Nothing says comfort like a cheesy casserole that fills your home with the aroma of baked goodness. If you love warm, hearty meals with a touch of nostalgia, this Cabbage Casserole is a dish you won’t want to miss. The creamy chicken soup base combined with tender cabbage, savory Vidalia onions, and a crispy, cheesy topping will make this casserole a family favorite in no time. It’s easy to prepare, and the slow-baked casserole will bring all the flavors together to create a mouthwatering dish.
Perfect for busy weeknights or as a side dish to any special meal, this casserole is versatile, flavorful, and simple to prepare. In this article, we will walk through how to make this comforting dish, provide tips for customizing it to your liking, and even answer some frequently asked questions to ensure your Cabbage Casserole turns out perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy Prep – One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is. You only need a few ingredients, and most of the work is done in the oven. The prep time is minimal, making it ideal for busy days.
Rich & Creamy – The creamy base made from a combination of mayonnaise, cream of chicken soup, and butter adds richness that complements the cabbage beautifully. It creates a smooth, velvety texture that makes every bite heavenly.
Cheesy & Crispy Topping – The Ritz cracker and cheddar cheese topping is the perfect finishing touch. The combination of melted cheese with the crunch of crackers adds texture and depth of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Versatile & Family-Friendly – Whether you serve this as a main course or a side dish, this Cabbage Casserole is sure to please everyone. It pairs wonderfully with chicken, pork, or beef, and can even be enjoyed on its own for a lighter meal.
Budget-Friendly – With ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store, this casserole is a great choice if you’re looking to make a delicious meal on a budget. The cabbage, in particular, is an affordable vegetable that goes a long way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this comforting casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 small cabbage, chopped: The cabbage is the base of the dish, providing texture and flavor. You want to chop it into bite-sized pieces to ensure it cooks evenly.
- 1 Vidalia onion, chopped: Vidalia onions are sweet and mild, adding a subtle onion flavor to the casserole. You can substitute with yellow or white onions if necessary.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: This is the base for the creamy sauce, adding richness and helping to bind the casserole together.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Mayo gives the casserole a creamy, velvety texture. It also adds a slight tanginess that balances the richness of the soup.
- ½ stick unsalted butter, melted (for the soup mixture): Butter adds flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy sauce. It’s essential to melt it first for easy mixing.
- 1 stick unsalted butter, melted (for the topping): The additional butter is for the topping, helping to make the Ritz cracker crust golden and crispy.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with the richness of the sauce.
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed: The crackers form the crunchy topping that contrasts with the creamy filling. The buttery, crispy texture adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.
- Cooking spray (like Pam): Used to coat the baking dish and prevent the casserole from sticking.
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs: If you want to add a fresh pop of color, try sprinkling some chopped parsley or thyme on top before serving.
- Extra cheese: For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle more shredded cheddar on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Here’s how you can create this creamy, cheesy, and crispy Cabbage Casserole from start to finish:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole cooks evenly. While the oven is heating, prepare your baking dish by spraying it generously with cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Layer Cabbage and Onion
Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces and place it in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the chopped Vidalia onion over the cabbage. The sweetness of the Vidalia onions will complement the mild cabbage, creating a balanced flavor profile.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and ½ stick of melted butter. Stir the ingredients together until they are smooth and well-incorporated. This mixture will create a creamy sauce that binds the casserole together and gives it its rich texture.
Once the mixture is well-combined, spoon it over the cabbage and onions in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly, ensuring that the cabbage and onions are fully coated. This creamy layer is the key to the casserole’s richness.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
In another bowl, combine the remaining 1 stick of melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and crushed Ritz crackers. Mix them well, making sure the butter evenly coats the crackers and cheese. This mixture will create a crispy, cheesy topping that adds a delightful crunch to the casserole.
Once the topping is ready, sprinkle it evenly over the creamy cabbage mixture. Be generous with the topping so that each bite has a good amount of crunch and cheese.
Step 5: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake it for 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling. The baking process allows the flavors to meld together, and the topping becomes crispy and delicious.
During the last 10 minutes of baking, you can add extra cheese on top if desired, allowing it to melt and create an even cheesier finish.
Step 6: Serve
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to serve. Slice and serve the casserole as a main dish or side. It pairs wonderfully with meats like roast chicken, pork chops, or steak.
Tips for the Best Cabbage Casserole
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Cabbage Casserole turns out perfectly every time:
Use Fresh Cabbage: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh cabbage. Older cabbage can sometimes be tougher and have a slightly bitter taste. Make sure to chop the cabbage into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Customize the Flavor: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the creamy mixture. You can also stir in some garlic powder or onion powder for additional depth of flavor.
Make It Lighter: If you want a lighter version of this casserole, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream. You can also use reduced-fat cream of chicken soup and cheese to lower the calorie count.
Add More Veggies: If you’d like to make this casserole even heartier, consider adding other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or peas. These additions will give the dish more color and variety.
Make It Ahead: This casserole is great for meal prep! You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day ahead of time. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven. It may need a few extra minutes of baking time.
Can I freeze Cabbage Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely after baking, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I substitute the Ritz crackers?
If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can substitute any buttery cracker or breadcrumbs. Try using crushed saltine crackers, buttery round crackers, or even Panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a different base, you can use cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, or a homemade white sauce. Just keep in mind that the flavor may change slightly depending on your choice.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a crispy, golden topping, making it a delightful dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes. Try it out today and enjoy a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious!
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Cabbage Casserole Recipe: A Comforting, Cheesy Delight
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Description
This Cabbage Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish made with tender cabbage, sweet Vidalia onion, and a rich cream of chicken soup base. Topped with a buttery, cheesy Ritz cracker crust, it bakes to a golden perfection, offering a delicious side dish that’s perfect for any meal. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 small cabbage, chopped
- 1 Vidalia onion, chopped
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ stick unsalted butter, melted (for the soup mixture)
- 1 stick unsalted butter, melted (for the topping)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- Cooking spray (like Pam)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spray a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Layer Cabbage and Onion
Place the chopped cabbage at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Layer the chopped Vidalia onion on top of the cabbage.
Step 3: Create Creamy Mixture
In a bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and ½ stick of melted butter until well combined.
Spoon and spread this mixture evenly over the onions.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
In another bowl, combine 1 stick of melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and crushed Ritz crackers.
Mix well to ensure the crackers are fully coated with the butter and cheese.
Spread this topping over the creamy layer.
Step 5: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
This dish is perfect on its own or as a hearty side to your main course!
Notes
For an extra crunch, feel free to add more crushed Ritz crackers to the topping or experiment with different types of cheese. This casserole can also be made ahead and reheated, making it a great option for meal prep or holiday gatherings!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes