The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
A rich, comforting bake of tender cabbage, sautéed onions, buttery goodness, and melted cheese—this Cheesy Cabbage Casserole is a go-to family favorite for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Introduction
When you’re looking for something warm, filling, and budget-friendly, nothing beats a hearty casserole. This Cheesy Cabbage Casserole brings all the nostalgic comfort of home-cooked meals with simple ingredients, minimal prep, and unbeatable flavor. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just looking to please picky eaters on a weeknight, this dish is sure to satisfy. It’s creamy, savory, and topped with golden cheddar—what’s not to love?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ One-skillet prep before baking
- ✅ Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor
- ✅ Low-cost, high-satisfaction comfort food
- ✅ Kid-approved and great for leftovers
- ✅ Can be made vegetarian with one simple swap
Ingredients
To make this delicious Cheesy Cabbage Casserole, gather the following:
- 1 small green cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium Vidalia onion, finely chopped
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian version)
- 1 to 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (mild or sharp based on your preference)
- Cooking spray or butter to grease the baking dish
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Oven
- Knife and cutting board
- Cheese grater (if not using pre-shredded cheese)
Preparation and Cooking Time
| Task | Time | Intensity |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredient prep | 10 minutes | Low |
| Stove-top cooking | 15 minutes | Medium |
| Oven baking | 30 minutes | Low |
| Cooling before serving | 5 minutes | None |
| Total Time | 60 minutes | Low to Medium |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is ready to go once your cabbage mixture is assembled.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add your chopped Vidalia onion and cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to soften and slightly caramelize the onions—they should turn translucent and develop a sweet, aromatic base.
Step 3: Cook the Cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet with the onions. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage softens and reduces in volume by half. You want it tender but still slightly crisp, not soggy.
Step 4: Add the Soup
Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in the cream of chicken or mushroom soup. Combine thoroughly until everything is evenly coated in the creamy base. This mixture should be rich and thick without being soupy.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using butter or cooking spray. Pour the cabbage mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Generously sprinkle 1 to 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. More cheese equals more gooey goodness, so don’t be shy!
Step 7: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. The top should turn golden brown, and the edges may start to crisp slightly—that’s when you know it’s perfect.
Step 8: Let it Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and the texture firm up for clean servings.
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
- 🥓 Add bacon: Cook 4–5 strips of chopped bacon until crispy. Stir into the cabbage mixture before baking.
- 🍗 Add chicken: For a complete meal, mix in 1 cup of cooked shredded chicken before transferring to the baking dish.
- 🧄 Add garlic: Sauté 2 minced garlic cloves with the onions for deeper flavor.
- 🌿 Top with herbs: Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for color and freshness.
- 🧀 Swap the cheese: Try mozzarella for a stretchier texture or Gruyère for a nuttier taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Cheesy Cabbage Casserole as a main dish or a side. It pairs wonderfully with:
- Grilled sausage or pork chops
- Baked or roasted chicken
- Fresh green salad
- Garlic bread or rolls
- Mashed potatoes or rice
It’s also an excellent dish for potlucks, Sunday dinners, or holiday tables.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: This casserole freezes well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave single servings for 1–2 minutes.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving – Approx. 8 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~300 kcal |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Protein | 7g |
| Sodium | 550mg |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
Note: Nutrition values may vary based on exact brands and quantities used.
Final Thoughts
The Cheesy Cabbage Casserole is a dish that tastes like a warm hug. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something incredibly delicious and comforting. Whether you’re trying to impress guests or just want a quick throw-together dinner after work, this casserole delivers. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get even the pickiest eaters to love cabbage!
Try it once, and you’ll be putting it on rotation every week. Serve it hot, watch the cheese pull, and enjoy the satisfied silence around the dinner table.
