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Table of Contents
Nothing says cozy quite like a bubbling, golden-baked dish straight from the oven. This Old-fashioned cheesy cabbage casserole is the kind of homey, satisfying recipe that brings generations to the table. Whether you grew up eating it or just discovered it, this dish wraps simplicity, tradition, and savory goodness into every bite. It’s the kind of comfort food that never goes out of style.
Don’t miss our Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe if you’re craving more nostalgic cabbage comfort!
Why You’ll Love cheesy cabbage casserole
- Easy to prep with simple pantry ingredients
- Budget-friendly and ideal for feeding a crowd
- Classic comfort with loads of gooey, melted cheese
- Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
- Customizable for any dietary preference
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour |
| Course | Main Course / Side Dish |
| Cuisine | American |
| Servings | 6–8 portions |
| Storage | Fridge: 4 days / Freezer: 2 months |
| Main Ingredient | Green cabbage, cheddar cheese |
Ingredients You’ll Need for cheesy cabbage casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make the magic happen:
- 1 medium head of green cabbage (chopped)
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 medium yellow onion (sliced)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional but amazing)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp baking soda (optional – more on this below)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
How to Make cheesy cabbage casserole (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prep the Cabbage
Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces and soak in cold water for 10–15 minutes to help reduce bitterness and soften the leaves. Drain thoroughly.
Step 2: Sauté Onion & Cabbage
Melt butter in a skillet and sauté onion until soft. Add cabbage and cook until just tender. You can add a pinch of baking soda here to brighten the cabbage and reduce cooking smell.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese. Combine with the sautéed cabbage.
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
Pour mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and a little extra cheese if you like. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35–45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Recipe
- Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that don’t melt as smoothly.
- Don’t overcook the cabbage before baking—it will continue softening in the oven.
- Add breadcrumbs in the last 15 mins of baking for a perfectly crispy top.
Flavor Variations
- Swap cheddar for Gruyère, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack
- Stir in chopped bell peppers or spinach for color and nutrients
- Try smoked paprika or Dijon mustard in the cream mix for extra zing
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect with roast chicken, grilled sausages, or meatloaf
- Goes well with a side of buttery cornbread or garlic toast
- For a veggie-loaded plate, pair it with Cabbage Fritters or a bright garden salad
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can make this cheesy cabbage casserole a day in advance. Just prep, cover, and refrigerate before baking. Leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Looking for inspiration? Try Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks for another rich and veggie-packed dish!
FAQs About Old-fashioned cheesy cabbage casserole
What goes well with cabbage casserole?
Cabbage casserole is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes and sides. Classic choices include roast chicken, grilled pork chops, or even baked meatloaf. It also shines alongside buttery mashed potatoes, garlic toast, or a simple garden salad.
Want more cabbage on the plate? Don’t miss our Ground Beef and Cabbage Recipe for a satisfying pairing.
Why do you put baking soda in cabbage?
Adding a pinch of baking soda when cooking cabbage helps neutralize its strong odor and can slightly brighten its color. It also speeds up the softening process. But go easy—too much baking soda can make the cabbage mushy and strip it of nutrients.
How long to soak cabbage before cooking?
Soaking chopped cabbage in cold water for 10 to 15 minutes helps draw out any bitterness and ensures the leaves soften evenly during cooking. Be sure to rinse and drain it well before adding it to your casserole.
Can I use other cheeses besides cheddar?
Yes, definitely! While sharp cheddar gives that classic rich flavor, you can swap or mix in Gruyère, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Swiss, or even parmesan. Each adds a unique twist—just make sure the cheese melts well to keep the casserole creamy and delicious.
Is cheesy cabbage casserole freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! This casserole holds up well in the freezer. Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Old-fashioned cheesy cabbage casserole is more than just a dish—it’s a slice of tradition, a hug in a bowl, and a reliable crowd-pleaser. With endless variations and comforting layers of flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Discover great ideas like Chicken Cabbage Soup to expand your love for cabbage recipes even more.
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Old-fashioned Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- ½ tsp baking soda (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prep the cabbage:
- Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces and soak in cold water for 10–15 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
Saute onion & cabbage:
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté sliced onion until soft, then add cabbage and cook until just tender. Optionally, add a pinch of baking soda to soften cabbage and reduce odor.
Mix the creamy base:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese.
Assemble & bake:
- Combine sautéed cabbage mixture with the creamy base. Pour into a greased 9×13" baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and additional cheese if desired. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35–45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
- Make it meatier: Add cooked bacon or sausage to the cabbage for a hearty version.
- Cheese swaps: Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella can be used instead of cheddar.
- Freezer-friendly: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in oven.
