If you’re on the hunt for true, down-home comfort food, look no further than Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole. Each bite pairs tender cabbage with a creamy, cheesy sauce and a buttery cracker topping that bakes up golden and crispy. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find at Southern holiday gatherings or Sunday suppers, bringing friends and family together around the table with its irresistible flavor, warmth, and tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple, relying on just a handful of kitchen staples. Each ingredient works its own kind of magic, lending either creamy richness, a bit of crunch, or Southern soul to the casserole. Here’s what you’ll need, plus some smart tips for picking the best of each.
- Green cabbage: Look for a medium, firm head—its slight sweetness and hearty texture are the backbone of the dish.
- Yellow onion: Finely chopped for mellow depth and savory bite to blend perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: This pantry staple binds everything with its velvety, savory goodness.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess; full-fat will give the richest result.
- Garlic powder: Just the right touch of garlicky warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Onion powder: Boosts the sweet and savory onion note for extra depth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning; taste as you go to make sure every bite pops.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, bringing that crowd-pleasing cheesy kick.
- Buttery round crackers (like Ritz), crushed: The classic Southern topping—these deliver crunch and rich flavor.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Drizzled over the cracker crumbs, it toasts everything into golden, irresistible perfection.
How to Make Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
First things first, set your oven to 350°F so it’s ready to go when you need it. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this helps the casserole lift out easily and keeps cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Cabbage
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add your chopped cabbage and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, just until it’s tender but still vibrant. Drain it well to keep your Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole from becoming watery, then set the cabbage aside to cool off a bit.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and perfectly blended—a luscious bed for your cabbage and onions.
Step 4: Combine the Veggies and Sauce
Tumble the drained cabbage and finely chopped onion into your bowl of creamy sauce. Fold it all together gently but thoroughly, making sure every leaf and bit of onion is nicely coated.
Step 5: Layer and Add Cheese
Spoon the cabbage mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all across the top for that signature melt and gooey bite everyone craves in Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole.
Step 6: Make and Add the Cracker Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together your crushed buttery crackers with melted butter until the crumbs are moist and glistening. Sprinkle this crumb mixture generously over the cheese layer to ensure every bite comes with that crunchy-salty finish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cracker topping is deep golden and the casserole is bubbling invitingly around the edges. Let it rest for about 5 minutes after baking to set up before you spoon into it.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole
Garnishes
For a final flourish, scatter freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top right before serving. This not only adds a pop of color but also a little freshness to round out all that creamy richness.
Side Dishes
Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole makes a stellar side for almost any Southern meal. Pair it with roast chicken, baked ham, fried pork chops, or even grilled sausages. For vegetables, consider collard greens, stewed tomatoes, or a classic pot of black-eyed peas alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make it extra special? Serve Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch at dinner parties. Or, scoop it into halved roasted bell peppers for a pop of color and an easy, all-in-one presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge. Just let it cool to room temperature, cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions into airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors deepen even more overnight!
Freezing
To freeze Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole, assemble the casserole (up to adding the cracker topping), tightly wrap it in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. Add the cracker topping just before baking for the best texture.
Reheating
If reheating from the fridge, cover the casserole and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 15–20 minutes). If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual. The topping crisps up again perfectly in the oven.
FAQs
Can I make Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just add the cracker topping just before you bake for the freshest, crispest topping.
What are some vegetarian swaps for this recipe?
For a vegetarian Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole, simply use cream of mushroom soup in place of cream of chicken. It adds great flavor and keeps the creamy base just as satisfying.
Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
While red cabbage works in a pinch, green cabbage really shines in this dish because of its mild sweetness and tender texture once baked. Red can be a bit firmer and more peppery, but you’re welcome to experiment!
What protein can I add to make it more filling?
Cooked ground sausage, crispy bacon, or diced ham all make fantastic, hearty additions. Simply stir in your cooked meat with the cabbage and onions before baking.
How do I keep the casserole from getting watery?
Be sure to drain the cooked cabbage very well—let it sit in a colander for a few minutes and even gently press with a spoon to remove extra liquid. This helps the casserole set up beautifully without sogginess.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like digging into a big spoonful of Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with comfort. Give it a try the next time you’re craving something cozy and utterly satisfying; I think it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
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Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole is a comforting and creamy baked dish that’s perfect for a side at any meal. With a cheesy topping and a buttery cracker crust, it’s a true Southern classic that’s sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 lbs), chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
Sauce Mixture:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve buttery round crackers (like Ritz), crushed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Cabbage: Boil chopped cabbage for 5–7 minutes until tender, then drain.
- Mix Sauce: Combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add cabbage and onion; mix well.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread mixture in baking dish, top with cheddar cheese.
- Add Topping: Mix crushed crackers with melted butter; sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let it rest before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use cream of mushroom soup.
- Add cooked ground sausage or bacon for a heartier dish.
- This casserole reheats well and can be made in advance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
