Creamy Cabbage Casserole
Creamy cabbage casserole combines tender shredded cabbage, smoky bacon, melted cheese, and fresh tomatoes for a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 cups shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper ⓘ
- 2 large tomatoes, peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon plus 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Mozzarella) ⓘ
Instructions
- Spread shredded cabbage evenly in a 9 x 12-inch glass baking dish and season with coarsely ground pepper.
- Top the cabbage with peeled and chopped tomatoes.
- Sprinkle cooked and crumbled bacon over the tomatoes.
- Sauté chopped onion in 1 teaspoon of butter until transparent.
- Arrange the sautéed onion over the casserole.
- In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, then stir in all-purpose flour and salt to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and shredded cheese until smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the assembled casserole ingredients.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of garlic powder or substituting half of the cabbage with kale. You can also use turkey bacon for a lighter option. If you're short on time, pre-shredded cabbage can save you some effort. To enhance the dish, try incorporating herbs like thyme or oregano into the cheese sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy cabbage casserole as a hearty main dish or as a side alongside roasted meats or a fresh salad. It pairs beautifully with pork recipes, making it a versatile option for family dinners. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a side of crusty bread to complete the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, to prevent drying out. This casserole also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Cabbage Casserole contains roughly 415 calories, with 10g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (63% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2169mg per serving (94% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don't have sour cream, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute that offers a similar tangy flavor and creaminess. You can also use cream cheese, but consider thinning it with a bit of milk to achieve the desired consistency in the cheese sauce.
Can I add protein to this casserole?
Absolutely! You can incorporate cooked ground meat, such as beef or turkey, or even shredded chicken for added protein. Just layer it in with the other ingredients before baking for a heartier dish that can be a complete meal on its own.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).