When you think of baked vegetable casseroles, cabbage might not be the first ingredient that comes to mind. Yet when combined with spinach, herbs, and cheese, it transforms into something extraordinary: a golden, cheesy, wholesome bake that’s both comforting and full of flavor. This recipe highlights how simple, everyday vegetables can be turned into a show-stopping dish with just a few clever touches—like a creamy spinach and garlic filling and a generous topping of mozzarella that bakes to bubbling perfection.

Perfect as a light vegetarian main, a hearty side dish, or even as a lunchbox meal, this cabbage and spinach bake is versatile and satisfying. It balances earthy cabbage and leafy spinach with the richness of cream cheese and the sharpness of cheddar, tied together by aromatic Provençal herbs. The result is a dish that feels indulgent but still packed with nourishing vegetables. Whether you’re a long-time veggie lover or trying to sneak more greens into your meals, this recipe is a guaranteed win.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

• 500 g cabbage

• Salt (for seasoning)

• 3 eggs

• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped

• Spring onions, chopped

• Parsley, chopped

• 60 g cheddar cheese, grated

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tsp Provençal herbs

• 3 tbsp flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• Vegetable oil (for greasing)

• 150 g spinach

• 200 g cream cheese

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 60 g mozzarella cheese for topping

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the cabbage base: Finely shred the cabbage, sprinkle with a little salt, and squeeze it with your hands to release excess moisture. This keeps the bake from becoming watery.

2. Mix the batter: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the cabbage, chopped bell pepper, spring onions, parsley, cheddar cheese, Provençal herbs, flour, and baking powder. Stir until well combined.

3. Bake the base: Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil. Spread the cabbage mixture evenly in the dish. Bake at 180°C/350°F until lightly golden brown and set, about 20–25 minutes.

4. Prepare the spinach filling: In a skillet, wilt the spinach briefly, then mix it with cream cheese and minced garlic until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Assemble the bake: Once the cabbage base is baked, remove from the oven and spread the spinach-cream cheese filling evenly over the top.

6. Add the final layer: Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Return the dish to the oven and bake at 200°C/400°F until golden brown and bubbling, about 10–15 minutes.

7. Serve: Allow to cool slightly before slicing into pieces. Enjoy warm with your favorite side or as a complete meal on its own.

Nutrients (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 280

• Protein: 13 g

• Fat: 19 g

• Carbohydrates: 16 g

• Fiber: 4 g

• Calcium: 220 mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe gives you comfort food vibes without the guilt. It’s cheesy and rich, but at the same time, packed with nutrient-dense vegetables like cabbage, spinach, and bell peppers. The combination of textures makes it irresistible: a firm base, creamy filling, and a gooey melted cheese topping. Plus, it’s family-friendly and a creative way to serve veggies to kids who might usually turn up their noses at greens.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

This dish draws inspiration from classic European baked vegetable casseroles. In Mediterranean kitchens, cheese, spinach, and herbs often come together in savory pies and gratins. The Provençal herbs add a French countryside feel, while the cream cheese filling borrows from the comfort-food tradition of creamy spinach dips. Blending these ideas into one recipe creates a truly global comfort dish with simple, everyday ingredients.

Ingredient Spotlight

• Cabbage: Low in calories but high in fiber, cabbage adds bulk and crunch when baked.

• Spinach: A powerhouse of vitamins A, C, and K, plus iron and calcium.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharpness and depth to the base.

• Cream Cheese: Makes the filling creamy and indulgent.

• Provençal Herbs: A blend of thyme, rosemary, oregano, and basil that gives the bake its aromatic Mediterranean flair.

• Mozzarella: Melts beautifully, giving that perfect golden-brown cheesy crust.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This bake can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If freezing, bake only the cabbage base, cool completely, and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw, add the spinach filling and mozzarella, then bake fresh. This keeps the texture at its best.

Common Variations to Try

• Add protein: Mix cooked chicken, turkey, or tuna into the spinach filling for a heartier meal.

• Make it spicy: Add chili flakes or jalapeños for extra kick.

• Swap the greens: Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach.

• Go low-carb: Replace flour with almond flour and skip the baking powder for a keto-friendly option.

• Vegan option: Use plant-based cream cheese and mozzarella. Replace eggs with a flaxseed egg substitute.

Pairing Recommendations

This bake works beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. For a fuller meal, pair it with roasted chicken or grilled fish. Drinks-wise, a glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the creaminess, while herbal teas or sparkling water with lemon make a lighter choice.

Health Benefits

Don’t let the cheese fool you—this recipe is loaded with health benefits. Cabbage supports digestion and is rich in antioxidants. Spinach provides iron and calcium, while garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties. Eggs offer protein and essential amino acids. And the cheeses, while indulgent, supply calcium and vitamin D. It’s a dish that strikes a balance between indulgence and nutrition.

Conclusion

The Cheesy Cabbage and Spinach Bake is the kind of recipe that makes vegetables exciting. It’s a clever combination of flavors and textures—savory, cheesy, creamy, and wholesome—that works for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prep. The addition of Provençal herbs gives it a gourmet edge, while the melted mozzarella topping ensures it’s still comfort food at heart.Try it once, and you’ll discover just how satisfying a veggie-based bake can be. It’s not just another casserole—it’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something spectacular.