Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole is one of those golden recipes that perfectly captures the heart and soul of Southern comfort cooking. With tender cabbage blanketed in a luscious, cheesy sauce and topped with a buttery cracker crust, this dish is pure nostalgia with every forkful. Whether you grew up eating Southern casseroles at family gatherings or are simply looking for a creamy, crave-worthy side, this easy recipe delivers warmth and flavor in abundance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole lies in its simple set of ingredients, each one essential to the dish’s overall character. Nothing fancy here—just tried-and-true staples that bring the right blend of creaminess, crunch, and comforting flavor.
- Green Cabbage: The star of the show; go for a fresh, medium head for the perfect texture and subtle sweetness.
- Onion: A small diced onion adds just the right pop of savory flavor to the creamy base.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: The creamy binder that brings everything together. Cream of mushroom or celery also work for vegetarians!
- Mayonnaise: Don’t skip this—mayonnaise lends richness and silkiness to the sauce.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Go for sharp cheddar for an extra depth of flavor and gooey melt.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to accent all the other ingredients.
- Buttery Crackers: Crushed crackers create a classic Southern crunchy topping. About 30 crackers from your favorite brand work perfectly.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted and mixed with the crackers for both flavor and that golden-brown crisp finish.
How to Make Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this ensures that your casserole won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Setting this up first will keep your assembly smooth and mess-free.
Step 2: Cook the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Chop a medium head of green cabbage (about 6 cups when chopped) and add it to the boiling water. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the cabbage is just tender—not mushy! Drain thoroughly. This step draws out any bitterness and softens the cabbage without overcooking it.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the can of cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, diced onion, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed and creamy. The aroma of onions and cheese will have you looking forward to the next step!
Step 4: Combine Cabbage with the Mixture
Add the drained cabbage to your prepared mixture. Mix gently but thoroughly so every leaf gets coated in that luxurious, cheesy sauce. This is where the magic starts to happen, and you’ll notice everything coming together beautifully.
Step 5: Assemble in Baking Dish
Pour the creamy cabbage mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spoon or spatula. Make sure the surface is level so the topping bakes up nice and uniform.
Step 6: Prepare the Cracker Topping
In a separate bowl, combine roughly one sleeve of buttery crackers (crushed) with the melted butter. Stir until all the cracker pieces are well-coated—this is what gives the Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole its signature golden, buttery crunch.
Step 7: Top and Bake
Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the casserole. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling at the edges—prepare for your kitchen to smell downright irresistible!
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let your casserole rest for a few minutes. This helps everything set up for neater slices and lets the flavors mingle just a little longer before you serve.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole
Garnishes
A little fresh chopped parsley or snipped chives adds a pop of green and a burst of freshness. For a Southern touch, sprinkle on a dash of smoked paprika or a few bacon crumbles if you’re feeling extra indulgent!
Side Dishes
Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, meatloaf, ham, or even fried pork chops. For a real comfort feast, serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, cornbread, or buttery green beans on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping the casserole into ramekins for individual servings at holiday dinners, or layer it in a trifle dish for a dramatic, family-style centerpiece. Leftovers also make an amazing filling for stuffed baked potatoes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors only deepen over time.
Freezing
You can freeze Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole after baking. Let it cool completely, then wrap well in plastic wrap followed by foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked taste, reheat covered in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly and hot throughout. Uncover for the last few minutes to crisp up the topping again. Individual portions can be microwaved, but the oven works best for texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic for Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole, you can mix in Monterey Jack, Colby, or even mozzarella if you like a gooier stretch.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Yes! Substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for the cream of chicken soup, and you’ll have a flavorful vegetarian-friendly base.
What if I don’t have buttery crackers?
No worries—panko breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes work beautifully as a topping. Just mix them with the same amount of melted butter.
Can I add meat to the casserole?
Definitely! A handful of cooked bacon or sausage stirred into the filling will add a smoky, savory punch that’s always a hit at the dinner table.
Should I peel the cabbage?
There’s no need to peel an entire head. Just remove any tough or wilted outer leaves—the rest of the leaves soften nicely as they bake.
Final Thoughts
Cuddle up with a serving of Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole and let those Southern flavors welcome you home. It’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and ridiculously easy to pull together. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s a beloved staple in so many kitchens!
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Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of the South with this Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole. Creamy and savory, this dish is a perfect side for any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium head green cabbage (chopped, about 6 cups)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers (crushed, about 30 crackers)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Boil salted water, add cabbage, cook 5–7 minutes, then drain.
- Mix: Combine soup, mayonnaise, onion, cheddar, salt, and pepper. Add cabbage, mix, and transfer to baking dish.
- Top and Bake: Mix crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Vegetarian option: Use cream of mushroom or celery soup. Add bacon or sausage for more flavor. Substitute panko breadcrumbs for crackers if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
