If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together vibrant greens and ooey-gooey cheese, look no further than this irresistible Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender cabbage, savory seasonings, and rich cheeses baked to bubbly perfection. Trust me, once you try this casserole, it’ll quickly become a cherished go-to for weeknight dinners or special family gatherings. The combination of textures and flavors here is simply unbeatable, featuring a creamy, cheesy bite with just a hint of crispness on top.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe relies on a handful of everyday ingredients that harmonize beautifully to create layers of flavor and delight. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the fresh crunch of cabbage to the warm, savory punch of cheeses and spices.
- Green cabbage: The star of the dish, providing a fresh, slightly sweet base that softens perfectly during cooking.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic, adding richness and helping release their aromas.
- Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the savory profile.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for a burst of bold, fragrant flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural taste.
- Paprika: Offers a smoky warmth that complements the cabbage beautifully.
- Dried thyme: An herbaceous touch that lifts the entire dish.
- Sour cream: Brings creaminess and mild tang to balance the richness.
- Mayonnaise: Adds smoothness and moist richness to the creamy cheese mixture.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it’s essential for that classic cheesy depth.
- Mozzarella cheese: Stretchy and gooey, it helps create the luscious texture you crave.
- Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled in for a nutty, savory punch that rounds out the cheese blend.
- Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional): For a golden, buttery topping with just enough crunch.
- Melted butter (for topping): Combines with the crumbs to form the crispiest, most irresistible crust.
How to Make Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Vegetables
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing your baking dish to prevent sticking. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, which takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Add in the minced garlic for one minute, allowing it to release its fragrant aroma without burning. Now it’s time for the chopped cabbage — stir it all together with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Cook until the cabbage softens and reduces in size, around 8 to 10 minutes. This step softens the cabbage’s natural crunch to a tender bite perfect for baking.
Step 2: Combine the Creamy Cheese Mixture
Once the cabbage mixture has cooled slightly, scoop it into a large bowl. Here’s where the real magic happens. Gently fold in sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. This mixture is what gives the casserole its luscious, velvety texture and cheesy flavor that you’ll fall head over heels for. Make sure all ingredients are evenly combined, so every bite delivers the perfect balance of creamy cheesy goodness with tender cabbage.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Casserole
Pour the cheesy cabbage mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If you’re opting for a topping, now is the time to mix your crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter—a little floury crunch combined with buttery richness is just what this casserole needs. Sprinkle this mix evenly over the top. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until it’s bubbling and the topping has turned a mouthwatering golden brown. Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving—this helps it set beautifully.
How to Serve Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe even further, consider adding fresh garnishes. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a bright pop of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness that balances the richness beautifully. For a touch of extra indulgence, a light drizzle of sour cream or a few crushed red pepper flakes can bring added creaminess or a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands wonderfully on its own as a hearty vegetarian main, but it pairs just as well with simple side dishes. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted root vegetables will bring balance and variety to your plate. If you’d like to serve it alongside protein, grilled chicken or baked sausages complement the creamy cabbage flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a creative twist on this classic casserole, try serving individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. These personal-sized dishes make for charming presentation, perfect for entertaining friends or a cozy dinner for two. Another fun idea is to layer the cheesy cabbage in a clear baking dish for a casserole with a striking visual of layers you just can’t wait to dig into.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it tightly covered in an airtight container to preserve moisture and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors. The flavors actually meld together even more after resting overnight, making leftovers a delight in their own right.
Freezing
If you’d like to prepare this casserole in advance, it freezes wonderfully. Assemble the casserole as directed, but don’t add the buttery crumb topping until after it’s thawed. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Adding the topping fresh ensures the best crunch after baking.
Reheating
To reheat your leftovers, the oven is best for preserving texture. Cover the casserole loosely with foil and warm it at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through. For a quick fix, microwave individual servings on medium power in short intervals, stirring gently to ensure even heat. Avoid overheating to keep the cheese from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cabbage in this Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While green cabbage is traditional and mild, you can swap in savoy or even red cabbage for a slightly different texture and color variation. Just keep in mind cooking times might vary slightly depending on the density of the cabbage.
Is this casserole suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe is fully vegetarian. However, if you want to add protein, cooked ground beef or sausage can be stirred in, but that would alter it from vegetarian to meat-inclusive.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free or vegan?
To make it dairy-free or vegan, substitute the cheeses with plant-based alternatives and opt for dairy-free sour cream and mayonnaise. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be different but can still be delightful.
What can I use if I don’t have Ritz crackers for the topping?
If you don’t have Ritz crackers, plain breadcrumbs or panko work just as well to create a crispy topping. Adding melted butter to either will give you that golden, buttery crust that makes this casserole special.
How spicy is this dish?
This casserole is very mild and comforting with just a hint of smoky warmth from the paprika. If you like more heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the cabbage or as a garnish.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe enough if you’re looking for a dish that’s both hearty and comforting with a beautiful balance of freshness and cheesy indulgence. It’s simple to put together, yet it tastes wonderfully special—perfect for sharing with family and friends. Give it a try and watch how this humble vegetable transforms into pure comfort food magic!
Print
Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Cabbage Casserole combines tender sautéed cabbage with a creamy blend of sour cream, mayonnaise, and three types of cheese, topped with a crispy buttery cracker topping for a comforting and flavorful baked dish perfect as a side or a vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
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 Creamy Mixture
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté the diced onion until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage along with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme to the skillet. Cook until the cabbage is tender and has reduced in volume, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Mix cheese and creamy ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until well blended.
- Combine cabbage and cheese mixture: Fold the cooled cabbage mixture into the cheese mixture, ensuring everything is evenly incorporated.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Prepare topping (optional): If using, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole for a crispy golden crust.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to set before serving.
Notes
- For added protein, stir in cooked ground beef or sausage before baking.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor and lighter option.
- Use low-fat cheeses if you want to reduce fat content.
- The cracker topping is optional but adds a nice crunchy texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
