If you’ve been searching for a comforting, flavorful dish that brings the cozy taste of home into your kitchen, this Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. The tender sautéed cabbage and Vidalia onions are combined with creamy soup and tangy mayonnaise, then topped with a golden, buttery layer of sharp cheddar cheese that melts into pure bliss. It’s simple, satisfying, and delivers a beautiful balance of textures and flavors that make it perfect for weeknights or holiday gatherings alike. Once you try this dish, you’ll wonder why cabbage casseroles haven’t become a staple in your home before now.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together harmoniously to create its rich, inviting flavor. Each component plays a vital role, from the freshness of the green cabbage to the sharp punch of cheddar cheese, ensuring every bite is loaded with deliciousness.
- Green cabbage: The central vegetable, providing natural sweetness and a tender crunch once cooked.
- Vidalia onion: Adds a mild, sweet onion flavor that complements the cabbage beautifully.
- Butter (8 tbsp plus 3 tbsp melted): Enhances richness and ensures a velvety sauté and cheese topping.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient.
- Cream of chicken or mushroom soup: Creates a creamy base that holds all the flavors together.
- Mayonnaise: Adds tang and smoothness, giving the casserole a luscious texture.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Provides that irresistible cheesy crust that makes this casserole a crowd-pleaser.
How to Make Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure an easy serving experience. This small setup step makes all the difference when it’s time to bake your masterpiece.
Step 2: Sautéing the Cabbage and Onion
In a large pan, melt the 8 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, then toss in your chopped cabbage and Vidalia onion. Sauté them for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often until the cabbage softens and the onions become translucent. This step transforms the raw veggies into tender, flavorful layers and is essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Seasoning and Transferring Mixture
Season your cooked vegetables with salt and pepper according to taste, then transfer this warm mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. This seasoned base is what makes the dish so inviting, with the cabbage’s natural mildness elevated by the seasoning.
Step 4: Mixing and Adding the Creamy Layer
In a small bowl, stir together the cream of chicken or mushroom soup with the mayonnaise until smooth. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the cabbage and onion in the baking dish. This step adds a luscious, tangy layer that holds the casserole’s flavors together perfectly.
Step 5: Preparing the Cheesy Topping
Mix the 3 tablespoons of melted butter with the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, then sprinkle this over the top of your casserole. The butter helps the cheese melt into a bubbly, golden crust that’s irresistible and the crowning glory of this dish.
Step 6: Baking to Perfection
Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for around 30 minutes, until the cheese topping is bubbly and beautifully golden brown. This final cooking step melds all the flavors and textures, creating the warm, inviting dish you’ve been anticipating.
Step 7: Cooling Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let your Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe cool slightly. This resting time helps everything set up just right for easier serving and makes for the perfect cozy dish ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To bring some brightness and a fresh contrast to the rich casserole, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving. A light dusting of smoked paprika can also add a subtle kick and beautiful color.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as a hearty side itself but pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, such as baked chicken or pork loin. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted root vegetables for balance and complementary flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate this simple home-cooked dish, try serving the Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. It also works beautifully as a potluck dish to share family-style, letting everyone enjoy the gooey cheese and tender veggies straight from the pan.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or dinners the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely, then cover it well with foil or freezer-safe plastic wrap. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain that creamy texture and cheesy goodness.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly again. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes but note the cheese topping may not crisp up as much.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Absolutely! While green cabbage is traditional in this recipe, you can substitute with savoy or napa cabbage for a slightly different texture and flavor. Just remember to adjust cooking times as these varieties soften differently.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe?
Yes, simply swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup to keep it fully vegetarian without sacrificing creaminess or flavor. This small change makes the dish suitable for vegetarians while still delivering that comforting taste.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced carrots or bell peppers to add more color and crunch. Just sauté them alongside the cabbage and onion to soften them before baking.
What cheese works best if I don’t have sharp cheddar?
If you don’t have sharp cheddar on hand, mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan can work nicely. Just choose a cheese that melts well and brings a good flavor to the topping.
Can I prepare the casserole in advance for a party?
Yes! You can prepare the entire casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge to ensure it’s heated all the way through.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe enough if you want comfort food that feels like a warm hug. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing meals with family or friends. Give it a try—you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation in no time!
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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
A comforting and creamy Cheesy Cabbage Casserole featuring sautéed cabbage and onions baked with a rich mixture of cream soup, mayonnaise, and sharp cheddar cheese topping. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 small green cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium Vidalia onion, chopped
Dairy & Condiments
- 8 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- â…“ cup mayonnaise
Canned Goods
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken or mushroom soup
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pan over medium heat, melt 8 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped cabbage and onion, sautéing for 8–10 minutes while stirring frequently until the cabbage is softened and tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Move the cooked cabbage and onion mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Mix Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken (or mushroom) soup with mayonnaise, mixing thoroughly to create a creamy topping mixture.
- Spread Sauce: Evenly spread the soup and mayonnaise mixture over the cooked cabbage and onion base in the baking dish.
- Prepare Cheese Topping: In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of melted butter with 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this buttery cheese mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown, indicating the casserole is fully cooked and flavorful.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool slightly for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and ensure safe consumption.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like thyme during the sauté step.
- Using Vidalia onions adds a sweeter flavor; any mild onion can be used as a substitute.
- Ensure cabbage is chopped into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- This casserole pairs well with roasted meats or as a vegetarian main with a side salad.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
