coating of nonstick spray to a baking dish, preventing ingredient adhesion.
  3. Slice the cabbage into uniform pieces, creating a consistent base layer in the prepared pan.
  4. Dice the Vidalia onion and distribute evenly atop the cabbage foundation.
  5. Create a creamy sauce by whisking cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and melted butter until thoroughly blended and smooth.
  6. Pour the sauce mixture over the onion layer, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  7. Craft a crispy topping by combining melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and crushed Ritz crackers in a separate mixing bowl.
  8. Generously scatter the cheese-cracker mixture across the entire casserole surface, providing a crunchy textural contrast.
  9. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown and bubbling appearance.
  10. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, enabling the ingredients to set and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • Boost flavor by using caramelized onions instead of raw for deeper, richer taste profile.
  • Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for vegetarian-friendly option and earthy undertones.
  • Add crispy bacon bits or diced ham for extra protein and savory crunch if desired.
  • Reduce fat content by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and less butter in the topping mixture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 530 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 760 mg
  • Fat: 44 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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