Easy Cabbage Casserole: A Comforting Classic
As autumn arrives, we all crave warm, comforting meals that remind us of our childhood. For me, nothing brings back those memories like the smell of a cabbage casserole. This dish has been a family favorite for years. Today, I’m excited to share it with you, promising a mix of delicious flavors and a satisfying meal that will leave you wanting more.
Key Takeaways
- Homemade cabbage casserole is a comforting Southern dish that combines shredded cabbage, cheese, and condensed soup.
- The recipe can be tailored to individual preferences, with various cream soup options and a buttery cracker topping.
- This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd, with a prep time of just 30 minutes and a total time of 2 hours.
- The dish boasts a creamy texture and satisfying flavors that make it a true comfort food classic.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months, making it a convenient and versatile meal option.
Why This Classic Southern Comfort Dish Will Become Your Favorite
The traditional Southern comfort food dish of cabbage casserole has been a staple in home kitchens across the region for generations. It uses the humble yet nutritious cabbage, making it affordable and accessible for families. With its roots firmly planted in the heart of the South, this traditional cabbage casserole offers not only comforting flavor but also impressive health benefits.
History of the Traditional Recipe
Cabbage casserole has been a beloved part of Southern culinary heritage for decades. It’s passed down through family recipes and community cookbooks. Its popularity comes from the abundance and year-round availability of cabbage, a versatile and budget-friendly ingredient.
The dish evolved from simple beginnings. It gradually incorporated regional spices, meats, and dairy components. This created the rich, satisfying flavor profile we enjoy today.
Health Benefits of Cabbage-Based Dishes
- High in Vitamin C: A single serving of this cabbage casserole provides an impressive 35mg of vitamin C, meeting nearly half of the daily recommended intake.
- Good Source of Dietary Fiber: With 4g of fiber per serving, this dish supports healthy digestion and promotes feelings of fullness.
- Low in Calories: At just 487 calories per serving, this hearty casserole is a nutritious option that won’t derail your dietary goals.
By combining the comfort of traditional Southern cooking with the nutritional advantages of cabbage, this classic dish is poised to become a new family favorite. Its delicious flavors and health benefits make it a versatile and appealing choice for any occasion.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Cabbage Casserole
Making a tasty cabbage casserole begins with picking the best ingredients. A small, fresh green cabbage is key. We also need a Vidalia onion for its sweet taste.
Fresh Produce Selection Tips
Choose a cabbage that’s heavy and has tight, crisp leaves. Stay away from any that are wilted or discolored. For the onion, pick a Vidalia or sweet onion. They will caramelize well, making the dish even tastier.
Cheese and Dairy Components
We’ll mix sharp cheddar cheese with cream-based soup for a creamy texture. Use cream of chicken, mushroom, or celery soup. The sharp cheddar melts well, and the soup adds richness.
Seasoning and Condiments
Just salt and black pepper are needed for seasoning. Some recipes add Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers for a crunchy topping.
With the freshest produce, top-notch dairy, and the right seasonings, our cabbage casserole will be a hit with the family.
Kitchen Tools and Preparation Steps
To make the perfect cabbage casserole, you’ll need a few key tools and simple steps. First, grab a 2-quart casserole dish. Grease or spray it with nonstick cooking spray to avoid sticking. Also, a large nonstick pan is essential for cooking the cabbage and onion mix.
The prep time is about 15 minutes. Before starting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll also need:
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil for covering the dish during baking
With these tools and a little prep, we’re ready to make a tasty cabbage casserole. Let’s move on to the next steps and start cooking!
“The secret to a great cabbage casserole is in the preparation. Taking the time to properly prep your ingredients and kitchen tools will ensure a seamless cooking experience.”
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making a tasty homemade cabbage casserole is simple and rewarding. Here’s how to make sure your casserole is a hit every time.
Preparing the Cabbage Mixture
Begin by cooking the chopped cabbage and onion in 5 tablespoons of salted butter for 8-10 minutes. They should be tender and the onions clear. Then, add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Creating the Creamy Sauce
Next, mix 1 (10.5 oz) can of cream of mushroom soup with 1 1/2 cups of evaporated milk. This makes a creamy sauce. Add 4 ounces (about 1 cup) of grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s all mixed up.
Assembly and Baking Process
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a big casserole dish, layer the cooked cabbage mixture. Spread the creamy sauce on top. Sprinkle 1/3 cup of dry breadcrumbs over it.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, take off the foil and bake for another 15 minutes. This will make the casserole bubbly and the top lightly browned.
By following these steps, you’ll make a delicious and creamy cabbage casserole. It’s great for a cozy weeknight dinner or a tasty side dish.
Creating the Perfect Buttery Cracker Topping
No cabbage casserole is complete without a delightful crunchy topping. We’ll use a simple mix of crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and shredded cheddar cheese for this.
