This cheesy cabbage casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender cabbage with a creamy sauce and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional casseroles since it skips canned soups and uses fresh ingredients. The addition of sharp cheddar cheese and a buttery cracker crust makes this dish irresistible, and it’s perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that’s both healthy and budget-friendly.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 small head of green cabbage, chopped

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 8 tablespoons butter, divided

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• ½ cup half and half

• ½ cup chicken stock

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed

Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 2-quart casserole dish.

2. Cook Cabbage and Onion: In a large pan, melt 5 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped cabbage and onion. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the onion is translucent. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish.

3. Make Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, combine half and half, chicken stock, and mayonnaise. Pour the mixture evenly over the cabbage in the casserole dish.

4. Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Mix with the shredded cheddar cheese and crushed Ritz crackers. Stir well to create a crumbly topping.

5. Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the cracker and cheese topping evenly over the cabbage mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutrients

• Calories: 383 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 21g

• Protein: 13g

• Fat: 29g

• Saturated Fat: 11g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 7g

• Trans Fat: 0.04g

• Cholesterol: 51mg

• Sodium: 445mg

• Potassium: 564mg

• Fiber: 6g

• Sugar: 12g

• Vitamin A: 676 IU

• Vitamin C: 85mg

• Calcium: 367mg

• Iron: 1mg

Why Choose Cabbage for Casseroles?

Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that’s not only affordable but also packed with essential nutrients. High in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, cabbage is a great addition to any meal. When cooked, cabbage becomes tender and absorbs flavors well, making it a perfect vegetable to include in casseroles. Unlike other vegetables that might become mushy or lose their texture when baked, cabbage holds its shape, adding a slight crunch to every bite. In this cheesy cabbage casserole, the cabbage provides a hearty base while taking on the creamy, savory flavors from the sauce and cheese.

In addition to its health benefits, cabbage is also a great choice for those on a budget. It’s readily available in most grocery stores and is relatively inexpensive compared to other vegetables, making it a great option for creating affordable meals that don’t sacrifice flavor or nutrition.

The Creamy Sauce: A Rich Base

One of the key components of this cheesy cabbage casserole is the creamy sauce that brings everything together. Made with a simple combination of half and half, chicken stock, and mayonnaise, this sauce is rich without being overly heavy. The half and half adds a creamy, smooth texture, while the chicken stock contributes a savory depth of flavor that complements the cabbage perfectly. The mayonnaise provides a slight tang, balancing the richness of the sauce and adding an extra layer of creaminess.

This creamy sauce is the heart of the casserole, infusing the cabbage with flavor while ensuring that each bite is decadent and satisfying. Unlike many traditional casseroles that rely on canned soups, this homemade sauce is free from preservatives and artificial ingredients, making it a healthier option that’s just as delicious.

The Cheese: A Flavorful and Melty Touch

Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for casseroles, and it’s easy to see why—it melts beautifully and adds a sharp, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and cabbage. In this cheesy cabbage casserole, the shredded cheddar cheese is mixed into the topping, creating a gooey, melty layer that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. When baked, the cheese becomes golden and bubbly, forming a delicious crust on top of the casserole that contrasts wonderfully with the tender cabbage underneath.

Using sharp cheddar cheese adds a more pronounced flavor, giving the dish a bold kick that balances the sweetness of the cabbage. It’s important to use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best melting results and to avoid the additives found in pre-shredded varieties. The cheese not only contributes to the casserole’s flavor but also adds protein and calcium, making the dish more nutritionally balanced.

The Ritz Cracker Topping: Crunch and Flavor

One of the highlights of this cheesy cabbage casserole is its crunchy topping, made from crushed Ritz crackers. The buttery, salty crackers add texture and flavor, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy cabbage. The Ritz crackers bake up crisp and golden, creating a satisfying crunch in each bite. This topping is incredibly easy to prepare and elevates the casserole, making it feel indulgent while still being simple and accessible.

The combination of the creamy sauce and the crunchy cracker topping creates a perfect balance of textures. The soft, tender cabbage contrasts with the crisp crackers, ensuring that every bite is a harmonious mix of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy. The buttery crackers also add a touch of saltiness, enhancing the overall flavor profile and rounding out the dish.

Making It Your Own: Customizing the Casserole

While this cheesy cabbage casserole is delicious as is, it’s also highly customizable. There are several ways to tailor the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. For instance, if you’re looking to add more protein to the dish, you can incorporate cooked chicken, turkey, or sausage. These meats would pair beautifully with the cabbage and add an extra layer of flavor. You could also add other vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms, to make the casserole even heartier.

For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative, and replace the half and half and mayonnaise with non-dairy versions like coconut milk or cashew cream. The Ritz crackers can also be swapped for a gluten-free variety to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Spices and herbs are another way to customize this casserole. If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be sprinkled into the cabbage mixture to add a fragrant, aromatic quality. You could even experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Gruyère, for a unique twist on the classic flavor profile.

Why This Casserole Is Ideal for Weeknight Meals

One of the greatest things about this cheesy cabbage casserole is how simple and quick it is to make. In just about 40 minutes, you can have a hot, flavorful meal ready to serve. This makes it the perfect choice for busy weeknights when you want something comforting but don’t have the time to prepare a complicated dish.

The casserole is also a one-pan meal, meaning there’s minimal cleanup involved. Once the cabbage and onion are cooked, everything is assembled in a single casserole dish, making the process streamlined and efficient. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a meal for yourself, this casserole can be easily scaled to suit your needs. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or served as a side dish to accompany proteins like roasted chicken or grilled steak.

A Healthier Alternative to Traditional Casseroles

This cheesy cabbage casserole offers a healthier take on traditional casseroles, which often rely on canned soups or processed ingredients. By using fresh cabbage, homemade sauce, and real cheese, this dish provides a wholesome alternative that’s still rich and satisfying. Cabbage is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetable that’s packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also a good source of antioxidants, which help protect the body against free radical damage.

The use of half and half and mayonnaise in the sauce provides creaminess without the need for heavy cream, which is often used in other casserole recipes. This reduces the overall calorie and fat content while still delivering a rich, comforting flavor. The addition of Ritz crackers for the topping adds texture and flavor without the need for excess butter or oils.

Conclusion

This cheesy cabbage casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Combining tender cabbage with a creamy sauce, sharp cheddar cheese, and a buttery cracker topping, it offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The best part is that it’s made with fresh, wholesome ingredients, making it a healthier alternative to traditional casseroles. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to serve at a family gathering, this casserole is sure to be a hit. With its delicious flavor, simplicity, and versatility, it’s a dish that will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.