If you’re longing for a cozy, nostalgic dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Old-Fashioned Cabbage Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This casserole combines tender, buttery cabbage and onions with a creamy, savory sauce, topped with a crispy, cheesy cracker crust that’s pure comfort food bliss. It’s a perfect dish to bring back those cherished family dinner vibes while delighting your taste buds with simple, hearty flavors that never go out of style.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it relies on a handful of ingredients that are easy to find and wonderfully complementary. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the casserole’s rich taste, smooth texture, and inviting golden color.
- Green cabbage: Provides the tender, slightly sweet base and hearty texture essential to this casserole.
- Vidalia onion: Adds a mild, natural sweetness that balances the cabbage perfectly.
- Butter: Used twice to impart richness and help soften the vegetables and create a luscious topping.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate all the other flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Condensed cream of chicken or mushroom soup: Gives the casserole its creamy body and luscious mouthfeel.
- Mayonnaise: Adds tang and an extra creamy layer to bind the ingredients beautifully.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a bold, savory flavor and helps form a golden crust.
- Ritz crackers: The cracker crumbs deliver the perfect crispy topping that contrasts the soft cabbage mixture underneath.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, which is just right to slowly meld all the flavors while browning the topping nicely. Next, lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving later on.
Step 2: Cooking the Cabbage and Onion
Coarsely chop the green cabbage into bite-sized pieces to create a satisfying texture. Melt 8 tablespoons of butter in a large nonstick pan over medium heat, then add the cabbage and chopped Vidalia onion. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture softens but still keeps a little bite. Season with salt and pepper to bring out the natural sweetness and balance of flavors.
Step 3: Layering the Cabbage Mixture
Carefully transfer the partially cooked cabbage and onion mixture into the prepared casserole dish. This veggie base forms the heart of your Old-Fashioned Cabbage Casserole Recipe, ready to receive the creamy topping that makes it so irresistible.
Step 4: Mixing and Adding the Creamy Topping
In a small bowl, stir together one 10-ounce can of condensed cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup with 1/3 cup of mayonnaise until smooth. Spread this luscious mixture evenly over the cabbage, ensuring every bite is rich and velvety.
Step 5: Making the Cheesy Cracker Crust
In another bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and crushed Ritz crackers to form the topping. Sprinkle this golden, crunchy mixture over the casserole evenly, promising a delightful contrast to the creamy layers beneath.
Step 6: Baking to Perfection
Bake the casserole for about 30 minutes at 350 degrees until the topping turns beautifully browned and crisp, bubbling alluringly around the edges. This final step transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While this casserole is wonderful on its own, fresh garnishes like chopped fresh parsley or chives add a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor that brightens each bite. A light sprinkle of paprika can also add warmth and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This Old-Fashioned Cabbage Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken or pork, balancing rich, savory proteins with its creamy texture. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or buttery dinner rolls for a complete, satisfying dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a personal touch, or layer the cabbage mixture and topping in a clear glass baking dish to show off its inviting layers. Adding a drizzle of sour cream or a dash of hot sauce at the table offers guests a chance to customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cabbage softens further but remains full of flavor, making it a fantastic next-day meal or side.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish and tightly covering it with foil. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the topping regains some of its crispness. Avoid microwaving when possible to keep that lovely crunchy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Sharp cheddar is traditional for this casserole, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a smoked cheese for a different flavor profile.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe uses Ritz crackers, which contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free cereal.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use the cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken and ensure any butter and cheese used fit your dietary preferences.
What if I don’t have Vidalia onions?
You can use any sweet onion variety or even regular yellow onions if Vidalias aren’t available. The flavor might be slightly more pungent but still delicious.
How can I add more vegetables to this casserole?
Feel free to toss in chopped carrots or bell peppers during the cooking step. They’ll add color and nutrients without overpowering the classic cabbage flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s pure comfort from your childhood or a new family favorite, this Old-Fashioned Cabbage Casserole Recipe is calling your name. It’s simple, satisfying, and filled with the kind of flavors that make you feel right at home. Give it a try—you’ll discover just how wonderful cabbage can taste when it’s dressed up in buttery, creamy goodness topped with a crispy cheese crust.
Print
Old-Fashioned Cabbage Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Old-Fashioned Cabbage Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked dish featuring tender cabbage and onion cooked in butter, topped with a savory mixture of cheese, crackers, and butter for a crunchy golden crust. Perfect as a hearty side or a light main, it combines simple ingredients with classic flavors for an easy, nostalgic meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 small head green cabbage
- 1 medium Vidalia onion, chopped
Dairy & Canned Goods
- 8 tablespoons butter
- 1 (10-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Other
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30), coarsely crushed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Cabbage and Onion: Coarsely chop the cabbage. In a large nonstick pan, melt 8 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the chopped cabbage and Vidalia onion, cooking for 8 to 10 minutes and stirring frequently until the vegetables are partially softened and cooked down. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Move the cabbage and onion mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Make Soup Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup with the mayonnaise. Spread this mixture evenly over the cabbage layer in the casserole dish to add creaminess and flavor.
- Prepare Topping: In another bowl, mix together the melted butter, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and coarsely crushed Ritz crackers. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, creating a flavorful, crunchy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the topping is nicely browned and bubbly. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup to make the dish vegetarian.
- For a richer flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese but mild cheddar can also work.
- Coarsely crushing the Ritz crackers helps create a crisp topping; avoid crushing too fine.
- This casserole pairs well with roasted meats or can be enjoyed as a standalone vegetarian main by using cream of mushroom soup.
- Adjust salt carefully since soup and crackers may contain sodium.
