Cabbage casserole is a beloved dish, especially in the South, known for its comforting flavors and simple preparation. If you’re searching for a recipe that embodies home-style goodness, reminiscent of something you might find in Pioneer Woman’s repertoire, then look no further. This old-fashioned cabbage casserole recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying side dish or main course that will quickly become a family favorite.
Old-Fashioned Cabbage Casserole in a baking dish ready to be served, a creamy and cheesy comfort food recipe.
Cabbage might not always be the star of the show, but this casserole truly lets it shine. It’s an incredibly versatile and budget-friendly vegetable, available throughout the year, making this recipe perfect for any season. Think of those classic church cookbooks or community gatherings – cabbage casserole is a staple for good reason!
Why This Cabbage Casserole Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t just any cabbage casserole recipe; it’s an old-fashioned, creamy dream. Here’s what makes it so special:
- Creamy and Cheesy Delight: The combination of condensed cream of chicken soup and mayonnaise creates an incredibly rich and creamy sauce that coats the tender cabbage perfectly. The cheddar cheese topping adds another layer of cheesy goodness.
- Comfort Food at its Finest: There’s something inherently comforting about a warm casserole, and this cabbage casserole is no exception. It’s the kind of dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals and cozy family dinners.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to create this flavorful casserole. It relies on pantry staples and fresh cabbage to deliver maximum taste with minimal effort.
- Easy to Make: From chopping the cabbage to baking the casserole, the steps are straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
- Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish (or Main Course): While it’s fantastic as a side dish accompanying roasted chicken or pork, this cabbage casserole is also hearty enough to stand alone as a vegetarian main course.
Key Ingredients for Your Cabbage Casserole
To create this delicious Pioneer Woman style cabbage casserole, you’ll need these simple ingredients:
- Green Cabbage: The star of the show! A small head of green cabbage, coarsely chopped, provides the perfect base for this casserole.
- Sweet Onion: Vidalia onion adds a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed with the cabbage.
- Butter: Butter is essential for sautéing the cabbage and onion and adds richness to the cracker topping.
- Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: This pantry staple creates the creamy sauce. Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can also be substituted.
- Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds moisture and tang to the creamy sauce, complementing the richness of the soup.
- Ritz Crackers: Crushed Ritz crackers create a buttery and slightly salty topping that provides a delightful textural contrast to the creamy casserole.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese sprinkled over the cracker topping melts into a golden, cheesy crust.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Old-Fashioned Cabbage Casserole
Let’s walk through how to make this comforting cabbage casserole:
- Prep the Cabbage and Onion: Coarsely chop the green cabbage and slice the sweet onion. You don’t need to chop the cabbage too finely as it will shrink slightly during cooking.
- Sauté the Cabbage and Onion: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped cabbage and sliced onion. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is partially softened but not fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Casserole Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Layer the Casserole: Transfer the sautéed cabbage mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup and mayonnaise. Spread this mixture evenly over the cabbage in the casserole dish. Important: Do not add water or milk to the condensed soup as per the can instructions. Use it straight from the can for the casserole.
- Prepare the Cracker Topping: In another bowl, combine the melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and coarsely crushed Ritz crackers. Mix well to ensure the crackers are coated with butter and cheese.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the creamy soup layer in the casserole dish.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. It’s delicious served warm as a side dish or a comforting vegetarian main course.
Close-up of a spoon scooping a serving of Old-Fashioned Cabbage Casserole, showing the creamy texture and buttery cracker topping.
Tips for the Best Cabbage Casserole
- Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: You want to sauté the cabbage until it’s partially cooked but still has some texture. It will continue to cook in the oven and become perfectly tender.
- Customize Your Cheese: While cheddar cheese is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles.
- Add Extra Flavor Boosters: For added flavor, consider incorporating a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the cabbage mixture while sautéing. Some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also be sprinkled over the finished casserole.
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it, unbaked, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Serving Suggestions for Cabbage Casserole
This versatile cabbage casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes:
- Roasted Chicken or Pork: A classic pairing that creates a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Baked Ham: The saltiness of ham complements the creamy casserole perfectly.
- Meatloaf: Serve alongside meatloaf for a hearty and home-style dinner.
- Vegetarian Main Course: Enjoy it on its own as a fulfilling and flavorful vegetarian option.
Embrace the Comfort of Old-Fashioned Cabbage Casserole
This Pioneer Woman inspired cabbage casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to experience the simple pleasures of home cooking. With its creamy texture, cheesy topping, and comforting flavors, it’s a dish that will bring smiles to faces and warmth to your kitchen. Gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of classic comfort food at its best!
