Oh y’all, get ready for a Southern classic straight from Brenda Gantt cabbage casserole recipe! This dish is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender cabbage, sweet onions, and a rich, creamy sauce with a buttery cracker topping that’s downright irresistible. It’s one of those recipes that’ll have everyone asking for seconds, whether it’s a Sunday dinner, potluck, or church gathering.
Even folks who claim they don’t like cabbage end up loving this casserole. It’s warm, cheesy, and full of old-fashioned Southern charm that feels like a hug on a plate. Brenda herself promises you’ll come back with an empty dish if you bring this to any gathering, just like the Brenda Gantt Onion Casserole.
So trust Brenda on this one-grab your cabbage, crank up your oven, and let’s make a casserole that’ll leave your whole kitchen smelling like pure Southern goodness!
What Does Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole Taste Like?
Brenda Gantt’s cabbage casserole is creamy, buttery, and perfectly savory with every single bite. The cabbage softens until it’s tender and mild, soaking up the flavors of melted butter and sweet, caramelized onions, which add a delightful contrast.
The creamy sauce made from mayonnaise and cream of chicken soup brings a rich, velvety texture that coats the cabbage and onion beautifully. Then there’s the topping: buttery crackers mixed with sharp grated cheese and more melted butter, baked until golden and crisp, adding a delicious crunch to every forkful.
Together, these layers create a comforting casserole with a balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory notes that will even convert cabbage skeptics into lifelong fans!
Ingredients Required for Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole
For the casserole:
- 1 large cabbage, about ⅔ used, chopped
- 1 large onion, sliced into big pieces
- ½ stick (¼ cup) unsalted butter, melted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the creamy sauce:
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise
For the topping:
- 1 sleeve round buttery crackers (like Ritz), crushed
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar recommended)
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Cheese grater
- Large mixing bowls
- Casserole dish (9×13 inch recommended)
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Yield: 6-8 servings
Copycat Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole at home
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking your casserole until it’s bubbly and golden.
2. Chop the cabbage by cutting about two-thirds of a large head into bite-sized pieces, then spread them evenly in a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
3. Layer the onions by slicing a large onion into thick, hearty pieces and arranging them evenly on top of the cabbage to add sweet flavor as it bakes.
4. Add melted butter by pouring ½ stick of melted butter over the cabbage and onions, ensuring every piece is coated. Season generously with salt and pepper.
5. Mix the sauce by combining 1 can of cream of chicken soup with 1 cup of mayonnaise in a bowl, stirring until smooth and creamy.
6. Spread the sauce evenly over the cabbage and onions, covering every corner to ensure rich, moist flavor throughout.
7. Make the topping by crushing a sleeve of buttery crackers, then mixing with 1 cup of grated cheese and 1 stick of melted butter until crumbly.
8. Top and bake by sprinkling the cracker-cheese mixture over the casserole, then bake uncovered for 45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole
1. With Crispy Fried Chicken
We’ve had this casserole alongside a plate of golden, crunchy fried chicken, and y’all, the combination of creamy cabbage with that juicy chicken is pure heaven.
2. Next to Smoked Sausage
We’ve served it with smoked sausage links sliced on the side. The smoky, savory flavors pair perfectly with the rich, buttery casserole.
3. As a Holiday Side Dish
We’ve made it for Christmas dinner more than once, and it’s always a hit next to glazed ham or roast turkey – it adds a creamy, comforting balance.
4. With Cornbread
Don’t skip a warm skillet of cornbread! We’ve found the crumbly, slightly sweet Brenda Gantt Cornbread is just what you need to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce.
5. Topped with Crispy Bacon Bits
We’ve crumbled crispy bacon over the casserole before serving, and let me tell you, it adds a smoky crunch that’s out of this world.
6. Paired with Fresh Green Beans
We’ve served it with a side of tender green beans sautéed in a little bacon grease – that fresh, snappy veggie is a great contrast to the casserole’s richness.
7. As a Brunch Casserole
Believe it or not, we’ve warmed up leftovers for brunch alongside scrambled eggs and cheese grits. It’s a Southern brunch you’ll crave again and again.
8. With Mashed Potatoes
We’ve plated it next to creamy mashed potatoes, and the combination of two comforting, creamy sides makes every bite a dream.
9. Alongside Grilled Pork Chops
We’ve paired it with juicy pork chops hot off the grill – the smoky grilled meat and the savory cabbage are a match made in Southern heaven.
10. With a Simple Garden Salad
When we wanted to lighten things up, we’ve served this rich casserole with a fresh salad of lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes dressed in a tangy vinaigrette – it’s a refreshing balance!
