There’s something about this dish that just works—here’s why: my Cheesy Cabbage Casserole has become a cherished staple in our home, especially during those busy weeknights when comfort food is an absolute must. The creamy, cheesy goodness wrapped around tender cabbage not only fills our bellies but also warms our hearts. Every time I pull this casserole out of the oven, I’m reminded of family dinners filled with laughter and love. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in some veggies for my kiddos, Mateo and Camila!
Why It Works
Let me tell you why this one’s always a hit in my house: first, it’s incredibly versatile. You can toss in whatever veggies you have on hand, making it a great way to use up leftovers. Second, it’s a breeze to prepare—perfect for busy moms like me who need to whip up something comforting in no time. Lastly, the combination of cheese and cabbage creates a harmony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. Trust me; when you take that first bite, you’ll see why my Cheesy Cabbage Casserole has become a family favorite.
Ingredients List
1 large cabbage, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup vegetable broth
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dried thyme
Ingredient Swaps
When it comes to making my Cheesy Cabbage Casserole, don’t be afraid to get creative with the ingredients! If you’re out of cabbage, broccoli or cauliflower work beautifully. Need to cater to lactose sensitivities? You can swap and use dairy-free cheeses or a mix of nut-based creams. In a pinch, I’ve mixed in leftover roasted vegetables or even ground meat to my casserole, and my kids always love it!
Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
Equipment
- Baking Dish
- Saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Cabbage Base
- 1 large cabbage chopped
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
Cheesy Mixture
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Seasoning
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pan, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add the chopped cabbage and vegetable broth to the pan. Cook until the cabbage is tender.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Mix the cooked cabbage into the cheesy mixture until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and golden on top.
Notes
How to Make Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole gets that perfect bubbly top when it bakes.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pan, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they’re translucent. The warmth of these aromatics fills the kitchen and signals to my kids that dinner is on the way!
Step 3: Cook the Cabbage
Now, add the chopped cabbage and vegetable broth to the pan. Cook this delicious mixture until the cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally. It’s amazing to see how the cabbage wilts down!
Step 4: Prepare the Cheesy Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, and thyme. Give it a good stir; this creamy blend is what makes the casserole oh-so-lush and dreamy.
Step 5: Mix It All Together
Fold the cooked cabbage into the cheesy mixture until everything is well combined. The melted cheese hugs the tender cabbage so wonderfully—it’s comfort food magic!
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish
Carefully transfer the entire mixture to a greased baking dish. Spread it evenly, making sure no deliciousness goes to waste!
Step 7: Bake Away
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbling and golden on top. Let me tell you; this is the moment where you start dreaming about how good dinner is going to be!
Serving & Garnish
I usually serve my Cheesy Cabbage Casserole warm, fresh out of the oven, and family-style so everyone can help themselves. My kids love to add an extra sprinkle of cheese on top, because, well, who can blame them? It also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some crunchy garlic bread for those cozy family dinners.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking the cabbage. Aim for tender, not mushy! Another is skimping on the cheese—this dish is meant to be rich and cheesy, so don’t hold back! Finally, remember to preheat your oven. There’s nothing worse than letting a casserole sit before it gets that beautiful golden finish.
Storage & Reheating
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in our house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or back in the oven until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions, and trust me, a warm bite of Cheddar Cabbage Bake will make a gloomy day brighter!
A Quick Word from Samantha
You know, the last time I made my Cheesy Cabbage Casserole, Mateo had a friend over, and they gobbled it up in record time! It always warms my heart to see the kids enjoy home-cooked meals, especially when they’re packed with veggies. Plus, it gives me a chance to teach them about cooking, one cheesy cabbage dish at a time!
FAQs
What is the main ingredient in Cheesy Cabbage Casserole?
The main ingredient in Cheesy Cabbage Casserole is, of course, cabbage! It’s mixed with creamy cheeses and seasonings to create a comforting dish that everyone loves.
Can I use different types of cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! While cheddar is my go-to, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick.
Is this Cheesy Cabbage Casserole suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian! It pairs beautifully with a side of protein for those wanting to add more to the meal.
What is Cheddar Cabbage Bake?
Cheddar Cabbage Bake is a flavorful dish that incorporates cheddar cheese and baked cabbage, much like my Cheesy Cabbage Casserole, but usually with a different cheese blend or additional grains. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner!
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
This Cheesy Cabbage Casserole is naturally gluten-free since it contains no bread or flour. Just make sure to check the labels on any processed cheese products if you’re concerned!
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to see your take! Leave a comment below or tag @YummyCrafter on Pinterest. Let’s bake joy together!
