Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole Recipe | Southern Favorite

If you’re looking for a cozy Southern side dish that turns simple cabbage into something truly special, this Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole is worth adding to your recipe collection. Tender green cabbage is combined with sweet onions, a creamy savory sauce, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese, then finished with a buttery, crunchy cracker topping. The result is rich, comforting, and packed with homemade flavor in every bite. It’s an easy casserole for Sunday dinners, family meals, potlucks, holidays, and other gatherings when you want a hearty dish that everyone can enjoy.

Quick Recipe Facts

Why You’ll Love This Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole Recipe

• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make this casserole beginner-friendly.
• Creamy and cheesy: The cabbage is coated in a rich, creamy mixture and finished with gooey cheddar cheese.
• Perfect Southern comfort food: Its buttery, savory flavors make it feel like a traditional homemade dish.
• Great for gatherings: It works beautifully as a side dish for family dinners, holidays, potlucks, and church suppers.
• Crunchy topping: Buttery crackers add a golden, crispy contrast to the soft and creamy cabbage.
• Budget-friendly: Cabbage and other basic ingredients make this an affordable way to feed a crowd.
• Easy to customize: You can add cooked meat, extra vegetables, rice, or different cheeses to suit your taste.

What Is Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole?

Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole is a Southern-style comfort food made with tender cabbage, onions, a creamy sauce, cheese, and a buttery cracker topping. The cabbage is cooked until tender, combined with the creamy ingredients, layered or mixed with cheese, and baked until hot and bubbly. A crunchy cracker topping gives the casserole its signature golden finish. It’s commonly served as a hearty side dish alongside roasted meats, chicken, or other traditional Southern favorites.

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Casserole

• 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium sweet onion, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, optional

For the Buttery Cracker Topping

• 1 cup buttery round crackers, crushed
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

• Sweet onion: Sweet onion adds mild flavor and balances the cabbage. Yellow or white onion can be substituted if needed.
• Butter: Butter gives the casserole its rich Southern flavor. Unsalted or salted butter works well; simply adjust the added salt.
• Cream of celery soup: This creates the creamy base and adds savory flavor. You can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup if preferred.
• Sour cream: Sour cream adds richness and a slight tang. Plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute, although the flavor will be slightly different.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a stronger cheesy flavor. Mild cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, or a cheddar blend can also be used.
• Crackers: Buttery round crackers create a crisp, golden topping. Saltine crackers, Ritz-style crackers, or seasoned breadcrumbs can be substituted.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Colander
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Large mixing bowl
• 9 × 13-inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Small bowl for the cracker topping
• Aluminum foil, optional

How to Make Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole (Step-by-Step)

• Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
  Remove the outer leaves from the cabbage and rinse it well. Cut the cabbage into quarters, remove the tough core, and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
• Step 2: Cook the Cabbage
  Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the chopped cabbage and cook for about 5–7 minutes, just until it begins to soften.
  Do not overcook the cabbage at this stage. It will continue cooking in the oven, so keeping a little texture will prevent the finished casserole from becoming mushy.
  Drain the cabbage thoroughly in a colander and set it aside.
• Step 3: Sauté the Onion
  Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden.
  If using fresh garlic, add it during the final minute of cooking.
• Step 4: Make the Creamy Mixture
  In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of celery soup, sour cream, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
• Step 5: Combine the Cabbage and Sauce
  Add the drained cabbage and sautéed onions to the creamy mixture. Gently fold everything together until the cabbage is evenly coated.
  Avoid stirring too aggressively because the cooked cabbage can break apart easily.
• Step 6: Add the Cheese
  Fold 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the cabbage mixture. The cheese will melt beautifully as the casserole bakes and give the dish a rich, savory flavor.
• Step 7: Prepare the Baking Dish
  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  Grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with the remaining tablespoon of butter or a light coating of cooking spray.
  Transfer the cabbage mixture to the prepared dish and spread it into an even layer.
• Step 8: Make the Buttery Cracker Topping
  Place the crackers in a small bowl and crush them into coarse crumbs. Do not turn them into a fine powder; larger crumbs provide a better crunchy texture.
  Mix the cracker crumbs with 3 tablespoons of melted butter. If desired, stir in another 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
• Step 9: Add the Topping
  Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the cabbage casserole. Make sure the topping reaches the edges for a golden, crunchy finish.
• Step 10: Bake the Casserole
  Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for approximately 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown.
  If the topping starts browning too quickly, loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
• Step 11: Rest and Serve
  Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the creamy filling to settle slightly and makes it easier to scoop.
  Serve warm alongside roasted chicken, baked ham, turkey, pork chops, or your favorite Southern main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Cabbage
  Boiling the cabbage for too long can make it mushy and watery. Cook it only until slightly tender because it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Not Draining the Cabbage Well
  Excess water can make the creamy sauce thin and prevent the casserole from becoming rich and creamy. Drain the cabbage thoroughly before combining it with the other ingredients.
• Skipping the Onion
  Onions add sweetness and savory depth to the casserole. While optional, leaving them out can make the dish taste less flavorful.
• Adding Too Much Cheese
  Cheese makes the casserole delicious, but using too much can overpower the mild cabbage flavor and make the dish excessively greasy.
• Making the Cracker Crumbs Too Fine
  Very fine crumbs can lose their crunchy texture. Crush the crackers into small, coarse pieces for a better golden topping.
• Overbaking the Casserole
  Baking too long can dry out the creamy filling and make the cabbage overly soft. Remove it once the center is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden.

Flavor Variations

• Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
  Add extra cheddar cheese to the filling and sprinkle another layer of cheese underneath the cracker topping for an even cheesier casserole.
• Bacon Cabbage Casserole
  Cook and crumble bacon, then stir it into the cabbage mixture. Reserve a little bacon for sprinkling over the top before baking.
• Sausage Cabbage Casserole
  Add cooked and crumbled smoked sausage, breakfast sausage, or another favorite sausage for a heartier version that can work as a main dish.
• Garlic Herb Cabbage Casserole
  Add minced garlic along with dried parsley, thyme, or Italian seasoning to give the creamy sauce more aromatic flavor.
• Spicy Cabbage Casserole
  For some heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños.
• Mushroom Version
  Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and add them to the cabbage mixture. Cream of mushroom soup can also be used instead of cream of celery soup.
• Ham and Cabbage Casserole
  Diced cooked ham adds a smoky, savory flavor and makes the casserole more substantial, especially for holiday meals.

What to Serve With Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole

• Wawa Chicken Salad Recipe
  A lighter protein option, though not as natural a match as steak.
• Costco Carrot Cake Recipe
  Dessert; better after the meal.
• Texas Roadhouse Steak Fries Recipe
  Great if you want a more filling, comfort-food-style meal.

Garnishing Ideas

• Fresh parsley: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley over the top for a fresh finish and a pop of color.
• Extra shredded cheddar: Add a small amount of freshly shredded cheddar immediately after baking.
• Crispy bacon: Crumble cooked bacon over individual servings for a smoky, savory touch.
• Green onions: Thinly sliced green onions add mild onion flavor and freshness.
• Freshly cracked black pepper: A light sprinkle gives the casserole a simple, attractive finish.
• Chives: Chopped chives work especially well with the creamy cabbage and cheese.
• Extra cracker crumbs: Add a few freshly crushed buttery crackers over the top just before serving for additional crunch.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare the cabbage: Cook and drain the cabbage, then allow it to cool completely.
• Prepare the filling: Mix the cabbage, onions, creamy sauce, and cheese according to the recipe.
• Assemble: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
• Prepare the topping separately: Combine the crushed crackers with melted butter and keep the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Refrigerate: Cover the assembled casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Add the topping before baking: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the casserole just before it goes into the oven. This helps keep the topping crisp.
• Bake: If the casserole is going directly from the refrigerator into the oven, it may need a few additional minutes of baking time. Bake until heated through and bubbly.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator
  Allow leftover Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole to cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking and use the leftovers within 3–4 days.
• Reheating
  For the best texture, reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot. You can also reheat larger portions in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
  If the cracker topping has softened, reheating the casserole uncovered in the oven can help restore some of its crispness.
• Freezing
  Freezing is possible, but the creamy texture and cabbage may change slightly after thawing. For the best quality, this casserole is generally better enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
  If you do freeze it, cool it completely, wrap it tightly, and store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Conclusion

Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole is a delicious way to turn humble cabbage into a rich, creamy, and comforting Southern-style side dish. Tender cabbage and sweet onions are combined with a savory creamy sauce, sharp cheddar cheese, and a golden buttery cracker topping for a combination of soft, cheesy, and crunchy textures. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but special enough for holidays, Sunday dinners, and potlucks. For the best results, avoid overcooking the cabbage and make sure to drain it thoroughly before mixing it with the creamy ingredients. You can also customize the recipe with bacon, sausage, ham, different cheeses, or a little spice.

Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole Recipe

Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole is a Southern-style comfort food made with tender cabbage, onions, a creamy sauce, cheese, and a buttery cracker topping. The cabbage is cooked until tender, combined with the creamy ingredients, layered or mixed with cheese, and baked until hot and bubbly. A crunchy cracker topping gives the casserole its signature golden finish. It’s commonly served as a hearty side dish alongside roasted meats, chicken, or other traditional Southern favorites.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 Servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 285

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cabbage Casserole

• 1 medium head green cabbage chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium sweet onion finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons butter divided
• 1 can 10.5 oz cream of celery soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder optional

For the Buttery Cracker Topping

• 1 cup buttery round crackers crushed
• 3 tablespoons butter melted
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Colander & Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Large mixing bowl
• 9 × 13-inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Chef's knife & Cutting board
• Small bowl for the cracker topping
• Aluminum foil, optional

Method

 

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

1. Remove the outer leaves from the cabbage and rinse it well. Cut the cabbage into quarters, remove the tough core, and chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Cabbage

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the chopped cabbage and cook for about 5–7 minutes, just until it begins to soften.

   Do not overcook the cabbage at this stage. It will continue cooking in the oven, so keeping a little texture will prevent the finished casserole from becoming mushy.

   Drain the cabbage thoroughly in a colander and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden.

   If using fresh garlic, add it during the final minute of cooking.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of celery soup, sour cream, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

   Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Combine the Cabbage and Sauce

1. Add the drained cabbage and sautéed onions to the creamy mixture. Gently fold everything together until the cabbage is evenly coated.

   Avoid stirring too aggressively because the cooked cabbage can break apart easily.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

1. Fold 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the cabbage mixture. The cheese will melt beautifully as the casserole bakes and give the dish a rich, savory flavor.

Step 7: Prepare the Baking Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

   Grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with the remaining tablespoon of butter or a light coating of cooking spray.

   Transfer the cabbage mixture to the prepared dish and spread it into an even layer.

Step 8: Make the Buttery Cracker Topping

1. Place the crackers in a small bowl and crush them into coarse crumbs. Do not turn them into a fine powder; larger crumbs provide a better crunchy texture.

   Mix the cracker crumbs with 3 tablespoons of melted butter. If desired, stir in another 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 9: Add the Topping

1. Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the cabbage casserole. Make sure the topping reaches the edges for a golden, crunchy finish.

Step 10: Bake the Casserole

1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for approximately 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown. If the topping starts browning too quickly, loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Step 11: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the creamy filling to settle slightly and makes it easier to scoop.

   Serve warm alongside roasted chicken, baked ham, turkey, pork chops, or your favorite Southern main dish.

Notes

Don’t overload the casserole with garnishes. A small sprinkle of parsley, green onion, or bacon is usually enough to complement the golden cracker topping.

Avoid leaving the assembled casserole at room temperature for an extended period. Keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to bake it.