Hearty & Cozy Cabbage Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Crafting a hearty cabbage casserole brings comfort and warmth to your dinner table.

Layers of tender vegetables and savory seasonings create a delightful culinary experience.

Families adore this simple yet satisfying dish that combines classic ingredients with unexpected twists.

Crisp cabbage mingles with rich, creamy sauces and perfectly seasoned proteins.

Every bite promises a delectable journey through robust flavors and textures.

Nutritious and filling, this casserole works magic for weeknight meals or special gatherings.

Prepare to surprise everyone with a recipe that turns humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Directions for Making Cabbage Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking spray so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Create Veggie Base

Spread chopped cabbage across the bottom of your dish. Sprinkle a layer of chopped Vidalia onions right on top for extra flavor.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Mayonnaise
• Melted butter

Stir everything until smooth and silky. Pour this dreamy mixture evenly over the onions, making sure to cover every inch.

Step 4: Make Crunchy Cheese Topping

• Melted butter
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crushed Ritz crackers

Blend until the crackers are totally coated with buttery cheesy goodness. Spread this magical topping across the creamy layer.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown top and bubbling edges that signal it’s ready.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after pulling it from the oven. Scoop out generous portions and savor this comforting dish as a main or side.

Pro Tips for Cabbage Casserole Success

• Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian twist and enhanced earthy flavor.
• Reduce butter quantity by half to make the dish lighter and less caloric without compromising taste.
• Swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free alternatives like cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Choose low-fat mayonnaise and reduced-fat cheese to create a healthier version of this comforting casserole.
• Add cooked ground turkey or diced ham to transform this side dish into a complete protein-packed meal for extra nutrition.

Variations to Enhance Cabbage Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Cabbage Casserole: Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of jalapeño soup, add diced green chilies, and sprinkle cayenne pepper for a zesty kick.
• Vegetarian Garden Cabbage Bake: Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom, incorporate mixed vegetables like carrots and bell peppers, and use vegetable broth for added flavor.
• Bacon Lover's Cabbage Casserole: Crumble crispy bacon on top of the cheese and cracker mixture, and mix cooked bacon bits into the creamy layer for a smoky, rich taste.
• Greek-Inspired Cabbage Casserole: Use feta cheese instead of cheddar, add chopped fresh dill, and replace Ritz crackers with seasoned breadcrumbs for a Mediterranean profile.

Foods That Complement Cabbage Casserole Well

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the rich, creamy cabbage casserole with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc, cutting through the buttery topping and refreshing the palate with its bright acidity.
• Serve with Roasted Protein: Match the casserole with herb-roasted chicken or slow-cooked pork tenderloin, creating a balanced meal where the protein's savory notes enhance the casserole's creamy texture.
• Brighten with Fresh Salad: Add a light, tangy green salad with vinaigrette dressing to contrast the casserole's richness, providing a fresh counterpoint and adding nutritional balance to the meal.
• Select Southern-Style Side: Include classic Southern accompaniments like sliced ham or buttermilk biscuits to honor the dish's comfort food roots and create a hearty, satisfying dining experience.

How to Store Cabbage Casserole Properly

• Store leftover cabbage casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Place a freezer-safe label with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F. Cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.
• Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.

FAQs About Cabbage Casserole

• Is cabbage casserole a healthy dish?

While delicious, this recipe is more of a comfort food with high calories from butter, cheese, and cream soup. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat.

• Can I use a different type of cracker for the topping?

Ritz crackers provide a buttery, crispy texture, but you can substitute with similar buttery crackers like saltines or cornflake crumbs for a similar crunch.

• How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

Look for a golden brown topping and bubbling edges. The cabbage should be tender, and the cheese melted completely. Use a fork to check cabbage softness.

Why Cabbage Casserole Is a Comforting Classic

• Savor Comfort Food Magic: Dive into a creamy, cheesy casserole that wraps you in pure comfort with its rich layers of cabbage, cheese, and buttery cracker topping.
• Simplify Meal Prep: Requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients, making it a stress-free dish for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Goodness: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and weeknight dinners, this casserole guarantees smiles and second helpings from everyone at the table.
• Transform Humble Ingredients: Turns everyday cabbage into a luxurious, decadent side dish that elevates simple vegetables to a mouthwatering culinary experience.

Ingredients in Cabbage Casserole

• Cabbage: A crisp and nutritious vegetable that forms the base of this comforting casserole.
• Vidalia Onion: A sweet and mild onion variety that adds depth of flavor to the dish.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Mayonnaise, Butter: These ingredients create a rich and creamy sauce that binds the casserole together and adds luxurious texture.

• Cheddar Cheese, Ritz Crackers, Butter: These components form a golden, crunchy topping that provides a delightful contrast to the soft cabbage base.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures the casserole does not stick to the baking dish and allows for easy serving.

Cabbage Casserole Recipe

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• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Midwestern Cabbage Casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to family dinner tables with its rich layers of ground beef, tender cabbage, and creamy sauce. Warm cheese-topped goodness awaits hungry diners seeking classic home-style satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 small cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 Vidalia onion, chopped

Dairy and Soup Base:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons/56 grams) unsalted butter, melted (for the soup mixture)
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons/113 grams) unsalted butter, melted (for the topping)

Topping:

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by preheating the oven to 350F (175C) and coating a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adhering.
2. Create the vegetable foundation by distributing chopped cabbage across the bottom of the prepared dish, then evenly scatter Vidalia onions over the cabbage layer.
3. Craft a smooth, rich sauce by whisking cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and melted butter until thoroughly integrated. Carefully distribute this creamy mixture across the onion layer, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
4. Develop a crispy, decadent topping by combining melted butter with shredded cheddar cheese and crushed Ritz crackers. Thoroughly blend the ingredients so crackers are completely coated with butter and cheese.
5. Carefully spread the buttery, cheesy cracker mixture over the creamy sauce layer, creating an even, textured top surface.
6. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, monitoring until the topping transforms into a golden-brown crust and the interior becomes visibly bubbling.
7. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for several minutes, enabling the ingredients to settle and cool slightly before serving as a standalone dish or complementary side.

Notes

• Swap cream of chicken soup with a vegetarian alternative like cream of mushroom for a meat-free version that keeps the rich, creamy texture.
• Reduce butter quantity by half to make the dish lighter and healthier without compromising on flavor and texture.
• Use gluten-free crackers to transform this recipe into a celiac-friendly comfort food that everyone can enjoy.
• Add crispy bacon bits or diced ham on top for extra protein and a savory punch if you want to elevate the dish’s taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 452 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 43 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg