Creamy Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food side dish, Creamy Cheesy Cabbage Casserole is a must-try. This rich, oven-baked casserole combines tender cabbage, a luscious cream sauce, and plenty of melted cheese for a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to prepare.

Perfect for holiday tables, Sunday dinners, or cozy weeknights, this cheesy cabbage bake transforms a humble vegetable into something indulgent and irresistible.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

• Ultra creamy and rich
• Budget-friendly ingredients
• Perfect make-ahead dish
• Family-approved comfort food
• Great low-carb side option

Cabbage may seem simple, but once baked in a creamy cheese sauce, it becomes soft, flavorful, and incredibly comforting.

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What Makes Cabbage So Versatile?

Cabbage is one of the most adaptable vegetables in cooking. It can be sautéed, roasted, fermented, or baked. In casseroles, cabbage softens beautifully and absorbs surrounding flavors, making it perfect for creamy dishes.

It’s also:

• Rich in fiber
• Low in calories
• Packed with vitamin C
• Naturally gluten-free

When baked with cream and cheese, cabbage develops a mild sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory ingredients.

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Ingredients for Creamy Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

Main Ingredients:

• 1 medium green cabbage, chopped (about 6–7 cups)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for depth)

Optional Topping:

• ½ cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Sauté the Cabbage

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Add chopped cabbage and sauté for 8–10 minutes until slightly tender and reduced in volume.

3. Make the Creamy Mixture

In a bowl, combine heavy cream, sour cream, salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Transfer sautéed cabbage mixture into the prepared baking dish. Pour the cream mixture evenly over the top.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the casserole.

If using a crunchy topping, mix crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.

5. Bake

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

6. Rest Before Serving

Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken.

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Tips for the Best Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

Don’t Skip Sautéing

Pre-cooking the cabbage removes excess moisture and prevents a watery casserole.

Use Freshly Shredded Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother.

Balance the Creaminess

If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.

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Flavor Variations

Add Protein

• Cooked bacon crumbles
• Diced ham
• Shredded rotisserie chicken
• Ground beef

Make It Spicy

• Add red pepper flakes
• Stir in diced jalapeños
• Use pepper jack cheese

Keto-Friendly Version

This recipe is naturally low-carb. Simply skip the breadcrumb topping.

Extra Veggie Boost

Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added texture and nutrition.

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What to Serve with Creamy Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

This casserole pairs beautifully with:

• Roast chicken
• Meatloaf
• Pork chops
• Grilled steak
• Baked ham

It’s also hearty enough to serve as a vegetarian main dish alongside a fresh green salad.

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Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze tightly covered for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

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Nutritional Highlights

This casserole offers:

• Fiber from cabbage
• Protein from cheese
• Calcium from dairy
• Low carbohydrate count

For a lighter version:

• Use reduced-fat cheese
• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt
• Reduce butter slightly

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the sauté step – Can lead to excess liquid.
2. Overbaking – May dry out the sauce.
3. Under-seasoning – Cabbage benefits from adequate salt and seasoning.
4. Using too much cabbage – It should fit comfortably in the dish after cooking down.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use red cabbage?

Green cabbage works best for texture and color, but red cabbage can be used. The color may change slightly when cooked.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes. Simply skip the breadcrumb topping or use gluten-free crackers.

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Why This Recipe Works

Cabbage naturally releases moisture as it cooks. By sautéing first, you control that moisture, ensuring the cream sauce stays rich and thick. The blend of cheddar and mozzarella provides both flavor and meltability, creating that irresistible cheesy pull.

The result is a warm, bubbling casserole with tender cabbage and creamy layers of savory goodness.

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Final Thoughts

Creamy Cheesy Cabbage Casserole proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary comfort food. With its velvety sauce, golden cheesy topping, and tender cabbage base, this dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, low-carb, and crowd-pleasing recipe, this creamy cabbage bake deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation.

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