Easy & Comforting Scalloped Cabbage Casserole: A Budget-Friendly Family Favorite
Step into a world of cozy, vintage comfort with this incredible Easy Scalloped Cabbage Casserole! This recipe brings together the humble, tender goodness of fresh cabbage with a rich, cheesy, creamy sauce, all crowned with a crisp, buttery cracker topping. Baked to a beautiful golden brown perfection, it’s a dish that promises to warm your soul and satisfy your cravings.
Whether you’re planning a busy weeknight dinner or looking for a special addition to your holiday celebrations, this scalloped cabbage casserole is a scrumptious and incredibly budget-friendly side dish that consistently impresses. It’s proof that wholesome, delicious food doesn’t have to break the bank!
Why You’ll Love This Classic Scalloped Cabbage Casserole
This tender, creamy, and cheesy old-fashioned casserole is an absolute gem to have in your recipe arsenal. It’s incredibly versatile and always a hit, especially when you’re looking for satisfying weeknight dinner side dishes. Here’s why this scalloped cabbage casserole will quickly become a family favorite:
- Budget-Friendly & Wholesome: In an era where grocery bills seem to climb higher each week, this easy scalloped cabbage casserole shines. It’s packed with inexpensive ingredients that are not only delicious but also naturally nutritious, helping you stay on time and on budget without compromising on flavor or quality.
- Irresistibly Creamy & Cheesy: The combination of a rich, savory cream sauce and sharp cheddar cheese transforms simple cabbage into a decadent treat. Every spoonful offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
- Perfect for Weeknights & Holidays: Its ease of preparation makes it ideal for busy evenings, yet its comforting and hearty nature also makes it a fantastic addition to any holiday table. It’s a new dish that’s sure to please everyone, from casual family meals to festive gatherings.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, even novice cooks can achieve perfect results with this scalloped cabbage recipe. It truly is one of the simplest casseroles to put together.
- A Taste of Nostalgia: This old-fashioned casserole recipe has roots tracing back to simpler times, like the days of the Great Depression. It evokes a comforting sense of tradition and home-cooked goodness, making it a truly timeless dish.
Cabbage: A Nutritional Powerhouse Hidden in Deliciousness
Cabbage can be a truly fabulous and often underestimated tool in the kitchen. Beyond its affordability, it’s a wealth of nutrition, perfect for feeding a growing family or adding a healthy component to any meal. This leafy green is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, including a significant amount of Vitamin C, which is crucial for immune health. It also contains Vitamin K, important for bone health, and a good dose of fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
However, let’s be honest: cabbage is one of those ingredients that sometimes needs a little “dressing up” to appeal to everyone. This is where the magic of this scalloped cabbage casserole comes in! By enveloping the tender cabbage in a rich, creamy cheese sauce and topping it with a layer of crushed, buttery crackers, it transforms into a dish that even the most discerning eaters—and yes, even picky kids—will enthusiastically enjoy. It’s an ingenious way to sneak in those healthy veggies!
Mastering Your Scalloped Cabbage Casserole: Tips & Tricks
To ensure your scalloped cabbage casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider these simple tips and variations:
Choosing and Preparing the Right Cabbage
- Type of Cabbage: Green cabbage is typically used for this recipe due to its mild flavor and tender texture when cooked. You can also experiment with Savoy cabbage for a slightly different, more crinkly texture.
- Cutting: Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy serving. Aim for consistent sizes for the best results.
- Pre-cooking (Optional): While some recipes call for boiling or steaming cabbage before baking, this recipe allows the cabbage to soften in the creamy sauce in the oven. If you prefer a very soft cabbage texture or want to reduce baking time, you can lightly steam it for 5-7 minutes before mixing.
Perfecting the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- Soup Base: Cream of chicken soup provides a convenient and flavorful base for the sauce. For a vegetarian option, use cream of mushroom soup, or even a homemade white sauce (béchamel) for a more gourmet touch.
- Cheese Choice: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a robust flavor that complements the cabbage beautifully. Feel free to use a blend of cheeses, such as Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a touch of Parmesan for added depth.
- Flavor Boosters: A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can enhance the savory notes of the casserole. A dash of Dijon mustard can also add a subtle tanginess that brightens the dish.
The Secret to a Golden, Crispy Topping
- Ritz Crackers: The buttery flavor of Ritz crackers makes for an incredibly delicious and crisp topping. Ensure they are crushed well but still have some texture.
- Alternatives: If you don’t have Ritz crackers, buttered breadcrumbs (panko or regular) or even crushed cornflakes can work as a substitute, though the buttery richness will be unique to Ritz.
