If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best of creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures, then this Crack Cabbage Casserole Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Imagine tender cabbage and savory bacon mingling with a rich ranch-spiced sauce, all topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker and cheddar blanket. It’s the kind of side dish that steals the show at any dinner table and keeps everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this casserole just right is all about having the perfect balance of simple, accessible ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building those layers of flavor, from the fresh crunch of cabbage to the zing of ranch seasoning and the indulgent crisp cracker topping.
- Green cabbage: A small head chopped finely adds a mild sweetness and tender texture once cooked.
- Ranch dressing mix: This seasoning brings a tangy, herby kick that elevates the whole dish.
- Cooked chopped bacon: Adds smoky savoriness that complements the cabbage beautifully.
- Medium onion (chopped): Offers a natural sweetness and aromatic foundation when sautéed.
- Butter: Used for sautéing and baking, it provides richness and helps build that golden crust.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors perfectly.
- Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: The creamy base that brings everything together in one luscious mix.
- Mayonnaise: Adds extra moisture and tang for depth in the sauce.
- Melted butter: Combined with cracker crumbs, it creates a crispy, buttery topping.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts and browns on top for a cheesy finish with a punch.
- Ritz crackers (crushed): Deliver that addictive crunch that makes this casserole unforgettable.
How to Make Crack Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sauté
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and greasing a 9-inch square baking dish so the casserole doesn’t stick. Then chop your cabbage and onion finely — a sharp knife makes this fast and clean. In a large skillet, melt half a cup of butter over medium-high heat, then toss in the cabbage and onion. Cook them until they’re tender and fragrant, which unlocks their natural sweetness and softens the cabbage perfectly.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
While the veggies are cooking, in a medium bowl, combine your canned cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and ranch dressing mix. This trio creates a luscious, flavorful sauce that clings beautifully to the cabbage mixture.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once the cabbage and onion are ready, remove them from heat and let them cool slightly. Add the cooked bacon and then pour the creamy soup mixture over the veggies. Stir everything together thoroughly so every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the cabbage and sauce mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish so that it cooks uniformly.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping and Bake
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Pop your dish into the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and gets delightfully crispy.
How to Serve Crack Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add extra freshness, sprinkle some chopped green onions or parsley on top just before serving. A little dash of paprika or freshly cracked black pepper can also brighten the look and taste.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as a hearty side alongside classic roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a simple grilled steak. For a full meal, add a crisp garden salad or buttery dinner rolls to balance out the creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve individual portions in mini ramekins topped with a sprinkle of extra cheddar and crackers, then broil them briefly for an ultra-crispy finish. It’s a fun, elegant twist that makes this homey dish feel special for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crack Cabbage Casserole Recipe is a delight the next day. Store it tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep flavors fresh and textures intact.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish. Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, to keep that crispy topping from getting soggy. You can also reheat smaller portions in the microwave, then crisp the topping under the broiler for a minute.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cabbage?
Absolutely! Green cabbage is traditional here, but you can swap in Napa or Savoy cabbage for a slightly different texture and flavor that still works wonderfully with the ranch and bacon.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply leave out the bacon and opt for vegetable broth in place of cream of chicken soup. Adding smoked paprika can help replicate that smoky essence without meat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz and check the labels on your soup and ranch mix to ensure they are gluten-free.
How spicy is this casserole?
This Crack Cabbage Casserole Recipe is mild and creamy, leaning on savory and tangy rather than spicy, so it’s friendly for all palates including kids.
Can it be doubled for a larger crowd?
Yes, just double all ingredients and bake in a larger casserole dish or two separate pans, adjusting the baking time slightly until bubbly and golden on top.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say, once you try this Crack Cabbage Casserole Recipe, it’s going to become a staple in your cooking rotation. It’s warm, satisfying, and irresistibly delicious — the kind of dish that feels like a hug on a plate. So grab your ingredients, get comfy in the kitchen, and treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special.
Print
Crack Cabbage Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crack Cabbage Casserole is a comforting, savory dish featuring tender cabbage and onions cooked with bacon and a creamy ranch and chicken soup base. Topped with a crispy buttery Ritz cracker and cheddar cheese layer, it’s an easy baked casserole perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Proteins
- 1 small head green cabbage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- ½ cup cooked chopped bacon
Dressing and Seasonings
- 1 (1-oz) package ranch dressing mix
- salt and pepper, to taste
Dairy and Condiments
- ½ cup butter (for sautéing)
- 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
- â…“ cup mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp melted butter (for topping)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and spray a 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook cabbage and onions. Chop the cabbage and onion finely. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt ½ cup butter. Add the chopped cabbage and onion, cooking until tender and translucent. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Combine casserole filling. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and ranch dressing mix until well blended. Add the cooked cabbage and onion mixture along with the cooked chopped bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly, then spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare and add topping. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons melted butter, crushed Ritz crackers, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Spread this cracker mixture evenly over the cabbage filling in the casserole dish.
- Bake the casserole. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, use cream of mushroom soup and omit bacon.
- Feel free to use reduced-fat mayonnaise or butter for a lighter dish.
- Crushing the Ritz crackers finely ensures an even, crunchy topping.
- Serve with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
