Easy Cabbage Casserole

If you’re craving a warm, cheesy, and comforting side dish that’s both budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing, this Easy Cabbage Casserole is the answer. With layers of tender cabbage, sweet Vidalia onions, a creamy sauce, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping, this dish combines simple pantry staples into something irresistibly delicious.

This casserole has long been a staple in Southern kitchens, where hearty, no-fuss meals are a way of life. Whether you serve it alongside baked chicken, roasted pork chops, or as part of a holiday spread, this creamy cabbage bake will have everyone going back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget-friendly ingredients: Simple, affordable pantry staples.
• Perfect for picky eaters: Creamy and cheesy with a mild cabbage flavor.
• Great for holidays & potlucks: Feeds a crowd and pairs well with many mains.
• Comfort food at its best: Rich, creamy, cheesy, and crunchy all in one dish.
• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble ahead, then bake when ready.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what makes this casserole so delicious:

• Cabbage (1 small, chopped): Mild, tender, and perfect for baking.
• Vidalia onion (1, chopped): Adds natural sweetness to balance the creamy sauce.
• Cream of chicken soup (1 can): Provides a rich, savory base.
• Mayonnaise (1 cup): Makes the sauce creamy and flavorful.
• Butter (1 ½ sticks, melted): Half for the sauce, half for the topping. Adds richness.
• Ritz crackers (1 sleeve, crushed): Creates that classic buttery, crunchy topping.
• Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully and adds sharp cheesy flavor.
• Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Cabbage Casserole

• Chop cabbage evenly: This ensures it cooks tender throughout.
• Sweet onions work best: Vidalia or yellow onions balance the richness.
• For extra flavor: Add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the sauce.
• Don’t skip the topping: The buttery cracker crust is what makes this dish irresistible.
• Rest before serving: Letting the casserole sit helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut.

Variations and Customizations

• Protein boost: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken to turn this into a main dish.
• Healthier swap: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
• Different soup base: Substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor.
• Cheese lovers: Add mozzarella or Monterey Jack along with cheddar.
• Low-carb option: Skip the Ritz topping and sprinkle with pork rinds or almond flour mixed with parmesan.

Pairing Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with:

• Baked or grilled chicken
• Glazed ham or pork chops
• Roast beef or meatloaf
• A fresh green salad for balance
• Warm dinner rolls or cornbread

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Assemble without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before baking.
• Reheating: Warm in oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave single servings for quick reheating.

Popular Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to the topping step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking.

Q2: Do I have to use cream of chicken soup?
No—you can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if preferred.

Q3: Can I use red or green cabbage?
Absolutely. Green cabbage is classic, but red cabbage works too—it will just change the color slightly.

Q4: What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
Saltines, cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or crushed club crackers all make great substitutes.

Q5: Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just use a larger casserole dish (or two 9×13 dishes) and bake slightly longer if needed.

---