Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with cabbage, this Cheesy Cabbage Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dish that transforms humble ingredients into a cozy and satisfying meal. With a combination of cheddar, cream cheese, and tender cabbage, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday sides, or potlucks. Whether you’re looking to get more veggies into your meals or simply craving something rich and warm, this casserole delivers both flavor and nourishment.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings
Cuisine: American comfort food / Vegetarian
Ingredients
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Cabbage: 1 medium head, chopped (about 4–5 cups)
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Onion: 1 medium, chopped
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Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
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Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded (optional: mix with mozzarella for extra creaminess)
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Cream Cheese: 8 oz (225 g), softened
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Eggs: 2 large
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Milk: 1 cup (240 ml)
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Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (optional, for topping)
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Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
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Salt: To taste
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Black Pepper: To taste
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Paprika: 1 teaspoon (for added flavor and color)
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Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your casserole is assembled.
A consistent temperature ensures even baking, helping your casserole set and the top brown perfectly.
Prepare the Cabbage
Blanch the chopped cabbage in a large pot of boiling salted water for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Blanching softens the cabbage and reduces cooking time in the oven, ensuring a tender texture in every bite.
Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
This step creates a flavorful base that brings sweetness and depth to the casserole. Garlic adds that extra savory aroma that’s irresistible.
Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the blanched cabbage, sautéed onions and garlic, shredded cheddar cheese (reserve a small amount for topping), softened cream cheese, eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
Everything comes together into a creamy, cheesy, savory mix that forms the heart of this dish. The cream cheese adds richness while the milk and eggs help it set into a casserole-like texture.
Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Pour the cabbage mixture into the dish and spread evenly. If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them on top along with the reserved cheese.
The topping creates a golden, crunchy layer that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling beneath. This combination of textures is what makes casseroles so comforting.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. If breadcrumbs brown too quickly, cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.
This is where the magic happens—the cheese melts, the flavors marry, and the dish turns golden and irresistible.
Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Cooling slightly helps the dish hold together when sliced and makes the texture just right for serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 8 servings)
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Calories: 310
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Fat: 23g
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Saturated Fat: 11g
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Carbohydrates: 11g
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Fiber: 2g
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Protein: 12g
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Sugar: 4g
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Cholesterol: 90mg
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Sodium: 450mg
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Calcium: 200mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Cabbage has long been a staple in European and American cuisines, often used in rustic dishes due to its affordability, long shelf life, and health benefits. Cabbage casseroles, in particular, gained traction in post-war home cooking and remain popular today in many households.
The cheesy cabbage casserole combines inspiration from Eastern European cabbage bakes and the classic American comfort casserole, creating a creamy and satisfying dish that suits both everyday meals and celebratory feasts. Today, it’s gaining popularity again thanks to its budget-friendly ingredients and crowd-pleasing flavor.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Comfort Food Classic: Cheesy, creamy, and warm—everything you want in a comfort meal
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Vegetarian-Friendly: No meat, yet still hearty and filling
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Great for Meal Prep: Can be made ahead and reheats beautifully
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Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, parties, or family dinners
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Budget-Friendly: Uses common, inexpensive ingredients
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Customizable: You can add or substitute ingredients easily
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Kid-Approved: Mild, cheesy flavor makes it perfect for picky eaters
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Textural Perfection: Creamy base + crunchy topping = magic
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Simple but Flavorful: Just a few spices make it shine
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Healthy Comfort: Cabbage brings fiber and nutrients without heaviness
Health Benefits
This recipe offers more than just comfort—it’s also surprisingly nutritious, especially with the inclusion of cabbage and eggs.
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Cabbage: High in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants; promotes digestion and immune support
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Garlic & Onion: Known for anti-inflammatory and heart health benefits
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Eggs: Rich in protein, choline, and essential vitamins
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Olive Oil: Source of healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants
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Cheese: Provides calcium and protein, though best enjoyed in moderation
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Customizable for Health: Use low-fat cheese, add more veggies, or reduce breadcrumbs for a lighter version
Serving Suggestions
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Main Dish: Serve with a crisp green salad and warm bread or rolls
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Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with roasted meats or grilled tofu
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Brunch Spread: A savory alternative to traditional breakfast bakes
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Potluck Favorite: Make in advance, refrigerate, and reheat at the event
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With a Dollop of Sour Cream: Add a spoonful for extra tang and richness
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Leftover Brilliance: Tastes even better the next day; great for packed lunches
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Top with Hot Sauce: Add a spicy kick for chili lovers
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Serve with Rice or Quinoa: Makes it a more substantial meal
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Kids’ Plate: Serve with applesauce or mild yogurt dip
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Cut into Squares: Makes serving neat and easy for buffet-style meals
Cooking Tips
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Shred Cabbage Evenly: Use a sharp knife or food processor for consistency
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Blanching is Key: Softens cabbage and removes bitterness
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Cream Cheese Should Be Softened: Makes mixing much easier and smoother
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Don’t Overbake: Remove once the top is golden and center is set
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Cover if Needed: Use foil if the top browns too quickly
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Use a Mix of Cheeses: Try sharp cheddar, gouda, or fontina for different flavor profiles
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Add Protein: Mix in cooked chicken, bacon, or tofu if desired
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Let It Rest: Resting after baking improves sliceability
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Double for a Crowd: Easily scalable for large gatherings
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Use Parchment Paper: Makes cleanup and serving easier
Variations to Try
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Add Ground Meat: Browned beef or turkey makes it heartier
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Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes
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Low-Carb Version: Skip breadcrumbs and use almond flour topping
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Vegan Option: Use vegan cheeses and plant-based milk
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Add More Veggies: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers
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Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers
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Breakfast Casserole: Add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage
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Herb-Rich Version: Include parsley, dill, or thyme for freshness
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Cheesy Top Swap: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes or potato chips
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Individual Servings: Bake in muffin tins for grab-and-go portions
Conclusion
This Cheesy Cabbage Casserole is the perfect way to enjoy comfort food without going overboard. Creamy and cheesy, with a crisp golden top and tender cabbage throughout, it’s a dish that balances flavor, texture, and nutrition. Whether served on its own or alongside your favorite mains, it brings warmth and satisfaction to every bite.
Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable, great for leftovers, and guaranteed to become a new staple in your home cooking routine. Give it a try once, and you’ll be hooked!
FAQ
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it fully, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze the casserole?
You can freeze it after baking. Let it cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven.
3. Do I have to blanch the cabbage?
Blanching helps soften it and reduces bitterness, but you can sauté it instead if preferred.
4. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Try ricotta, cottage cheese, or a thick plain yogurt for a lighter option.
5. Can I add meat to this dish?
Absolutely! Ground beef, chicken, or sausage all pair well with cabbage and cheese.
6. What’s a good breadcrumb alternative?
Use crushed crackers, cornflakes, or gluten-free options.
7. Can I use red cabbage?
Yes, but it will change the color and slightly alter the flavor—still delicious!
8. How long does it last in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
9. Can I reheat it in the microwave?
Yes, but for best texture, reheat slices in the oven or toaster oven.
10. Can I add pasta to the mix?
Sure! Add cooked pasta (about 1 cup) to make it more filling—just reduce cabbage slightly.