Cozy Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole Recipe

Comfort arrives in a heartwarming southern cabbage casserole that whispers stories of childhood kitchens and Sunday gatherings.

Memories dance through layers of tender cabbage and creamy sauce, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.

Generations have passed down this cherished recipe, revealing culinary magic with simple ingredients.

Crisp cabbage mingles with rich cheese and savory seasonings, creating a dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Hearty and satisfying, this casserole promises to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Families gather around steaming plates, sharing laughter and connection over this classic southern treasure.

One forkful will transport you to cozy dining rooms filled with love and tradition.

Dive into this nostalgic recipe and experience the soul-warming magic of southern cooking.

FAQs

• Is this dish healthy?

While delicious, the casserole is rich with butter, cheese, and condensed soup, making it more of a comfort food. It contains vegetables but has high calorie and fat content.

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Cheddar works best for this recipe, but you could substitute with mild or sharp cheddar depending on your preference. Avoid soft cheeses like mozzarella which won’t provide the same crispy topping.

• How do I prevent the cabbage from being watery?

Ensure you cook the cabbage in the pan until it’s partially softened and some moisture has evaporated. Don’t skip the initial cooking step, as this helps reduce excess liquid in the final casserole.

• What if I don't have Ritz crackers?

You can use similar buttery crackers like saltines or even breadcrumbs.

What Makes Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole So Tasty

• Savor Southern Comfort: A classic dish that brings the warmth of traditional Southern cooking right to your dinner table, packed with nostalgic flavors and homey goodness.
• Transform Humble Ingredients: Magically turn simple cabbage and pantry staples into a creamy, crunchy casserole that elevates everyday vegetables into a crowd-pleasing meal.
• Create Stress-Free Cooking: Requires minimal prep work and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious side dish without complicated techniques.
• Adaptable Family Favorite: Versatile enough to pair with multiple main courses, pleasing both kids and adults with its cheesy, crispy topping and comforting texture.

Must-Have Ingredients for Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole

• Cabbage: A hearty vegetable that forms the base of this classic Southern casserole.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps soften the vegetables.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the cabbage mixture.

• Condensed Cream Soup: Creates a creamy, smooth sauce that holds the casserole together.
• Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.

• Cheddar Cheese, Ritz Crackers: Provide a crunchy, golden-brown topping with a savory cheese flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall seasoning of the dish.

How to Cook Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole Right

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Dish

Warm your oven to 350°F and coat a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté Cabbage and Onions

Heat butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Add cabbage and onions, cooking and stirring until they become tender and slightly translucent. Enhance with salt and pepper for depth of flavor.

Step 3: Transfer Vegetable Mixture

Carefully move the softened cabbage and onion blend into the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly across the bottom.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce Layer

• Condensed cream soup
• Mayonnaise

Spread this smooth mixture completely over the cabbage to create a rich, creamy foundation.

Step 5: Craft Crunchy Topping

• Melted butter
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crushed Ritz crackers

Sprinkle this delectable topping generously across the casserole surface.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown topping and bubbling edges, indicating it’s ready to serve and enjoy.

Helpful Tips to Nail Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole

• Melt butter slowly over medium heat to develop a rich, nutty flavor without burning, enhancing the overall taste of the casserole.
• Cook cabbage and onions just until partially softened to maintain a slight crunch and prevent mushiness during baking.
• Crush Ritz crackers coarsely to create a crispy, textured layer that adds delightful crunch and buttery flavor to the casserole.
• Use shredded cheddar at room temperature to ensure even melting and a smooth, creamy topping that blends perfectly with the crackers.
• Reduce salt and use low-sodium cream soup and crackers for a lighter version that still delivers maximum flavor.

Exciting Spins on Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole

• Vegetarian Cabbage Casserole: Replace butter with olive oil, use vegetable condensed soup, and swap Ritz crackers with panko breadcrumbs for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute cabbage with cauliflower florets, use almond flour instead of crackers, and add extra cheese for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Casserole: Use coconut oil instead of butter, select dairy-free cheese substitute, and replace condensed soup with cashew cream sauce.
• Gluten-Free Hearty Option: Use gluten-free crackers or crushed pork rinds for topping, select gluten-free condensed soup, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What Goes Well with Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole

Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity to cut through the rich, creamy casserole and balance its buttery flavors.

Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or baked ham to create a complete meal that enhances the casserole’s southern comfort food profile.

Create a light green salad with vinaigrette dressing to provide a refreshing contrast to the dense, cheesy cabbage dish and add brightness to the plate.

Pour a cold glass of traditional sweet tea to echo the recipe’s southern roots and provide a classic beverage pairing that refreshes the palate.

How to Keep Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish. Wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning. Warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil last 5 minutes to crisp topping.