Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s equal parts comfort food and crowd-pleaser, look no further than Cheesy Cabbage Casserole. This recipe transforms humble cabbage into a bubbly, golden masterpiece thanks to layers of creamy sauce and melty cheese, all topped with a crunchy, buttery finish. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty side or the star of your dinner table, this casserole is a guaranteed way to win over both veggie-lovers and skeptics alike!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Cheesy Cabbage Casserole plays a starring role, from the sweet, tender cabbage to the trio of cheeses and the crunchy topping. These simple staples come together to create big flavor and irresistible texture in every bite.

• Green cabbage: The heart of this casserole, cabbage turns tender and sweet when baked, soaking up all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Olive oil: A drizzle helps soften the onions and cabbage, unlocking their natural sweetness.
• Yellow onion: Adds savory depth and a subtle sweetness that balances out the richness of the cheeses.
• Garlic: Just two cloves add a fragrant, irresistible aroma that permeates the whole dish.
• Salt: Brings out the flavors of the vegetables and cheeses—don’t skip it!
• Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to balance the creaminess.
• Paprika: For a hint of color and a smoky-sweet undertone.
• Dried thyme: Lends an earthy, herbal note that pairs beautifully with the cabbage.
• Sour cream: Brings a tangy creaminess to the sauce, making each bite rich without being heavy.
• Mayonnaise: Adds silkiness and helps bind the casserole together.
• Cheddar cheese: The main cheesy element, giving sharp flavor and gooey melt.
• Mozzarella cheese: For stretch and creamy melt—because who doesn’t love a cheese pull?
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch that finishes the casserole beautifully.
• Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional): For a buttery, crunchy topping that makes each bite extra special.
• Melted butter (for topping): Helps the topping turn golden and crisp in the oven.

How to Make Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or nonstick spray. This step keeps everything from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and toss in your diced onion. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for one minute more, just until fragrant—you don’t want it to burn!

Step 3: Cook the Cabbage

Stir the chopped cabbage into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Keep cooking, stirring often, until the cabbage is tender and has reduced in volume—this usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a big mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Stir until everything is well blended. This creamy, cheesy mixture is what makes Cheesy Cabbage Casserole so luscious and indulgent!

Step 5: Combine and Assemble

Fold the slightly cooled cabbage mixture into the cheese sauce, mixing until everything is evenly coated. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer. If you love a crunchy finish, mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it’s bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving—this helps the casserole set and makes slicing much easier.

How to Serve Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and freshness to Cheesy Cabbage Casserole. For an extra touch, a dusting of paprika or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan just before serving brings out the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with classic mains like roast chicken, grilled sausage, or baked fish. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted root vegetables. The creamy, cheesy texture is perfect for soaking up with crusty bread, too.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests or want to make things extra special, try baking the casserole in individual ramekins. You can also scoop the cheesy filling into roasted bell pepper halves for a colorful and festive twist. Leftover Cheesy Cabbage Casserole also makes a delicious filling for wraps or sandwiches the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Cabbage Casserole will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious!

Freezing

If you want to freeze the casserole, let it cool completely first. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or portion servings into freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave works perfectly. If you like, add a little extra cheese on top before reheating to revive that melty, bubbly finish.

FAQs

Can I add meat to Cheesy Cabbage Casserole?

Absolutely! Stir in cooked ground beef or sausage before baking to make the casserole heartier. It’s a great way to turn it into a main course and use up leftover proteins in your fridge.

Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative, or skip the topping altogether—the casserole will still be rich and flavorful.

How do I make this recipe lighter?

You can use light mayonnaise, low-fat sour cream, and reduced-fat cheeses to lighten things up. Greek yogurt is a great stand-in for sour cream, adding protein and a tangy kick.

Can I use red cabbage instead of green?

Red cabbage will work in a pinch, but keep in mind that it has a slightly different flavor and will tint the casserole a lovely purple shade. The texture and taste will still be delicious!

What’s the best way to prep Cheesy Cabbage Casserole ahead of time?

Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add the topping (if using) and pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to account for the chill.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bubbling dish of Cheesy Cabbage Casserole, whether it’s the creamy sauce, the golden cheese, or the way it brings everyone to the table. I hope this recipe finds its way into your regular rotation and brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite comfort food!

Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheesy Cabbage Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender sautéed cabbage with a creamy blend of cheeses and spices, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a hearty side or a satisfying main course, this casserole offers a delicious way to enjoy cabbage with a cheesy twist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Dairy and Cheese

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Topping (Optional)

• 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Cook Cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage along with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Cook the mixture while stirring occasionally until the cabbage is tender and has reduced in volume, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Mix Creamy Cheese Base: In a large bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir well to create a creamy, cheesy mixture.
5. Combine with Cabbage: Fold the cooked cabbage mixture gently into the creamy cheese mixture until evenly combined and well coated.
6. Assemble Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
7. Add Topping: If using, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter until combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole for a crispy, buttery crust.
8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until it is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
9. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to set flavors and make serving easier.

Notes

• For added protein, mix in cooked ground beef or sausage before baking.
• You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
• Use low-fat cheeses and mayonnaise to reduce fat content if desired.
• The cracker topping is optional; breadcrumbs can also be used for a lighter option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Side Dish or Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 50mg