Comforting, Creamy, and Loaded with Melted Cheese and Tender Cabbage

If you’re looking for the ultimate side dish (or even a main event) that’s both comforting and hearty, this Cheesy Cabbage Casserole is it. A creamy, savory blend of sautéed cabbage, aromatic garlic and onions, and a trio of cheeses—sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan—this dish is cozy, satisfying, and downright irresistible.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or attending a potluck, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s an easy way to turn a humble head of cabbage into a rich and filling dish that could rival even the cheesiest of mac and cheeses.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

Hearty and filling – A great vegetarian side or main course.
Budget-friendly – Made with everyday ingredients like cabbage, cheese, and eggs.
Easy to prep ahead – Assemble it earlier in the day and bake when ready.
Ultra cheesy – Loaded with three types of cheese for that rich, creamy finish.
Flexible topping – Add buttery breadcrumbs for extra crunch, or skip it for a low-carb version.

🧾 Ingredients at a Glance

Here’s what goes into the magic:

🥬 Cabbage (1 medium head, chopped – about 6 cups)

Green cabbage softens beautifully when sautéed, becoming tender and slightly sweet—a perfect canvas for rich flavors.

🧅 Onion and 🧄 Garlic

The flavor base! Onion adds sweetness, while garlic brings depth and aroma.

🧂 Seasonings

Salt, black pepper, and dried thyme season the dish simply but effectively, complementing the cheese and cabbage without overpowering them.

🍶 Sour Cream (1 cup)

Adds creaminess and a gentle tang that balances the richness of the cheese.

🧀 Cheese Trio:

Sharp cheddar – Bold flavor
Mozzarella – Smooth melt and gooey texture
Parmesan – Nutty, salty depth

🥚 Eggs (2 large, beaten)

Help bind the casserole, giving it structure while keeping it soft and custardy.

🧈 Breadcrumb Topping (optional)

Mixed with melted butter for a golden, crunchy contrast.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through how to bring this cheesy wonder to life:

1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light layer of oil.

2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tbsp olive oil.
Add 1 small finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

3️⃣ Add the Cabbage

Add chopped cabbage (about 6 cups) to the skillet.
Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens and reduces in volume.
Season with:

1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme

4️⃣ Make the Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
½ cup shredded mozzarella
¼ cup grated Parmesan
2 large beaten eggs

Stir until well combined.

5️⃣ Combine and Layer

Add the cooked cabbage mixture to the cheese mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Pour into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.

6️⃣ Optional: Add Crunchy Topping

If using:

Mix ½ cup breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp melted butter.
Sprinkle over the top of the casserole.

7️⃣ Bake

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until:

The casserole is bubbly
The top is golden brown

8️⃣ Let It Rest & Serve

Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.

🧠 Expert Tips

Chop cabbage evenly so it cooks at the same rate.
Don’t skip the resting period—it’s crucial for a firm slice.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes.
You can prep the casserole up to 1 day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh when ready to serve.

🥗 Serving Ideas

Serve your cheesy cabbage casserole alongside:

Grilled sausages or pork chops
Baked potatoes or mashed cauliflower
Crisp green salads with vinaigrette
As a standalone vegetarian meal with crusty bread or garlic toast

🧺 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions.
Freezing is possible but may affect the texture slightly—wrap well and thaw overnight before reheating.

📜 Printable Recipe Card

Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
Creamy, savory, and comforting, this cheesy casserole turns simple cabbage into an irresistible family favorite.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Calories: ~300–350 per serving (varies with topping)