Easy Scalloped Cabbage Casserole: Your New Go-To Cheesy Comfort Food Recipe
Indulge in the heartwarming embrace of classic comfort with this incredibly Easy Scalloped Cabbage Casserole! This delightful vintage recipe brings together tender, perfectly cooked cabbage, bathed in a rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy sauce, all crowned with a golden-brown, buttery cracker topping. Baked to absolute perfection, it’s a dish that promises to transport you back to simpler times with every single bite. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight meal or searching for a standout side dish to grace your holiday table, this scrumptious and remarkably budget-friendly casserole is the perfect solution.
This old-fashioned casserole, with its tender, creamy, and undeniably cheesy character, is an absolute gem to have in your culinary repertoire. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner side dish that consistently delivers on flavor and satisfaction. In today’s world, where every trip to the grocery store seems to yield a higher bill, this Easy Scalloped Cabbage Casserole offers a delicious respite. It’s packed with affordable, readily available ingredients, ensuring you can stick to your budget without compromising on taste. This timeless recipe has been enjoyed for generations, tracing its roots back to resourceful kitchens during challenging times like the Great Depression, proving its enduring value for any household aiming to save money.
As the holiday season approaches, the quest for a new, crowd-pleasing dish can be quite a challenge. This cheesy scalloped cabbage recipe is precisely what you need to introduce an exciting and comforting addition to your family dinner table. Its rich flavor profile and comforting texture make it an instant hit, even with those who might typically shy away from vegetables. It’s a fantastic way to elevate a humble ingredient into something truly special, creating memorable meals that everyone will look forward to.
Cabbage, often underestimated, is a truly versatile and powerhouse ingredient in the kitchen. Not only is it incredibly inexpensive, making it a dream for budget-conscious cooks, but it’s also brimming with vital nutrients. It’s a fantastic source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and numerous other beneficial antioxidants, making it a nutritional boon for growing families. However, its natural flavor can sometimes benefit from a little enhancement. By generously enveloping it in a creamy, savory cheese sauce and finishing it with a crunchy, buttery cracker topping, cabbage transforms into a dish so delectable that even the most discerning eaters will eagerly ask for seconds. This casserole masterfully turns a simple vegetable into a gourmet-like experience.
If you’re searching for other simple yet hearty casserole dishes, my family absolutely adores my Crock Pot Corn Casserole, a sweet and savory delight perfect for any potluck. But if you have leftover cabbage and are looking for another innovative way to use it, my Apple Cabbage Slaw with Poppy Seed Dressing is an excellent choice. This crisp, crunchy, and tangy side dish offers a refreshing contrast and is perfect for light lunches, summer BBQs, or any family get-together where you want a vibrant, healthy option.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Scalloped Cabbage Casserole
- Unbeatable Comfort Food: This casserole delivers pure, unadulterated comfort in every spoonful. The creamy texture, rich cheese, and tender cabbage create a harmonious blend that is deeply satisfying and nostalgic.
- Incredibly Budget-Friendly: Cabbage is one of the most economical vegetables available, and paired with common pantry staples, this recipe proves that delicious doesn’t have to mean expensive. It’s a lifesaver for feeding a crowd on a budget.
- Effortlessly Simple to Make: With straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for home cooks of all skill levels. You don’t need fancy techniques to achieve spectacular results.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: While perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, its impressive flavor and presentation also make it suitable for holiday feasts, potlucks, and special gatherings.
- A Fantastic Way to Enjoy Cabbage: If you or your family are not typically huge fans of cabbage, this recipe is a game-changer. The creamy, cheesy sauce and crispy topping transform it into an irresistible dish that even picky eaters will devour.
- Packed with Nutrients: Cabbage is loaded with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, making this casserole a healthier choice disguised as indulgent comfort food.
What Do I Need To Make This Recipe?
Gathering your ingredients for this scalloped cabbage casserole is a breeze, requiring mostly pantry staples you likely already have on hand. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the affordability of its components, proving that exquisite flavor doesn’t need a complicated shopping list.
- 6 cups cabbage chopped into bite-sized pieces (about 1 medium head of green cabbage). Make sure to discard the tough core.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz or approximately 298g). This is the secret to the casserole’s creamy, savory base, though cream of mushroom or celery soup can also be used for variations.
- ½ cup sour cream. Adds a delightful tang and extra creaminess to the sauce, balancing the richness of the cheese.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar provides a robust, classic cheesy flavor that complements the cabbage beautifully. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or a cheddar blend.
- Salt and pepper to taste. Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- 3 Tablespoons melted butter. This is crucial for creating that irresistible, crispy cracker topping.
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (approximately 1.5 cups crushed). Ritz crackers are highly recommended for their buttery flavor and perfect texture, which crisps up wonderfully. Bread crumbs also work in a pinch, but the buttery crackers elevate the topping significantly.
Step by Step Instructions: Crafting Your Perfect Cabbage Casserole
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and comforting scalloped cabbage casserole that will be a hit with everyone. Precision and care in each step ensure a perfectly balanced and flavorful dish.
