The other day, I visited a friend’s house for a casual dinner, and it didn’t take long for me to realize just how comforting and familiar the food was. We were sitting in the kitchen, laughing over stories from our past, when she placed a steaming dish of cabbage casserole in front of us.
The rich, savory aroma filled the air, immediately reminding me of family gatherings. What struck me wasn’t just the flavors, but the warmth it brought to the room. It wasn’t a fancy dish, but there was something about the simple ingredients—cabbage, onions, cheese, and butter—that made everything feel right.
There’s a beauty in those recipes that have been passed down, the ones that make you feel connected to something greater than just the meal itself. We shared stories, and as each spoonful of that creamy casserole melted away, I realized that food, like memories, ties us together in the most unexpected ways.
It wasn’t about impressing anyone with intricate techniques; it was about feeding the soul with something familiar, comforting, and simple.
Short Description
This Cabbage Casserole is a deliciously cheesy, creamy, and savory dish that combines chopped cabbage, onions, cheddar cheese, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping. It’s perfect for a quick, comforting side or a light main dish.
Key Ingredients
- 1 small cabbage, chopped
- 1 Vidalia onion, chopped
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 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)
Tools Needed
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer (for beating the soup mixture)
- Whisk
- Spoon or spatula
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a baking dish with cooking spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
Step 2: Layer the cabbage and onion
Place the chopped cabbage at the bottom of the prepared baking dish, followed by a layer of chopped Vidalia onion on top of the cabbage.
Step 3: Prepare the creamy mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and 1/2 stick of melted butter. Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Add the creamy mixture
Spread the creamy soup mixture evenly over the cabbage and onion layer in the baking dish. Make sure the entire surface is covered, creating a rich, creamy layer on top.
Step 5: Make the topping
In another bowl, combine 1 stick of melted butter with shredded cheddar cheese and crushed Ritz crackers. Mix until the crackers are fully coated in the butter and cheese.
Step 6: Add the topping
Evenly spread the cracker mixture over the creamy layer in the casserole dish. This will give your casserole that golden, crispy topping that everyone loves.
Step 7: Bake the casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
Step 8: Let it cool
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cabbage Casserole is a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a satisfying, comforting dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.
The creamy base complements the cabbage perfectly, while the crispy Ritz cracker topping adds a wonderful crunch. It’s versatile enough to serve as a side dish with any main course or even as a light main dish on its own.
Plus, the Vidalia onions give it a sweet, subtle flavor that balances the richness of the soup and cheese. It’s simple, hearty, and delicious—the perfect comfort food!
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Mistake: Using cold butter for the topping
Solution: Make sure to melt the butter for the topping. This ensures the crackers stick together and get crispy when baked. Cold butter can cause the topping to be uneven and less crunchy.
Mistake: Overcrowding the cabbage layer
Solution: Don’t pack the cabbage too tightly. You want it to cook evenly, so ensure the cabbage is spread out in a single layer.
Mistake: Not letting the casserole cool before serving
Solution: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps it firm up and makes serving much easier.
Mistake: Not enough cheese on top
Solution: If you love a cheesy topping, feel free to add more cheddar cheese to the Ritz cracker mixture for an extra cheesy crunch.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
– Serve this Cabbage Casserole as a hearty side dish alongside roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or even a fresh salad for a lighter meal.
– Pair it with a glass of white wine or a light beer for a well-rounded meal.
– It can also stand alone as a simple, vegetarian main dish, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, but the topping may lose its crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Yes, you can substitute green cabbage for the recipe. Just note that green cabbage may cook down a little differently than the smaller, more tender cabbage typically used in this dish.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
3. Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, to make it vegetarian, simply use a can of cream of mushroom soup in place of the cream of chicken soup.
4. Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
5. How can I make the casserole spicier?
To add some heat, try mixing in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño into the creamy mixture before spreading it over the cabbage and onions.
Tips & Tricks
– For an extra creamy casserole, add a bit of sour cream to the soup mixture.
– Try adding some cooked bacon bits for a smoky flavor twist.
– If you prefer a crunchier topping, use more Ritz crackers, or even swap in some crushed cornflakes.
Recipe Variations
Cheesy Bacon Cabbage Casserole:
Add 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon to the creamy mixture. The smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the cabbage and cheese.
Spicy Cabbage Casserole:
For a kick, mix in some chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili powder into the creamy soup mixture. This gives the dish a zesty, spicy flavor profile.
Low-Fat Cabbage Casserole:
To reduce calories, swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cream of chicken soup. You can also use a lower-fat cheese.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to overlook the simple dishes in favor of something flashier, but there’s an undeniable charm in a recipe that sticks to its roots. This cabbage casserole is a perfect example of how humble ingredients can come together to create something far greater than the sum of its parts.
The creaminess, the crunch, and the comforting blend of flavors speak to something deeper—nostalgia, family, and the act of sharing food that’s been loved for generations. It’s a dish that fills not just your belly, but your heart. So, when you’re in need of a meal that brings warmth to a table or a crowd, remember that sometimes the simplest things are the ones worth savoring the most.
Cabbage Casserole
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
- Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a baking dish with cooking spray.
- Place chopped cabbage in the bottom of the dish, then add a layer of chopped Vidalia onion on top.
- In a bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and 1/2 stick of melted butter until smooth.
- Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the cabbage and onion.
- In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and crushed Ritz crackers until fully combined.
- Spread the cracker mixture evenly over the creamy layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the topping is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