Start by crushing about 30 Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs. You can crush them in a bag with a rolling pin or in a food processor. Once crushed, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and mix it into the crumbs until they’re evenly coated.
Then, add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the mixture. The cheese will melt into the buttery cracker mix, making a gooey and crispy topping.
Spread this buttery cracker topping over the cabbage casserole before baking. As it bakes, the topping will turn golden-brown and crunchy. It will perfectly complement the creamy cabbage filling.
The Ritz cracker topping is a game-changer for the cabbage casserole. It turns a simple dish into a show-stopper. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious topping!
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
Our homemade cabbage casserole is a comforting Southern classic and a nutritious dish. Each serving has about 309 calories. It has 18 grams of total fat, 7 grams of saturated fat, 16 grams of carbohydrates, and 20 grams of protein.
Caloric Content and Macronutrients
The calorie count per serving is reasonable, making it a satisfying and nourishing option. The macronutrient breakdown is: 44% carbohydrates, 18% fat, and 38% protein. This provides a balanced nutritional profile.
Portion Control Guidelines
This recipe serves 8 people, with each serving being about 1/8 of the casserole. It’s important to be mindful of your serving size to manage your caloric and nutrient intake effectively.
Dietary Considerations
The cabbage casserole has 362 milligrams of sodium per serving, which is on the higher side. Those watching their sodium intake may want to reduce or omit certain seasoning ingredients. Additionally, the dish provides 3 grams of dietary fiber, contributing to a healthy digestive system.
| Nutritional Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 309 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Total Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 20g |
| Cholesterol | 58mg |
| Sodium | 362mg |
In summary, our homemade cabbage casserole is a satisfying and nutritious meal. It has a balanced macronutrient profile and reasonable caloric content. By being mindful of portion sizes and considering individual dietary needs, you can enjoy this comforting dish as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Storage Tips and Reheating Guidelines
Proper storage and reheating are crucial for keeping your cabbage casserole fresh. This ensures it stays flavorful and moist. Let’s explore how to keep your leftovers in top condition.
Storing Leftover Cabbage Casserole
To store leftover casserole, put it in an airtight container and refrigerate. This keeps the flavors locked in and prevents drying. You can enjoy it for 3-4 days, perfect for the week ahead.
For longer storage, freeze the casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 months. It’s ideal for those nights when cooking is a luxury you can’t afford.
Reheating Suggestions
There are a few ways to reheat your cabbage casserole:
- Oven Reheating: Preheat to 300°F. Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 20 minutes. This method keeps the casserole’s texture, including the buttery topping, intact.
- Microwave Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1 minute. It’s quick but might slightly alter the casserole’s texture.
Choose your reheating method wisely to avoid drying out the casserole. Enjoy your leftovers and relish the comforting taste of this homemade dish!
Conclusion
Our homemade cabbage casserole is a hit for family dinners. It combines cabbage’s health benefits with cheese and buttery crackers’ rich flavors. This makes it a favorite in many homes.
This recipe is easy to make, perfect for busy nights. Its comforting taste is great for family gatherings. You can also add your own soups or toppings to make it your own.
If you’re looking for a satisfying comfort food or a healthy cabbage dish, this casserole is perfect. Try it out and see why it’s loved by so many families.
FAQ
What is cabbage casserole?
Cabbage casserole is a hearty dish. It mixes shredded cabbage, cheese, onion, and condensed soup. It’s baked for 1 hour and 15 minutes, serving 8 people.
The recipe has a buttery cracker topping. You can use different cream soups too.
What are the key ingredients in cabbage casserole?
Key ingredients are a small head of green cabbage, Vidalia onion, sharp cheddar cheese, and condensed cream soup. You’ll also need butter, mayonnaise, and Ritz crackers for the topping.
What are the health benefits of cabbage casserole?
Cabbage casserole is healthy. Cabbage is rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber. It combines Southern comfort with cabbage’s nutritional benefits.
How do you make cabbage casserole?
First, cook chopped cabbage and onion in butter for 8-10 minutes. Then, mix condensed soup with mayonnaise for the sauce.
Layer the cabbage mixture in the dish, spread the sauce, and top with the cracker mixture. Bake covered for 45 minutes, then uncovered for 15 minutes until it’s bubbly and lightly browned.
What is the topping for cabbage casserole?
The topping is crushed Ritz crackers, 3 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix these and sprinkle over the casserole before baking.
This creates a golden, crispy, and cheesy crust. It complements the creamy cabbage filling well.
What are the nutrition facts for cabbage casserole?
Each serving has about 283-355 calories, 15g fat, 25g carbs, and 12g protein. It’s high in sodium (897mg per serving) and saturated fat (9g).
It meets 39% of daily Vitamin C needs and 23% of daily calcium requirements.
How do you store and reheat cabbage casserole leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, use an oven preheated to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Microwave reheating is possible but may affect the cracker topping. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
