Creamy, Cheesy Cabbage Casserole 🥬🧀

This comforting and flavorful casserole combines tender cabbage with creamy cheese sauce for a delectable dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. It’s an ideal way to enjoy your greens, and when layered with rich flavors, you might just find yourself craving it again and again! Pair it with a crisp side salad for a complete meal! 🥗

Ingredients

For the casserole

• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or make your own)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a kick)

For the topping

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch!)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the chopped cabbage for about 3-5 minutes until tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside.

🥬 Blanching the cabbage helps to soften it and reduce the cooking time in the oven, ensuring the casserole won't turn out too watery.

• In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion and garlic with the blanched cabbage, cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir until well combined.

• Pour the cabbage mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.

• In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, and melted butter. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole.

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly, golden, and the top is crispy.

🍽️ Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!

Variations

• Add Protein: Incorporate cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken into the mixture for added heartiness.
• Spicy Version: Mix in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the cabbage mixture for a spicy twist.
• Herbs and Spices: Experiment by adding thyme, oregano, or even a hint of nutmeg for a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives, and use a dairy-free soup for a dish that's friendly to lactose-intolerant folks!

This Creamy, Cheesy Cabbage Casserole is sure to become a family favorite, making mealtime a delightful occasion! Enjoy! 🎉