Looking for a comforting side dish that’ll make everyone at the table happy? Sometimes the simplest ingredients come together to create something truly special, and that’s exactly what happens with this cabbage casserole. With its crispy Ritz cracker topping and tender cabbage underneath, it’s the kind of dish that reminds you of family dinners at grandma’s house. Best of all, it’s easy to put together on busy weeknights when you need something reliable that’ll go with just about any main course.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, the condensed cream of chicken soup can be replaced with cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup. These alternatives maintain the creamy texture and savory flavor while accommodating dietary preferences. The cabbage can be substituted with cauliflower or broccoli for a different nutritional profile and texture. Use the same amount and adjust cooking time as needed. Ritz crackers can be replaced with whole wheat breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a healthier, whole grain option. Use about 1 cup of the substitute and adjust the melted butter accordingly to achieve the desired consistency for the topping. These substitutions offer flexibility while preserving the comforting, creamy nature of the casserole.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30-40 minutes |
| Total Time | 45-60 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1200-1400
- Protein: 25-30 g
- Fat: 90-100 g
- Carbohydrates: 80-90 g
Ingredients
- 1 small green cabbage
- 1 medium vidalia onion, chopped
- 8 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (10 ounces) of condensed cream of chicken or mushroom soup
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 sleeve of ritz crackers (around 30), roughly crushed
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Casserole Dish
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish to ensure easy removal of the casserole after baking.
Step 2: Cook the Cabbage and Onion
Begin by coarsely chopping the cabbage.
In a large nonstick pan, melt a bit of butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped cabbage and onion to the pan and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
Cook until the cabbage begins to soften and cook down.
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Layer the Cabbage in the Casserole
Once the cabbage and onion are partially cooked, transfer the mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to cover the base of the dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Soup Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the soup and mayonnaise.
Stir together until they are fully blended into a smooth mixture.
Spread this mixture evenly over the cabbage in the casserole dish, ensuring full coverage.
Step 5: Add the Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together melted butter, cheese, and cracker crumbs.
Ensure the mixture is well-combined, then sprinkle it evenly over the top of the casserole.
This will create a delicious, crunchy topping as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the topping is browned and crispy.
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven, allow it to cool slightly, and then serve hot.
Enjoy your savory cabbage casserole!
