If you’re looking for a warm, comforting side dish that feels nostalgic, hearty, and incredibly satisfying, Creamy Cheesy Cabbage Casserole is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Tender cabbage baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce until bubbly and golden—this dish proves that simple ingredients can create unforgettable comfort food.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday tables, potlucks, or Sunday family meals, this casserole transforms humble cabbage into something rich, cozy, and crave-worthy.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

This recipe has stood the test of time for good reason:

Ultra-creamy, cheesy texture
Budget-friendly ingredients
Easy to prepare

Perfect make-ahead side dish
Comforting and filling
Pairs well with almost any main dish

Even cabbage skeptics are often converted after one bite.

What Is Creamy Cheesy Cabbage Casserole?

Creamy Cheesy Cabbage Casserole is a baked dish made with:

Tender cooked cabbage

A rich cream-based sauce
Melted cheese
Optional buttery topping

It’s similar in spirit to classic comfort casseroles like scalloped potatoes or broccoli cheese bake, but with cabbage as the star ingredient.

The result is soft, savory cabbage coated in a luscious cheese sauce that’s both familiar and deeply satisfying.

Why Cabbage Works So Well in Casseroles

Cabbage is often overlooked, but it’s perfect for baking.

Benefits of Using Cabbage

Absorbs creamy sauces beautifully
Becomes tender and slightly sweet when cooked
Affordable and widely available

Mild flavor that pairs well with cheese

When baked, cabbage loses any sharpness and turns soft, mellow, and comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple pantry and refrigerator staples.

Main Ingredients

Green cabbage (chopped or shredded)
Butter
Onion (optional, finely chopped)

Garlic

Creamy Sauce

Heavy cream or milk
Sour cream or cream cheese

Flour (for thickening)
Salt and black pepper

Cheese

Cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)

Optional mozzarella or Colby-Jack

Optional Topping

Buttered breadcrumbs
Crushed crackers

Extra shredded cheese

Best Cheese for Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

Cheese choice makes a big difference.

Cheddar Cheese

Classic, bold flavor

Melts beautifully
Most popular option

Mozzarella

Mild, stretchy texture

Adds creaminess

Colby-Jack

Smooth and slightly sweet
Great for blending

For best results, use freshly grated cheese—it melts smoother than pre-shredded.

How to Make Creamy Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

Chop or shred cabbage and cook briefly until just tender. Drain well to prevent excess moisture.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan, sauté onion and garlic, then stir in flour to create a roux. Slowly add cream or milk, whisking until thickened.

Step 3: Add Cheese

Remove from heat and stir in cheese until smooth and creamy. Season generously.

Step 4: Combine

Fold cooked cabbage into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.

Step 5: Assemble

Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Add optional topping if desired.

Step 6: Bake

Bake until bubbly and lightly golden on top.

Step 7: Rest & Serve

Let rest briefly before serving to allow the casserole to set.

Texture & Flavor Profile

This casserole is:

Creamy and rich
Soft and tender
Savory with subtle sweetness

Comforting without being heavy

The cabbage melts into the sauce, creating a dish that’s smooth, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.

Pro Tips for the Best Cabbage Casserole

Drain cabbage well to avoid watery casserole

Season generously—cabbage needs salt
Use full-fat dairy for best texture
Bake uncovered for a golden top

Let it rest before serving

Small steps make a big difference.

Delicious Variations to Try

Bacon Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

Add cooked, crumbled bacon for smoky flavor.

Southern-Style

Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne and top with buttery crackers.

Low-Carb / Keto Version

Skip flour and thicken with cream cheese only.

Extra Cheesy

Use a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan.

Onion Lovers Version

Add caramelized onions for deep sweetness.

What to Serve with Creamy Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

This casserole pairs perfectly with:

Roasted chicken

Meatloaf
Pork chops
Baked ham

Sausages
Grilled chicken

It also works well as a hearty vegetarian side.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Make Ahead

Assemble up to 24 hours in advance
Cover and refrigerate
Bake when ready

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days
Store in airtight container

Reheating

Reheat in oven for best texture

Microwave individual portions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not draining cabbage enough
Under-seasoning

Using low-fat cheese
Overbaking until dry

Avoiding these ensures creamy perfection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use red cabbage?

Green cabbage works best for texture and color.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes—use cornstarch or skip flour.

Is this casserole kid-friendly?

Very! The cheese mellows the cabbage flavor.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes—carrots, onions, or mushrooms work well.

Perfect for Holidays & Gatherings

Creamy Cheesy Cabbage Casserole is ideal for:

Thanksgiving

Christmas dinner
Easter
Potlucks

Sunday dinners

It’s comforting, easy to transport, and always popular.

Why This Recipe Works

This casserole succeeds because:

Cream sauce softens and flavors cabbage
Cheese adds richness and comfort
Baking melds flavors together

Simple ingredients create classic results

It’s old-fashioned comfort food done right.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cheesy Cabbage Casserole turns a humble vegetable into a rich, comforting dish that belongs on every family table. Creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying, it’s the kind of recipe that feels nostalgic and dependable—perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.

If you’re looking for a simple, cozy side dish that everyone will love, this cabbage casserole deserves a spot in your recipe collection.

Creamy Cheesy Cabbage Casserole (Old-Fashioned Comfort Food Favorite)

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Instructions

Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
Sauté cabbage: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add cabbage and onion; cook 8–10 minutes until cabbage is wilted and tender. Stir in garlic; cook 30 sec.
→ Alternatively, microwave cabbage with 2 tbsp water for 5–6 min to soften.
Make filling: In a large bowl, combine cooked cabbage mixture, cheddar, sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Assemble: Spread into baking dish.
Add topping: Mix panko and melted butter; sprinkle evenly over top.
Bake 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and topping is golden.

Rest 5 minutes before serving.

💡 Pro Tips:
– Add 1 cup cooked bacon or ground beef for a heartier version.
– Swap cheddar for Gruyère or Monterey Jack for flavor variation.
– Make ahead: Assemble (unbaked) up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate and bake as directed.

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving, serves 6):