Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and unexpected, then Cheesy Cabbage Casserole is your new best friend. It’s one of those meals that will have everyone at the table going back for seconds (and maybe thirds). Imagine tender cabbage softened and baked to perfection in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a crispy, golden topping. It’s warm, hearty, and cheesy—basically everything you want in a casserole. Plus, it’s so easy to make and great for feeding a crowd, so it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need to impress without breaking a sweat.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

Here’s why this casserole will become your go-to comfort food:

Comfort in a Dish

With its creamy, cheesy sauce and tender cabbage, this casserole brings all the comforting feels. It’s like a hug in food form, guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out.

A Crowd-Pleaser

Whether you’re cooking for your family or bringing a dish to a gathering, this casserole is sure to be the star of the show. It’s rich, hearty, and has a fantastic texture that’ll make everyone say, “Wow!”

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you. Cabbage, cheese, and a few pantry staples come together to create something magical that tastes far more indulgent than the ingredients might suggest.

Great for Meal Prep

This casserole stores beautifully! Make a batch on a Sunday, and you’ll have leftovers for the week. It reheats like a dream, so it’s perfect for those busy days when you need a home-cooked meal in no time.

Versatile

Not only is it a great side dish, but it can also be a vegetarian main dish if you’re looking for a lighter meal. You can even add some cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein, if you like.

Ingredients in Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

Let’s break down what makes this casserole so delicious:

Cabbage

The base of this casserole is cabbage—don’t be fooled by its simple nature! When cooked, cabbage becomes tender and sweet, and it soaks up all the cheesy goodness surrounding it.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

The sharp cheddar cheese is what gives this dish its bold, savory flavor. It melts beautifully and adds that creamy, rich texture that makes you want to go in for another bite.

Sour Cream

Sour cream brings a lovely tang to the casserole that balances out the richness of the cheese and adds to the creamy texture.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

This classic casserole ingredient provides depth of flavor and creaminess. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can substitute with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.

Butter

A little butter goes a long way in this dish, making sure everything bakes up to a golden, crispy top and ensuring the cabbage softens beautifully.

Garlic and Onion

These aromatic ingredients bring out all the best flavors in the dish and add that savory, comforting base.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s dive into making this cheesy, comforting casserole:

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly.

Prepare the Cabbage

Cut the cabbage into wedges and remove the core. Then, chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Blanch the cabbage in boiling salted water for about 5 minutes to soften it. Drain well, and set it aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, garlic, and onion. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until well combined. This is going to be your rich, cheesy sauce!

Assemble the Casserole

In your prepared baking dish, layer the cabbage evenly. Pour the cheese sauce over the cabbage, making sure it’s all coated evenly. Give it a little shake to spread everything out.

Add the Topping

For a crispy top, melt a couple of tablespoons of butter and drizzle it over the casserole. You can also sprinkle a bit more cheese on top if you want it extra cheesy!

Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Let It Cool

Once baked, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes to set before serving. This makes it easier to slice and serve.

Serve and Enjoy

Now it’s time to dig in! Serve this cheesy cabbage casserole hot, and enjoy all that creamy, cheesy goodness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 550mg
Total Carbohydrate: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 10g
Vitamin A: 15%
Calcium: 300mg
Iron: 2mg
Potassium: 300mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

This casserole is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with many different main dishes:

With Roasted Meats

Serve this casserole alongside roasted chicken, pork, or even steak. The creamy, cheesy flavors complement the savory richness of the meats perfectly.

As a Main Dish

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, this casserole is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own. Serve it with a light side salad or some bread to round out the meal.

With a Fresh Salad

A simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole.

As a Potluck or Family Gathering Dish

This casserole is ideal for gatherings. It’s easy to make in large quantities and is always a hit, especially with people who love cheesy comfort food.

Additional Tips

Make it Ahead

You can prepare this casserole ahead of time! Assemble it the day before, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven.

Adjust the Cheese

If you want to get creative, feel free to mix up the cheese. A blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella will give you a stretchier, gooier texture.

Add Protein

If you want to add more protein, cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon crumbles work beautifully in this casserole. Just mix it in with the cabbage before adding the sauce.

Store Leftovers

Leftovers store great in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, and it’ll taste just as good as the first time!

Freezing for Later

This casserole freezes well! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cabbage?

A1: While green cabbage is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other varieties like savoy or napa cabbage for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Q2: Can I make this casserole without sour cream?

A2: Yes! You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or even a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream.

Q3: Can I add meat to this casserole?

A3: Absolutely! Ground sausage, cooked chicken, or crumbled bacon would make a delicious addition to this casserole.

Q4: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A4: Yes! You can prepare it the night before and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.

Q6: Can I freeze this casserole?

A6: Yes! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through.

Q7: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A7: Of course! Try mozzarella, gouda, or a cheese blend for a different twist. Just make sure it melts well!

Q8: How do I make this casserole spicier?

A8: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or some diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.

Q9: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

A9: Yes! Use a gluten-free cream soup and make sure your breadcrumbs are gluten-free, or omit the breadcrumbs entirely for a gluten-free version.

Q10: What kind of side dishes go well with this casserole?

A10: This dish pairs well with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a light soup. It’s a great side to roast chicken or pork!

Conclusion

Cheesy Cabbage Casserole is a dish that’s equal parts comfort and flavor. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and tender cabbage, it’s the perfect side dish to serve alongside any meal or as a main for a hearty vegetarian dinner. It’s simple to make, absolutely delicious, and perfect for meal prepping or serving at a family gathering. So, go ahead and try this one out—it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire!

Print