If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food side that tastes like a big Southern hug, look no further than Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole. This recipe combines tender cabbage, a creamy cheesy sauce, and a buttery cracker topping that bakes up perfectly golden and crunchy. Every bite delivers classic flavors and feels like a celebration of Southern hospitality. Whether you grew up in the South or just have a craving for something cozy, this casserole has a way of winning over just about everyone at the table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of everyday staples come together to create such a rich and delightful dish! Each ingredient plays a special role, bringing its own flavor, texture, and color to this beautiful Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole.
- Green cabbage: The heart of the casserole, cabbage gives a satisfying bite and gentle sweet flavor once cooked.
- Butter: Used both for sautéing and the topping, butter brings richness and that craveable Southern flair.
- Onion: Adds a savory note and depth, making each bite even more flavorful.
- Cream of chicken soup: The secret to a lusciously creamy sauce that’s full of savory goodness.
- Sour cream: Delivers a tangy brightness that balances the richness of the casserole.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts in for sharp flavor and velvety texture—cheese is always a good idea!
- Crushed buttery crackers: The buttery, crisp crunch on top is what makes this truly irresistible.
- Melted butter: Combines with the crackers to create that iconic golden topping.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together—taste and adjust to your liking!
How to Make Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Set your oven to 350°F so it’s ready to go. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chopped cabbage and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, just until it turns tender but not mushy. Drain thoroughly and set it aside—you want it ready to soak up all that creamy goodness in a bit!
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Toss in your finely chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and wonderfully fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step adds incredible flavor to the base of your Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, sautéed onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. Give it a good stir so everything is well combined. Now’s the time to season generously with salt and black pepper—taste and adjust as needed.
Step 4: Fold in the Cabbage
Add your cooked, drained cabbage to the creamy mixture. Gently fold it in until every bite of cabbage is coated with that rich, cheesy sauce. It should look creamy, hearty, and full of promise!
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the cabbage mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now comes the fun part: in a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until every crumb is glistening.
Step 6: Add the Buttery Topping
Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole. This topping is what makes Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole unforgettable—it bakes up crispy and golden, just the way it should!
Step 7: Bake and Rest
Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until it’s hot and bubbly and the top is perfectly golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so everything sets up beautifully and scoops out with ease.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole
Garnishes
For a fresh finish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions over each serving. A light dusting of paprika can also add a pop of color and a subtle smokiness—just a little goes a long way!
Side Dishes
Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or classic barbecue favorites. It’s also right at home on a holiday spread alongside mashed potatoes, baked ham, or a slice of fluffy cornbread. The creamy richness compliments just about anything!
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping the casserole into individual ramekins for an upscale twist, or top each serving with crispy crumbled bacon for guests who love a little extra. You can even tuck it into a crusty bread bowl or serve as a main dish by adding cooked ham or turkey cubes before baking for a heartier meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover well so the casserole keeps its flavor and doesn’t dry out. The flavors deepen and meld even more overnight, making it just as delicious the next day!
Freezing
Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole is freezer-friendly! Assemble the casserole up to the topping step, wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. You can also freeze leftover baked casserole the same way. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop covered portions into a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes. If reheating the whole casserole, uncover for the last few minutes so the cracker topping crisps up again. You can also use a microwave for single servings, but the oven is best for preserving that crispy crust.
FAQs
Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?
Green cabbage is traditional for Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole because of its mild flavor and color, but red cabbage can work in a pinch. Just note that the flavor will be slightly earthier, and the color may bleed into the sauce, giving the casserole a purple hue.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
You can happily substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a vegetarian version or for a different flavor twist. You could even make your own creamy sauce using a basic roux and broth if you prefer homemade.
Can I add protein to make it a main dish?
Absolutely! Fold in cooked diced ham, shredded chicken, or crumbled bacon before baking to make Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole hearty enough for a main course. It’s a crowd-pleaser either way!
How do I keep the topping crispy?
To ensure a crunchy, golden topping, always add the cracker-butter mixture just before baking and bake uncovered. If reheating, remove the cover for the last few minutes or briefly broil if needed, watching closely.
Can I make Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole ahead?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for making ahead! Simply assemble up to the topping step and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then add the crackers and butter right before baking for the freshest crunch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so heartwarming about baking up a pan of Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole for friends and family. It’s the kind of recipe that brings generations together, and I hope you love it every bit as much as I do. Give it a try—you just might find yourself coming back for seconds!
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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 cheesy with a buttery cracker topping, this dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
Cabbage:
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
Casserole Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping:
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Boil the chopped cabbage until tender, then drain.
- Sauté Onion: In a skillet, sauté the onion in butter until soft.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine soup, sour cream, onions, cheese, and seasonings. Add cabbage and mix.
- Assemble: Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Add Topping: Mix crushed crackers with melted butter; sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest before serving.
Notes
- Vegetarian option: Use cream of mushroom or celery soup.
- Enhancements: Add cooked bacon or diced ham for extra flavor and protein.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
