Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food, and nothing says “home-cooked goodness” quite like a Cheesy Cabbage Casserole. This dish brings together tender cabbage, rich cheese, and a medley of flavors, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a hearty side dish or a filling main course, this casserole is a versatile option that will delight your taste buds and leave you feeling cozy and content.
Cabbage is often overlooked as a culinary star, but it’s incredibly nutritious and adaptable. Packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, cabbage is a great base for a variety of dishes. When combined with cheese, it transforms into a creamy, decadent dish that everyone will love. This Easy Cheesy Cabbage Casserole is not only simple to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- Cabbage: 1 medium head, chopped (approximately 4-5 cups)
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded (feel free to mix with mozzarella for extra creaminess)
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened
- Eggs: 2 large
- Milk: 1 cup
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (optional, for topping)
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Paprika: 1 tsp (for added flavor and color)
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp (optional, for a herby touch)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for your casserole.
- Prepare the Cabbage:
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch the chopped cabbage for about 5 minutes. This step helps to soften the cabbage and reduce cooking time in the oven. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Mix the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the blanched cabbage, sautéed onions and garlic, shredded cheddar cheese (reserve a small amount for topping), softened cream cheese, eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Pour the cabbage mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them over the top along with the reserved cheese for a crunchy topping.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. If the breadcrumbs brown too quickly, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Cool and Serve:
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit more for easier slicing.
Cooking Tips
- Cabbage Variations: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like shredded carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheese varieties. Gouda, Gruyere, or even feta can add unique flavors to the dish.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutritional Benefits
- Cabbage is low in calories but high in fiber, making it great for digestion and weight management. It’s also rich in antioxidants that support overall health.
- Cheddar and Cream Cheese provide calcium and protein, essential for bone health and muscle maintenance.
- Eggs are packed with nutrients, including vitamins D and B12, and are a great source of high-quality protein.
- Milk adds creaminess and calcium, promoting strong bones and teeth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Cheesy Cabbage Casserole is more than just a delicious meal; it’s a wholesome dish that brings the family together. Its creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it irresistible, even for those who may not be fans of cabbage. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Whether you serve it as a side dish at a family gathering or as the star of a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to please. The leftovers (if there are any!) are fantastic for lunch the next day, proving that this dish is not only delicious but practical as well.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes, this casserole is suitable for vegetarians.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this dish gluten-free, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them altogether.
- Low-Carb Option: For a lower-carb variation, you can reduce the quantity of potatoes or omit them, focusing on the cabbage and cheese.
- Dairy-Free Option: To make it dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with a non-dairy cream cheese and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Why This Recipe Works
This casserole is a fantastic example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. The blanching of the cabbage ensures it’s tender and integrates well with the creamy filling. The combination of cheddar and cream cheese adds richness and depth, while the egg acts as a binder, giving the casserole its structure.
The baking process melds the flavors together beautifully, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. This recipe is designed for ease, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep. Its versatility allows you to customize it to your liking, ensuring that it becomes a beloved recipe in your collection.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion, look no further than this Easy Cheesy Cabbage Casserole. With its creamy filling and cheesy goodness, this casserole will warm your heart and fill your belly. Perfect for serving as a comforting meal or as a side dish for holiday gatherings, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on hand for years to come.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a comforting dish that celebrates the humble cabbage in all its cheesy glory. Enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite, and share this delightful casserole with your loved ones!
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Cheesy Potato and Cabbage Casserole
- Total Time: 1hr
Description
Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food, and nothing says “home-cooked goodness” quite like a Cheesy Cabbage Casserole. This dish brings together tender cabbage, rich cheese, and a medley of flavors, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a hearty side dish or a filling main course, this casserole is a versatile option that will delight your taste buds and leave you feeling cozy and content.
Ingredients
- Cabbage: 1 medium head, chopped (approximately 4-5 cups)
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded (feel free to mix with mozzarella for extra creaminess)
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened
- Eggs: 2 large
- Milk: 1 cup
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (optional, for topping)
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Paprika: 1 tsp (for added flavor and color)
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp (optional, for a herby touch)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for your casserole.
- Prepare the Cabbage:
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch the chopped cabbage for about 5 minutes. This step helps to soften the cabbage and reduce cooking time in the oven. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Mix the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the blanched cabbage, sautéed onions and garlic, shredded cheddar cheese (reserve a small amount for topping), softened cream cheese, eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Pour the cabbage mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them over the top along with the reserved cheese for a crunchy topping.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. If the breadcrumbs brown too quickly, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Cool and Serve:
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit more for easier slicing.
- Prep Time: 15mins
- Cook Time: 45mins