🧀🥬 Cheesy Cabbage Casserole – Comfort Food on a Budget
If you’re looking for a cozy, no-fuss dish that feels like a warm hug in casserole form, this Cheesy Cabbage Casserole is about to become your new favorite. It’s creamy, gooey, perfectly seasoned, and made with humble ingredients you probably already have. Whether you serve it as a hearty vegetarian main or a crowd-pleasing side, it’s always a winner.
Best of all? It’s easy on your wallet and your time.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Casserole
✅ Creamy, cheesy, comforting – The ultimate savory bake
✅ Pantry staples – No fancy ingredients here
✅ Easy to customize – Add meat, veggies, or spice it up
✅ Meal-prep friendly – Leftovers taste even better the next day
This dish has old-school charm with modern convenience—rich in flavor, light on effort, and always satisfying.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter (or olive oil)
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, adds a smoky warmth)
- ½ cup (50g) breadcrumbs, for topping (optional)
Optional Add-ins:
- Cooked bacon or ham – Adds a smoky, savory punch
- Diced bell peppers – Brightens the flavor and color
- Crushed red pepper flakes – For a kick of heat
👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish.
2. Sauté the Veggies
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant—about 3–4 minutes.
Add the chopped cabbage and cook for another 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and slightly golden in spots.
3. Make It Creamy
Stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and the cabbage is well-coated.
Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and Parmesan, reserving a little for topping if desired.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs if using.
5. Bake Until Bubbly
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is golden, bubbly, and lightly crisp on top.
For extra crunch, broil for the last 2 minutes—just keep an eye on it!
6. Cool Slightly & Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
🔥 Pro Tips for Cabbage Casserole Success
✔ Use green or savoy cabbage for best results—Napa is too delicate
âś” Slice cabbage evenly so it cooks uniformly
✔ Cheese matters – Try sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack
✔ Low-carb twist – Skip the breadcrumbs and use more cheese for a keto-friendly version
✔ Make it ahead – Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh the next day
🍽️ How to Serve It
✨ As a side – Perfect with roast chicken, pork chops, or meatloaf
✨ As a main dish – Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a full meal
✨ With a salad – Add a fresh green salad for balance
✨ For potlucks or holidays – A unique and delicious addition to any spread
❄️ Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through
- Freeze in individual portions for easy lunches or dinners later—just thaw and reheat
🧡 Final Thoughts: Cheesy, Creamy, Comfort in a Dish
This Cheesy Cabbage Casserole is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something delicious and satisfying. It’s rich, warm, adaptable, and a total hit at the dinner table.
Serve it once and watch it become a new favorite—simple food, done right.