Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Ritz Crackers Topping (No Canned Soup)

As a busy mom always looking for ways to get my kids to eat their veggies, I've found a winner with cabbage casserole. This cheesy, comforting dish brings back memories of my Eastern European childhood while appealing to my children's Midwestern American palates. It tastes a bit like a cabbage roll, but with a Southern / Midwestern flare!

I've tweaked the classic recipe to make it healthier without sacrificing flavor, just like my chichen hashbrown casserole, rutabaga casserole, and beef and zucchini casserole. By skipping canned soup and using fresh ingredients, I create a dish that's both nutritious and delicious. The crispy cracker topping adds a fun texture that my kids love, making it easier to sneak in those extra servings of cabbage.

What makes this recipe different is that it's relatively healthy. A lot of stuffed cabbage recipes use ground beef, but I didn't want to go that route. I also wanted to keep this comfort food healthy by avoiding canned soup like cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup. As a result, guests love this recipe, while I secretly know it's healthy.

This casserole has become a go-to in our household, perfect for busy weeknights when no one feels like cooking. It's a great way to introduce cabbage to picky eaters and celebrate this humble ingredient. Plus, this cabbage casserole recipe is budget-friendly and easy to prepare, which is always a win in my book.

• Green cabbage - Provides a crisp texture and mild flavor; can be substituted with Napa cabbage or savoy cabbage for a different texture
• Onion - Adds savory flavor and aroma; red onion or shallots can be used for a milder taste
• Butter - Creates richness and helps with browning; can be replaced with olive oil or margarine for a dairy-free option
• Salt and pepper - Enhances overall flavor; adjust to taste or use other seasonings like garlic powder or herbs
• Half and half - Adds creaminess; whole milk or heavy cream can be used as alternatives
• Chicken stock - Provides depth of flavor; vegetable stock can be used for a vegetarian version. If you want a creamie version, cream or chicken soup will do. 
• Mayonnaise - Contributes richness and tangy flavor; Greek yogurt or sour cream can be substituted for a lighter option
• Sharp cheddar cheese - Adds bold, cheesy flavor; other melting cheeses like Gruyère or Gouda can be used for variety
• Ritz crackers - Creates a crunchy topping; panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes can be used as alternatives

See recipe card for exact quantities.

If this dish has not satisfied your casserole craving, try making our chicken and date casserole or even this instant pot chicken and pepper stew to warm you up during the cold winter months.

When I make cabbage casserole, I like to pair it with complementary side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. A popular choice is mashed potatoes, which provide a creamy contrast to the texture of the casserole.

For added flavor and crunch, I sometimes serve cornbread alongside the dish. Its slightly sweet taste balances the savory notes of the cabbage casserole nicely.

To incorporate more vegetables into the meal, I often prepare a light salad. A fresh salad with a zingy lime vinaigrette can add a refreshing element to the plate.

For a heartier option, I might include fried rice as a side dish. The combination of textures and flavors works well together.