- Even Distribution: Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole to ensure every serving gets a delightful crunch.
Serving Suggestions for Your Scalloped Cabbage Casserole
This versatile side dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. Serve it alongside:
- Roasted chicken or turkey
- Baked ham or pork loin
- Meatloaf or beef short ribs
- Grilled sausages
- Even simple pan-seared fish
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole (without the cracker topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. Add the cracker topping just before baking.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes reasonably well. Bake it first, then let it cool completely. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed above. Note that the cracker topping might lose some of its crispness upon thawing and reheating.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, stir in cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or shredded cooked chicken into the cabbage mixture before baking.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the cheese sauce can add a nice kick.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to add finely diced onions, carrots, or bell peppers to the cabbage mixture for added flavor and nutrients. Sauté them briefly before adding to the mix if you want them extra tender.
What Do I Need To Make This Easy Scalloped Cabbage Recipe?
- 6 cups cabbage chopped into bite sized pieces
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper
- 3 Tablespoons melted butter
- 1 sleeve ritz crackers, crushed (bread crumbs work too, but these add a buttery flavor)
Step by Step Instructions: Crafting Your Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
- Prepare the Base: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×9 inch casserole dish (or similar size) with nonstick spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cabbage, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir diligently until all the cabbage pieces are thoroughly coated in the creamy, cheesy mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, if desired, then spread the mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
2. Add the Cracker Topping: In a separate, smaller bowl, mix together the melted butter and the crushed Ritz cracker crumbs. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the cabbage in the baking dish. This creates that irresistible golden-brown crust.
3. Bake to Perfection: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully golden brown and the edges are bubbling. For a crisper cabbage texture, check at 35 minutes. If you prefer a softer, more tender cabbage, allow it to cook for the full 45 minutes. Remove from oven and let it stand for a few minutes before serving.
Pin this recipe or click the ❤️ to save it for later!
Easy Scalloped Cabbage Casserole
Print
Rate
SaveSaved!
Ingredients
- 6 cups cabbage chopped into bite sized pieces
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper
- 3 Tablespoons melted butter
- 1 sleeve ritz crackers (crushed)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9×9 casserole pan with nonstick spray.
-
In a large bowl, add the chopped cabbage, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it well until all the pieces of cabbage are generously coated. Season with salt and pepper, if desired and spread in the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
-
In a smaller bowl, mix together the melted butter and cracker crumbs. Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs over the cabbage.
-
Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling around the edges. If you prefer your cabbage to be more crisp, check it at 35 minutes. If you prefer a softer texture, it might need to cook for the full 45 minutes.
Recommended Products
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions About Scalloped Cabbage Casserole
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the casserole (mixing the cabbage, soup, sour cream, and cheese) and spread it into your baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the buttery cracker topping just before baking to ensure it stays crisp.
What kind of cabbage is best for scalloped cabbage?
Green cabbage is the most common and recommended type for scalloped cabbage due to its mild flavor and ability to soften beautifully during baking. You can also use Savoy cabbage for a slightly different texture.
Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, you can use cream of mushroom soup. If you prefer a more “from scratch” approach, you can make a simple béchamel (white sauce) with butter, flour, and milk, seasoned to taste, as a creamy base.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, it can be frozen. Bake the casserole as directed, then let it cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the cracker topping may lose some of its crispness after freezing and reheating, but the casserole itself will still be delicious.
What main dishes pair well with scalloped cabbage casserole?
This versatile casserole is excellent with a wide range of main dishes. It complements roasted meats like chicken, pork, or ham beautifully. It’s also a fantastic side for meatloaf, sausages, or even a simple grilled steak.
More Delicious & Easy Side Dishes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of simple, comforting side dishes that are both easy to make and universally loved, be sure to explore some of our other family favorites. They’re perfect for rounding out any meal, from everyday dinners to special occasions:
- BBQ Green Bean Casserole: A delightful and savory twist on the classic green bean casserole, infused with a smoky BBQ flavor. It’s an unexpected hit that’s perfect for any gathering.
- Creamy Sour Cream Pasta: When you need a quick and satisfying weeknight option, this creamy pasta dish comes together in no time and delivers rich, comforting flavors.
- Crock Pot Corn Casserole: An incredibly easy, hands-off side dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Just set it and forget it, and enjoy a warm, sweet, and savory corn casserole.
- Refreshing Apple Cabbage Slaw with Poppy Seed Dressing: If you have leftover cabbage and are looking for a crisp, tangy, and lighter option, this apple cabbage slaw is a fantastic choice for lunches or a vibrant side at family get-togethers.
