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If you adore comforting, cheesy dishes that come together with simple, fresh ingredients, this Cheesy Green Cabbage Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It combines tender, flavorful cabbage with a creamy, rich batter and a luscious layer of melted mozzarella cheese on top, baking into a golden, irresistible casserole. This dish is a perfect way to enjoy greens in a cozy, family-friendly casserole that feels both hearty and light. Whether you serve it as a main course or a side, it’s bursting with warmth and flavor that feels like a hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, leaning on a handful of key ingredients that each bring something unique to the table—from creaminess to a subtle tang, and of course, that luscious cheesy topping that ties everything together perfectly.
- 4 large eggs: Provide structure and richness that help bind the casserole harmoniously.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds a smooth, tangy creaminess that balances the cabbage’s earthiness.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Brings moisture and a slight tang, making the casserole tender and flavorful.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the batter so the casserole holds together beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the casserole a light, airy texture that’s easy to slice.
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch: Adds extra stability and keeps the custard smooth.
- 1 pound green cabbage (about 6 cups finely sliced): The star vegetable, finely sliced for tenderness and flavor infusion.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: To season and help soften the cabbage.
- 2 tablespoons fresh or frozen dill, chopped: Adds a fresh, herby brightness that lifts the whole dish.
- 2 tablespoons green onion, finely chopped, plus more for garnish: Offers a mild, zesty bite that complements the creaminess perfectly.
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese (about 1 1/2 cups shredded): Melts into a golden, gooey topping that completes the casserole’s appeal.
How to Make Cheesy Green Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Greasing a 9-inch round pie dish ensures the casserole won’t stick and will come out cleanly after baking. This step sets the stage for the perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Base
In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, sour cream, and mayonnaise together until the mixture is smooth and blended. This creamy base is crucial as it brings moisture, richness, and a gentle tang that will elevate the cabbage’s mild flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cornstarch. Adding this dry mix to the egg mixture and whisking well results in a batter that will set beautifully without being too dense or heavy.
Step 4: Prepare the Cabbage and Herb Mixture
Place the finely sliced cabbage in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt. Scrunch and squeeze the cabbage gently with your hands to help soften it, which makes for a tender bite in the final casserole. Then, stir in the chopped green onions and dill – these fresh, zesty herbs make all the difference in flavor.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread the cabbage and herb mixture evenly in the prepared pie dish. Pour the creamy batter evenly over the cabbage, letting it seep into every crevice. Top the whole dish generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake for 35 minutes until the casserole bubbles and the top turns a beautiful golden brown, signaling perfection.
How to Serve Cheesy Green Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions on top just before serving adds a lovely pop of color and a mild, fresh crunch that complements the creamy casserole. For an extra herbaceous touch, a few sprigs of fresh dill make the dish feel vibrant and inviting on the plate.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple, fresh salads, like a crisp cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. It also works wonderfully alongside roasted meats or grilled chicken, adding a creamy vegetable side that’s light but satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to dress it up, serve individual portions in small ramekins or bake the casserole in muffin tins for charming, grab-and-go bites. A drizzle of sour cream or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can add an extra layer of flavor and appeal to the presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Green Cabbage Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead meal or a handy side dish ready to pop back in the oven or microwave.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. To do this, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbling again. Microwaving works well for quick reheats but won’t keep the top crispy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! While mozzarella melts beautifully and gives a mild flavor, you can experiment with cheddar for a sharper taste or Gruyère for a nutty richness. Just keep the quantity similar to maintain the casserole’s texture.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the sour cream and mayonnaise for dairy-free alternatives, and choose a plant-based cheese that melts well. Keep in mind that the texture might shift slightly but the flavor will still shine.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Finely diced carrots, bell peppers, or even finely chopped spinach can add color and nutritional variety. Just be mindful of their moisture content, which might affect the baking time or texture.
How can I make the casserole more flavorful?
Adding minced garlic to the cabbage mixture or a pinch of smoked paprika to the batter can introduce exciting undertones. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can also be wonderful complements to the dill.
What do I do if my cabbage is not finely sliced?
Using a knife to slice the cabbage as finely as possible is ideal because it softens better during baking and blends perfectly with the batter. If your cabbage pieces are too large, consider chopping them smaller or shredding with a food processor for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Green Cabbage Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that combines simplicity with incredible comfort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even potlucks. Once you try it, you’ll understand how tender cabbage can be transformed into a satisfying, cheesy bake that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Give it a go—you might just find a new classic to return to again and again!
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Cheesy Green Cabbage Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This comforting Cabbage Casserole combines tender green cabbage with a creamy, cheesy batter that bakes to a golden perfection. Infused with fresh dill and green onions, it’s an easy, flavorful side dish or light main course that can be prepared in under an hour.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Dry Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 pound green cabbage (1/2 medium head or 6 cups finely sliced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh or frozen dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons green onion, finely chopped, plus more to garnish
Cheese
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups shredded)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch round pie dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, and mayonnaise until well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet: In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and cornstarch. Gradually whisk this dry mixture into the egg mixture until you achieve a smooth batter.
- Prepare Cabbage Mixture: Place the finely sliced cabbage into another bowl and sprinkle with salt. Scrunch and toss the cabbage with your hands to soften it and help it release moisture. Stir in the chopped green onions and dill to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the softened cabbage mixture evenly in the prepared pie dish. Pour the batter over the cabbage, making sure it covers the surface. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown on top and set in the middle. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a sharper flavor, you can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or a blend of cheeses.
- To make this dish gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Try adding cooked bacon or sausage for a non-vegetarian variation.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated, though the crust may soften.
- Garnish with additional green onions or fresh dill before serving for added freshness and color.
