Grandma’s Cozy Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole Recipe

Southern kitchens buzz with warmth when a hearty cabbage casserole enters the conversation.

Grandmothers passed down this cherished recipe through generations of loving hands.

Creamy textures and rich flavors promise comfort in every single bite.

Crispy edges tempt hungry diners with nostalgic memories of home-cooked meals.

Vegetables mingle with savory cheese, creating a delightful harmony of tastes.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising satisfaction for everyone around the table.

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole

• Cabbage: A crisp and hearty vegetable that provides the main body and texture of the casserole.
• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor that complements the cabbage perfectly.

• Butter: Creates a rich and smooth foundation for cooking and adding depth to the dish.
• Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides a creamy and flavorful binding sauce for the casserole.
• Mayonnaise: Adds extra creaminess and a subtle tangy flavor to the mixture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Brings a sharp and melty cheese element to enhance the overall taste.

• Ritz Crackers: Creates a crunchy and golden-brown topping that adds texture and flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables and other ingredients.

How to Prepare Southern Cabbage Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F. Grab a casserole dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté Cabbage and Onions

Wash and chop the cabbage into rough pieces. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in the cabbage and onions, stirring occasionally until they soften and become slightly translucent. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

• Cream of chicken soup
• Mayonnaise

Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the cabbage.

Step 4: Craft the Crunchy Topping

• Melted butter
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crushed Ritz crackers

Sprinkle this delightful topping across the entire casserole, creating a golden crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges start to bubble.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this classic Southern dish.

Tips for Flavorful Southern Cabbage Casserole

• Select crisp, bright green cabbage without brown spots for the best flavor and texture in your casserole.
• Crush Ritz crackers just before mixing to maintain their crunchiness and prevent soggy topping.
• Swap regular mayonnaise for Greek yogurt and use low-fat cream of chicken soup to create a lighter version of this comfort dish.
• Don't be shy with salt and pepper while cooking cabbage – proper seasoning builds deep, rich flavor throughout the casserole.
• Pat chopped cabbage with paper towels to remove excess moisture before cooking, ensuring a thicker, more cohesive casserole texture.

Variations on Classic Southern Cabbage Casserole

• Vegetarian Cabbage Delight: Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup and add plant-based cheese for a meat-free version.
• Spicy Southern Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, and use pepper jack cheese to create a zesty flavor profile.
• Bacon Lover's Cabbage Bake: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits between cabbage layers and on top of the casserole for extra richness.
• Herbed Mediterranean Style: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano, and use feta cheese instead of cheddar for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.

Pairings for Southern Cabbage Casserole

• Serve with Tangy Coleslaw: Balance the rich, creamy casserole with a zesty, crunchy coleslaw that cuts through the dish's heaviness and adds a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Smoky Pulled Pork: Complement the cabbage casserole with tender, slow-cooked pulled pork that echoes the Southern comfort food vibe and provides a protein-packed companion.
• Pour Ice-Cold Sweet Tea: Quench your thirst with a classic Southern sweet tea that offers a cool, sugary counterpoint to the savory, cheesy casserole flavors.
• Finish with Buttermilk Biscuits: Serve warm, flaky buttermilk biscuits on the side to soak up the creamy sauce and add another layer of Southern comfort to the meal.

Storing Southern Cabbage Casserole Properly

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place a date label on the container for tracking.

Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly. Stop when thoroughly heated.

Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.

FAQs

• What gives this casserole its signature Southern flavor?

The combination of butter, Ritz crackers, and cheddar cheese creates a rich, comforting taste that’s quintessentially Southern, delivering a classic homestyle flavor profile.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! This casserole uses simple, affordable ingredients like cabbage, onions, condensed soup, and Ritz crackers, making it an economical dish that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.

Reasons to Enjoy Southern Cabbage Casserole

• Savor Southern Comfort: A classic recipe that brings warmth and nostalgia with every bite, celebrating traditional Southern cooking techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable ingredients allow for personal tweaks, making it perfect for home cooks who love to experiment with flavors and textures.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Minimal prep and straightforward steps transform simple ingredients into a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together fast.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Creamy, cheesy topping and tender cabbage create a side dish that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteed to disappear from the dinner table.

Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets creamy deliciousness in this classic Cabbage Casserole, blending hearty vegetables with rich, cheesy goodness. Cheesy layers and crispy breadcrumb topping promise a comforting meal that brings family together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 small head green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 medium Vidalia onion

Sauce and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 (10-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick/113 grams) butter

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and lightly coat a casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Thoroughly wash and coarsely chop the cabbage into uniform pieces. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add cabbage and onions, sautéing for approximately 10 minutes while stirring consistently until vegetables soften and reduce slightly. Season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
3. Carefully transfer the sautéed cabbage mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly across the bottom. Whisk together condensed cream of chicken soup and mayonnaise until smooth, then gently spread this creamy mixture over the cabbage layer.
4. Create the topping by combining melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and crushed Ritz crackers in a mixing bowl. Ensure ingredients are well integrated, then uniformly distribute the mixture across the casserole’s surface.
5. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until the topping transforms into a golden-brown, crispy crust and the edges become bubbly and slightly caramelized.
6. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier. Slice and serve warm as a comforting Southern-style side dish.

Notes

• Soften cabbage perfectly by not overcooking, maintaining a slight crunch for better texture and preventing mushiness during baking.
• Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for vegetarian option or use dairy-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding smoked paprika or garlic powder to the cracker topping for extra depth and aromatic richness.
• Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium soup, unsalted butter, and selecting reduced-fat cheese without compromising the casserole’s delicious southern charm.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 468
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 749 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 103 mg