Name: Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (about 6-7 cups); 1 small onion, diced; 2 tbsp butter; 1 lb ground beef or sausage (optional); 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken); ½ cup sour cream; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp salt (or to taste); ½ tsp black pepper; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs); 3 tbsp butter, melted (for topping)

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If you’re looking for a cozy, cheesy side dish that’s both comforting and full of flavor, then look no further than this Cheesy Cabbage Casserole. With tender cabbage, creamy cheese, and a crispy topping, this casserole is the perfect balance of savory goodness and warmth. It’s a dish that can steal the show at family gatherings or just be your go-to comfort food on a chilly evening.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

Here’s why this casserole will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:

Cheese Lovers Delight: With gooey melted cheese throughout, this casserole is a dream come true for cheese lovers!
Perfect Comfort Food: The cabbage is soft, the cheese is creamy, and the crunchy topping gives the dish texture and heartiness, making it perfect for chilly nights.
Healthy and Flavorful: Cabbage adds a nutritious boost to this casserole while still packing in a ton of flavor. It’s an easy way to get more veggies into your meal without sacrificing taste.
Versatile: This casserole makes an excellent side dish for just about any main course, from roast chicken to pork chops. Or, serve it as a main for a lighter meal.

Ingredients

The beauty of this casserole is in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cabbage: The star ingredient! It gets tender and flavorful when baked, soaking up all the cheesy goodness.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese gives this casserole a bold, savory flavor that melts beautifully.
Cream Cheese: For extra creaminess and richness, cream cheese takes this casserole to the next level.
Sour Cream: Adds a tangy, creamy component to balance out the richness of the cheese.
Breadcrumbs: For a crunchy, golden topping that brings a nice contrast to the soft cabbage.
Butter: Adds richness and helps the breadcrumbs brown perfectly.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: For a touch of savory flavor that enhances the dish without overpowering the cabbage.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning, bringing all the flavors together.

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

Instructions

Let’s dive into how you can make this cheesy casserole:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
Prepare the Cabbage: Cut the cabbage into wedges, removing the core. Steam or blanch the cabbage for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes tender. Drain it well to remove any excess water.
Mix the Casserole Filling: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Casserole: Layer the cabbage in the prepared dish, then pour the cheesy mixture on top. Gently toss the cabbage and cheese mixture together, ensuring the cabbage is evenly coated.
Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix it with the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this buttery breadcrumb mixture over the casserole for a crispy topping.
Bake the Casserole: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. You can broil it for an extra 2-3 minutes at the end for an even crunchier topping.
Serve & Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm with your favorite main dish!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 250

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

This cheesy casserole pairs well with a variety of dishes:

With Roasted Meats: It’s the perfect side to a juicy roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or steak.
For a Vegetarian Meal: Serve it on its own with a light salad for a vegetarian meal that’s hearty and satisfying.
As a Side to Comfort Food: Pair it with mashed potatoes, cornbread, or green beans for a full comfort-food feast.
For Holiday Dinners: Serve it alongside turkey or ham for a memorable holiday spread.

Additional Tips

Customize the Cheese: While cheddar is the classic choice, you can use a mix of cheeses, like mozzarella, Gruyère, or even a little Parmesan for added depth.
Add Bacon: If you love a little extra flavor, sprinkle some crumbled bacon on top for an irresistible touch.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just bake it for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly.
Freezing Tip: This casserole freezes well! After baking and cooling, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen cabbage for this recipe?
A1: While fresh cabbage works best, you can use frozen cabbage if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using it in the casserole.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Simply assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. Bake it as usual when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A3: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Swiss would all be excellent alternatives.

Q4: Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
A4: Yes! You can use dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives to make this casserole dairy-free while still enjoying that creamy, cheesy texture.

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 at 350°F for about 15 minutes until warmed through.

Q6: Can I freeze this casserole?
A6: Yes! This casserole freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before freezing. You can store it for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Q7: How can I make the topping even crispier?
A7: For an extra crispy topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

Q8: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A8: Yes, you can add other vegetables like sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even spinach for a veggie-packed version of the casserole.

Q9: What’s the best way to reheat this casserole?
A9: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, you can easily double this recipe to serve more people. Just use a larger baking dish and bake for a little longer if needed.

Conclusion

Cheesy Cabbage Casserole is a must-try for anyone who loves comforting, cheesy side dishes. The creamy cabbage, rich cheese, and crispy topping come together to create a dish that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you serve it alongside roasted meats or enjoy it as a vegetarian main course, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!