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Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole Recipe

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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
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.