- Prepare the Casserole Base: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). While the oven heats, lightly spray a 9×9 inch (or similar sized) casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cabbage, the entire can of cream of chicken soup, the sour cream, and the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until all the pieces of cabbage are generously coated with the creamy, cheesy mixture. This ensures every bite is flavorful. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Once mixed, spread the entire cabbage mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
2. Create the Buttery Cracker Topping: In a separate, smaller bowl, combine the melted butter with the crushed cracker crumbs. Toss them together until the cracker crumbs are evenly coated with butter. This step is crucial for achieving that irresistible golden-brown, crispy topping. Evenly sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture over the entire surface of the cabbage in the casserole dish. Ensure a good, consistent layer for maximum crunch.
3. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the uncovered casserole dish into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 35 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is a beautiful golden brown and the cheesy sauce is bubbling delightfully around the edges. The cooking time can be adjusted based on your desired cabbage texture: if you prefer your cabbage to retain a bit more crispness, check it closer to the 35-minute mark. For a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture, allow it to cook for the full 45 minutes or even a few minutes longer. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing the sauce to set slightly. This makes for easier serving and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Tips for the Perfect Scalloped Cabbage Casserole
Achieving a truly outstanding scalloped cabbage casserole is easy with a few simple tricks. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:
- Choose Fresh Cabbage: Opt for a firm, dense head of green cabbage that feels heavy for its size. Avoid any with wilted or discolored outer leaves.
- Chop Evenly: Uniformly chopping your cabbage into bite-sized pieces ensures it cooks evenly throughout the casserole. If pieces are too large, they may remain too firm; too small, and they might become mushy.
- Don’t Overcook Cabbage Before Baking (Optional): The original recipe doesn’t call for pre-cooking, relying on the baking process. If you prefer a very tender cabbage and want to ensure it’s cooked through, you can lightly blanch or steam the chopped cabbage for 5-7 minutes before mixing it with the sauce. Drain very well to avoid a watery casserole. However, the recipe works perfectly without this step for a slightly firmer texture.
- Customize Your Cheese: While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Gruyère, white cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses can add different dimensions of flavor.
- Alternative Toppings: If Ritz crackers aren’t available, or you prefer a different crunch, consider using panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, crushed cornflakes, or even crispy fried onions for an added savory layer.
- Season Thoughtfully: Taste your cabbage mixture before baking and adjust salt and pepper. Remember that cream of chicken soup and cheese both contribute sodium, so start with a moderate amount.
- Let it Rest: After baking, allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to scoop, ensuring it holds its shape better.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Scalloped Cabbage Casserole is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes. It’s also easy to adapt to your taste preferences with a few simple variations.
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic Pairings: This casserole is a natural accompaniment to traditional comfort foods. Serve it alongside roast chicken, baked ham, pork chops, meatloaf, or even a simple grilled steak.
- Holiday Feasts: Its rich flavor and appealing presentation make it an excellent addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinner spreads.
- Potluck Favorite: Easy to transport and universally loved, it’s a fantastic dish to bring to potlucks and family gatherings.
- Complete Meal: For a lighter meal, you can serve a smaller portion of the casserole with a fresh green salad or a side of crusty bread.
Recipe Variations:
- Add Protein: For a heartier main dish, stir in cooked, crumbled bacon, diced ham, shredded chicken, or browned ground sausage into the cabbage mixture before baking.
- Different Soups: Instead of cream of chicken, try cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even cream of broccoli soup for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a subtle kick. Garlic powder or onion powder can also enhance the savory notes.
- Extra Veggies: Boost the vegetable content by adding a cup of frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots to the cabbage mixture. Ensure they are thawed and drained if necessary.
- Homemade Cream Sauce: If you prefer to avoid canned soup, you can make a simple béchamel sauce (white sauce) with butter, flour, and milk, then stir in your cheese for a homemade creamy base.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme into the cabbage mixture for added aromatic depth.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This scalloped cabbage casserole is fantastic for meal prep and makes for delicious leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Allow any leftover casserole to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: While possible, the texture of the cabbage and creamy sauce can change slightly after freezing and thawing. If you choose to freeze, allow the baked and cooled casserole to be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe airtight container. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
- Oven: For best results, especially to maintain the crispy topping, reheat in the oven. Preheat to 300°F (150°C). Place the casserole (covered with foil if it’s dried out, uncovered for the last 10 minutes to re-crisp the topping) in the oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes for a single serving or 30-45 minutes for a larger portion.
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, individual servings can be microwaved. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot. Be aware that the topping may lose its crispness in the microwave.
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Easy Scalloped Cabbage Casserole
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Ingredients
- 6 cups cabbage chopped into bite sized pieces
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper
- 3 Tablespoons melted butter
- 1 sleeve ritz crackers (crushed)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175°C) and spray a 9×9 inch casserole pan with nonstick spray.
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In a large bowl, combine the chopped cabbage, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir well until all cabbage pieces are generously coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
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In a smaller bowl, mix together the melted butter and crushed cracker crumbs until well combined. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture evenly over the cabbage in the casserole dish.
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Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Check at 35 minutes for a crisper cabbage texture, or cook up to 45 minutes for a softer consistency. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
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