Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

Cheesy Cabbage Casserole is the ultimate comfort food side dish that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. It has 6 basic ingredients and is filled with cheesy savory goodness! Easy for anyone to whip up in under an hour.

Looking for a cozy, easy, cheesy side dish that will please a crowd? Cheesy Cabbage Casserole combines tender cabbage with creamy Velveeta and a crispy cracker topping for a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying.

This easy cabbage casserole is HANDS DOWN a must at every potluck or holiday get-together for our family. It’s a tried and true recipe that my Aunt Marilyn has always made and it's a great addition to any meal. It proves that cabbage can be so much more than just a basic vegetable!

Once you fall in love with this classic casserole, you'll want to try out my other favorite casserole dishes, Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole, 6 ingredient Jiffy Corn Casserole, and French Onion Hashbrown Casserole!

Why You'll Like This Recipe

• Comfort food at its finest. The blend of melted cheese, soft cabbage, and crispy cracker topping is the ultimate comfort combination.
• Family-friendly. Even picky eaters will be tempted by the creamy, cheesy goodness in this dish. They'll be asking for more cabbage recipes!
• Versatile side dish. This cheesy cabbage casserole recipe is perfect paired with almost any main dish, from roasted chicken to grilled steak.
• Simple ingredients. This recipe uses pantry staples and simple ingredients you likely have on hand.

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

• Salted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the casserole, used both in sautéing the cabbage and in the cracker topping.
• Green Cabbage: The star of the show, providing texture and flavor. Once softened, fresh cabbage soaks up the flavors of the butter and cheese. A small head of cabbage should yield enough for this recipe.
• Granulated sugar: A small amount balances the natural bitterness of the cabbage and enhances the overall flavor.
• Seasoning salt blend or salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning the cabbage and bringing out all the flavors.  Livia’s Seasoning Salt is my go-to blend.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle heat that complements the richness of the dish.
• Velveeta cheese: Creamy, melty, and deliciously cheesy, Velveeta binds everything together in a smooth, satisfying sauce.
• Buttery round crackers: These create a crunchy, golden topping that adds a perfect contrast to the creamy filling. Ritz crackers are my preference.

Tools You'll Need

• Large Skillet 
• Spatula
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• 13"x9" Casserole Dish or 3.5-4 Quart Dish
• Cutting Board
• Chef's Knife

How to Make Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter or spritz with non-stick spray a 13"x9" or 3.5-4 quart baking dish. Set aside.
2. Using a sharp knife, slice and cut the cabbage in 1-inch pieces.

3. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add cabbage, and cook stirring occasionally until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Add Velveeta cheese cubes, sugar, seasoning salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Gently fold the mixture until the cheese has melted.

5. Transfer the cabbage mixture to the prepared baking dish
6. In a small bowl, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Combine the melted butter with the crushed crackers. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or sliced green onion, if desired.

Southern Cook Pro Tips and Substitutions

• Swap the cheese. If you prefer a more natural cheese, swap Velveeta for shredded cheddar or a cheese blend like Colby Jack or Monterey Jack. You can also opt to use American Cheese.
• Make it spicy. For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Use breadcrumbs instead of crackers for topping. You can substitute the butter round crackers with panko bread crumbs or crushed cornflakes for a different texture. Adding a ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese to the cracker mixture is also an excellent addition.
• Make it a meal. For a heartier dish, add cooked bacon, ham, or ground sausage into the cabbage before baking.

Cabbage Casserole Recipe Variations

Many cabbage casserole recipes contain cream-based soups like cream of mushroom, cream of chicken soup, or cream of celery soup. While those are really delicious, this is simply a different way to make it.

If you'd like to this casserole with a cream-based soup base, omit the Velveeta cheese. Cook the cabbage as directed in this recipe. In a bowl, mix together this homemade soup or 10.25-10.5 ounce can of whatever soup flavor you'd like and ⅓ cup mayonnaise. To the casserole dish, layer the cooked cabbage, the soup mixture, then the cracker mixture (adding 1 cup shredded cheese - cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese work best).

Some folks also like to add onion and/or garlic to this casserole. If doing so, add 1-1 ½ cups chopped vidalia onion or 1-2 teaspoons onion powder, and/or 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic or 1-2 teaspoons garlic powder to the skillet when you're cooking the cabbage. Both are a great idea and would add great flavor!

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover cabbage casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Assemble the casserole but don’t add the cracker topping. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight, add the cracker topping, and bake as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Vegetable Side Dishes

• Marinated Vegetable Salad
• Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes (3 Ingredients!)
• Easy Cooked Vegetables
• Buttered Potatoes