Name: Cabbage Casserole With Bacon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 medium green cabbage (chopped, about 8 cups); 8 slices bacon (chopped); 1 small yellow onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional); 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

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Cabbage Casserole With Bacon is a warm, comforting baked dish made with tender cabbage, crispy bacon, a creamy sauce, and a cheesy topping. It turns simple cabbage into a hearty side dish that feels rich without being hard to make.

This recipe is great for family dinners, potlucks, Sunday meals, or anytime you want an easy vegetable casserole. The bacon adds smoky flavor, while the cabbage becomes soft and lightly sweet as it bakes.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients: Made with basic items you can find at most grocery stores.
Comforting flavor: Bacon, cheese, and cabbage make a cozy combination.

Great side dish: Works well with chicken, pork, beef, or holiday meals.
Budget-friendly: Cabbage is affordable and makes a filling casserole.

Equipment Needed

Large skillet
9×13-inch baking dish
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Mixing spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Small bowl
Aluminum foil, optional

Ingredients List

For the Casserole

1 medium green cabbage, chopped, about 8 cups
8 slices bacon, chopped
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, optional

For the Topping

1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon chopped parsley, optional

Timing & Servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6

How to Make Cabbage Casserole With Bacon Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the bacon
Add the chopped bacon to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 7 to 9 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Cook the onion and garlic
Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Step 4: Soften the cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage starts to soften. It does not need to be fully cooked because it will finish in the oven.

Step 5: Mix the creamy sauce
In a large bowl, stir together the sour cream, mayonnaise, 1 cup cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme if using.

Step 6: Combine everything
Add the cooked cabbage mixture and most of the bacon to the bowl. Save a little bacon for the top. Stir until the cabbage is evenly coated.

Step 7: Add to the baking dish
Spread the cabbage mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 8: Make the topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole. Add the reserved bacon on top.

Step 9: Bake the casserole
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and the topping is golden.

Step 10: Rest and serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with parsley if you like.

Tips for the Best Cabbage Casserole With Bacon

Do not overcook the cabbage in the skillet: It should be softened, not mushy, before baking.
Drain extra liquid if needed: If the cabbage releases a lot of water, drain it before mixing with the sauce.
Use crispy bacon: Crisp bacon gives better texture and stronger flavor.

Shred cheese yourself: Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
Taste before baking: Bacon and cheese can be salty, so adjust the salt carefully.
Let it rest: A few minutes of cooling helps the casserole set.

Variations to Try

Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Use different cheese: Try Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Swiss, or smoked cheddar.
Add protein: Mix in cooked ground beef, sausage, shredded chicken, or diced ham.

Make it lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduce the mayonnaise.
Add vegetables: Mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers can be cooked with the cabbage.
Low-carb topping: Skip the crackers and use extra cheese or crushed pork rinds.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cabbage Casserole With Bacon as a side dish with roasted chicken, pork chops, meatloaf, grilled steak, or baked ham. It also works well next to mashed potatoes, cornbread, or a simple green salad.

To make it a complete meal, add cooked sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken directly into the casserole. Then serve it with a light side like salad or roasted vegetables.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating

You can prepare the casserole filling up to 1 day ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator, then add the cracker topping right before baking.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing is possible, but the creamy sauce may become slightly grainy after thawing. If freezing, wrap the baked and cooled casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. For a larger amount, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil near the end if you want the topping to crisp up again.

Nutritional Facts

Calories: 335
Fat: 27g
Carbs: 13g
Protein: 11g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 620mg

Cabbage Casserole With Bacon

Cabbage Casserole with Bacon is a rich and comforting baked dish featuring tender cabbage, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a creamy, savory sauce. This easy family-friendly recipe makes a delicious side dish or satisfying main course for busy weeknights or holiday dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Dinner

Cuisine American, southern

Servings 6 people

Calories 335 kcal

Equipment

Large skillet
9×13-inch baking dish
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Mixing spoon
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Small bowl
Aluminum foil, optional

Ingredients

For the Casserole

1 medium green cabbage chopped, about 8 cups
8 slices bacon chopped
1 small yellow onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme optional

For the Topping

1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon chopped parsley optional

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the bacon

Add the chopped bacon to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 7 to 9 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Cook the onion and garlic

Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Step 4: Soften the cabbage

Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage starts to soften. It does not need to be fully cooked because it will finish in the oven.

Step 5: Mix the creamy sauce

In a large bowl, stir together the sour cream, mayonnaise, 1 cup cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme if using.

Step 6: Combine everything

Add the cooked cabbage mixture and most of the bacon to the bowl. Save a little bacon for the top. Stir until the cabbage is evenly coated.

Step 7: Add to the baking dish

Spread the cabbage mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 8: Make the topping

In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole. Add the reserved bacon on top.

Step 9: Bake the casserole

Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and the topping is golden.

Step 10: Rest and serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with parsley if you like.

Keyword Cabbage Casserole With Bacon

FAQs

Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?
Yes, but green cabbage is best for this recipe. Red cabbage has a stronger flavor and will change the color of the casserole.

Can I make this casserole without mayonnaise?
Yes. You can replace the mayonnaise with extra sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.

Why is my cabbage casserole watery?
Cabbage naturally releases water as it cooks. Cook it in the skillet first and drain extra liquid before mixing it with the sauce.

Can I add meat to make it a main dish?
Yes. Cooked sausage, ground beef, ham, or shredded chicken all work well in this casserole.

Conclusion

Cabbage Casserole With Bacon is a cozy, easy side dish with tender cabbage, creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and a golden topping. It is simple enough for weeknights and hearty enough for family gatherings.