Some Tips on This Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole Recipe
1. Pick a fresh cabbage.
Look for a cabbage that’s big, green, and firm. It should feel heavy when you pick it up!
2. Slice the onion big.
Cut your onion into big pieces. Big onions cook soft and sweet in the oven.
3. Melt the butter slow.
Warm your butter in the microwave or on the stove until it’s all melted. Don’t let it burn!
4. Don’t skip the butter.
The butter makes your cabbage taste yummy and helps everything cook nice.
5. Spread the sauce good.
When you put the sauce on top, use a spoon to spread it all over so every bite has some.
6. Crush crackers tiny.
Use your hands or a rolling pin to smash the crackers into tiny crumbs. Tiny crumbs make the topping extra crunchy.
7. Watch your oven.
Every oven is different! Peek at your casserole around 40 minutes so it doesn’t get too brown.
8. Let it cool a bit.
After baking, wait 5 minutes before serving. It helps the casserole set and won’t burn your mouth.
9. Use cheddar cheese.
Cheddar gives the best cheesy taste, but you can try your favorite cheese too!
10. Make it ahead.
You can put the casserole together the night before. Cover it in the fridge, then bake it the next day.
How to Store and Reheat Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole Properly
Leftover cabbage casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large cabbage about ⅔ used, chopped
- 1 large onion sliced into big pieces
- ½ stick ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the creamy sauce:
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 sleeve round buttery crackers like Ritz, crushed
- 1 stick ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup grated cheese cheddar recommended
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking your casserole until it’s bubbly and golden.
- Chop the cabbage by cutting about two-thirds of a large head into bite-sized pieces, then spread them evenly in a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Layer the onions by slicing a large onion into thick, hearty pieces and arranging them evenly on top of the cabbage to add sweet flavor as it bakes.
- Add melted butter by pouring ½ stick of melted butter over the cabbage and onions, ensuring every piece is coated. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Mix the sauce by combining 1 can of cream of chicken soup with 1 cup of mayonnaise in a bowl, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the sauce evenly over the cabbage and onions, covering every corner to ensure rich, moist flavor throughout.
- Make the topping by crushing a sleeve of buttery crackers, then mixing with 1 cup of grated cheese and 1 stick of melted butter until crumbly.
- Top and bake by sprinkling the cracker-cheese mixture over the casserole, then bake uncovered for 45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Video
Notes
Common Queries on This Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole that people often ask.
1. Does cabbage casserole freeze well?
In our experience, cabbage casserole can be frozen, but we’ve found the texture changes a bit when reheated — the cabbage gets softer and the creamy sauce can separate slightly. If you do freeze it, wrap it tightly and reheat gently in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.
2. How long do you cook cabbage casserole?
For Brenda’s recipe, we bake it uncovered at 350°F for about 45 minutes. You want the topping to be golden and the creamy filling to be bubbling around the edges.
3. What goes well with cabbage casserole?
Oh, this casserole is a meal on its own, but we love serving it with cornbread, roasted chicken, or pork chops. A fresh green salad or stewed green beans also pair beautifully to balance the richness.
4. How many calories are in cabbage casserole?
From our calculations, a generous serving of this cabbage casserole comes in around 400–450 calories, depending on the exact ingredients and portion size. It’s definitely comfort food, so enjoy in moderation!
5. Can I make cabbage casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! We often assemble the casserole (minus the topping) the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. The next day, we add the cracker topping just before baking.
6. Can I use a different cheese in this recipe?
Yes – we’ve swapped cheddar with Monterey Jack or Colby before, and both work great. You can even do a blend for extra flavor. Just use a good melting cheese!
7. Do I have to use cream of chicken soup?
We’ve tested it with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup, and it still turns out delicious. Cream of chicken gives a classic Southern flavor, but don’t be afraid to experiment.
8. What’s the best way to keep the topping crispy?
From experience, it’s best to bake the casserole uncovered. If you need to reheat leftovers, pop them in the oven instead of the microwave to help crisp the topping back up.
9. Can I add meat to this cabbage casserole?
Yes! We’ve browned ground beef or sausage and layered it with the cabbage before adding the sauce. It makes it heartier and turns the dish into a complete meal.
10. How do I know when the casserole is done?
You’ll know it’s ready when the cracker topping is a nice golden brown and the edges are bubbling. It usually takes right at 45 minutes in our oven at 350°F.
There you have it, y’all – Brenda Gantt’s cabbage casserole recipe that’s creamy, crunchy, and guaranteed to please a crowd! Don’t wait for a special occasion; whip it up anytime you want a comforting Southern classic. If you loved this recipe, share it with friends and explore more of Brenda’s beloved dishes on our blog. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!
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My family loved it! Perfect comfort food.