Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole Recipe

Brenda Gantt has shared many wonderful recipes from her kitchen, but her Cabbage Casserole Recipe is one that has found a special place among her fans.

Her simple Southern-style cooking has also introduced a new generation to the comforting dishes many of us grew up enjoying.

Inspired by Brenda and the way she shares her favorite recipes, I decided to make my own homemade Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole Recipe.

I wanted my version to feel just like the kind of comforting, homestyle casserole Brenda loves to share with her fans.

Why Did Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole Become So Popular

This casserole is simple, low-cost, creamy, and easy to share. Brenda Gantt’s warm cooking style also helped many home cooks feel close to the recipe. Her videos made this classic dish easy for new cooks to try at home.

• Southern Comfort-Food Appeal – I love the warm Southern feel of this dish. Cabbage, onion, butter, and creamy sauce create a soft and cozy meal. The cracker topping adds a home-style touch that feels like food from an old family kitchen.

• Creamy Texture & Crunchy Topping – The cabbage becomes tender in the oven, while the mayo and cream of chicken soup form a creamy layer. I love the contrast from the buttery crackers and cheddar cheese on top.

• Social-Media Recipe Sharing – Brenda’s cooking videos helped this recipe reach many home cooks. Her simple way of cooking made the dish easy to follow. People shared their own results online, which helped the casserole gain even more attention.

Choosing the Best Cabbage for Casserole

Green cabbage gives the casserole the best texture for this recipe. It softens nicely during baking without becoming too soft too fast.

Brenda also talks about using green-head cabbage in her recipe, so this is the best choice for a close copycat version.

1. Red Cabbage – Red cabbage can work, but it changes the look of the casserole. It has a firmer texture and a stronger color. Green cabbage is a better choice for a softer texture and a more classic result in this dish.

2. Napa Cabbage – Napa cabbage has thinner leaves and a softer texture than green cabbage. It cooks faster, so the finished casserole may be softer. I like Napa cabbage for other dishes, but green cabbage works better here when following Brenda’s style.

3. Savoy Cabbage – Savoy cabbage has wrinkled leaves and a tender texture. It can be used in this casserole, but it may soften more during baking.

Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole Ingredients

This recipe uses simple ingredients, much like Brenda’s easy home cooking. The measurements below follow the supplied recipe.

Simple swaps can work too, so I have added useful alternatives with clear amounts.

• Cabbage – 1/2 Large Head or 1 Small Head – For this recipe, 1/2 of a large green cabbage or 1 whole small head works well.

• Onion – 1 Large – One large onion is sliced into thin strips and spread over the cabbage. A medium onion can replace it in the same amount. The larger onion adds a mild sweet flavor as it cooks and covers the cabbage layer well.

• Salt – 1/2 Teaspoon – The cabbage and onion need 1/2 teaspoon of salt for simple seasoning. Salted butter works with this amount. For unsalted butter, the same 1/2 teaspoon is a good starting amount, with more added to taste.

• Butter – 1/2 Stick for Cabbage + 1 Stick for Topping – A total of 1 1/2 sticks of butter is needed. The first 1/2 stick goes over the cabbage layer, while 1 stick goes into the cracker topping. Unsalted butter can replace salted butter in the same amounts.

• Mayonnaise – 1/2 Cup – Half a cup of mayonnaise goes into the creamy sauce. Regular mayonnaise works well, while light mayonnaise can replace it in the same 1/2-cup amount. Light mayo may give the sauce a slightly thinner texture.

• Cream of Chicken Soup – 10 Ounces – One 10-ounce can of cream of chicken soup forms part of the creamy sauce. Cream of mushroom soup can replace it in the same 10-ounce amount when a mushroom flavor is preferred.

• Pepper – 1/2 Teaspoon – Half a teaspoon of black pepper adds mild seasoning to the sauce. For a softer pepper flavor, reduce the amount to 1/4 teaspoon. Freshly ground black pepper also works in the same amount.

• Buttery Crackers – 1 Sleeve – One sleeve of buttery crackers goes into the topping. Crush the crackers before mixing them with the butter and cheese.

• Medium Cheddar Cheese – 1 Cup – One cup of grated medium cheddar adds a cheesy flavor to the cracker topping. Mild cheddar can replace medium cheddar in the same 1-cup amount. Freshly grated cheese also mixes well with the softened butter and crushed crackers.

Equipment You’ll Need

1. 9×13-inch casserole dish – Holds the layers well.
2. Large mixing bowl – Mixes the creamy sauce.
3. Small bowl – Prepares the topping.
4. Sharp knife – Chops cabbage and onion.
5. Cutting board – Gives a safe cutting surface.
6. Measuring cups and spoons – Keeps amounts accurate.
7. Spoon or spatula – Spreads the sauce.
8. Microwave-safe bowl – Softens the butter.

How to Make Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole at Home

This Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole is easy to put together. I keep the process simple, with six main steps, from preparing the cabbage and onion to baking the finished casserole.

1. Prepare the Cabbage and Onion

Heat the oven to 350°F. Rough chop 1/2 of a large head or 1 small head of green cabbage into bite-size pieces.

Place it in a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Slice 1 large onion thin and spread it over the cabbage.

2. Season and Add Butter

Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon salt over the cabbage and onion. Melt 1/2 stick of butter and spread it evenly over the vegetables. Try to cover as much of the cabbage and onion as possible.

3. Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a bowl, stir together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 can (10 ounces) cream of chicken soup, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix until the sauce is smooth and well combined.

4. Add the Sauce

Spoon the creamy sauce over the cabbage and onion. Spread it gently across the top so the vegetables are covered with an even layer of sauce.

5. Add the Cracker Topping

Crush 1 sleeve of buttery crackers and place them in a bowl. Mix in 1 stick of softened butter and 1 cup grated medium cheddar cheese. Stir well, then spread the mixture evenly over the casserole.

6. Bake the Casserole & Let It Rest Before Serving

Place the casserole in the 350°F oven and bake for about 45 minutes. Check the cabbage with a fork near the end.

It should be tender, and the cracker topping should be lightly golden. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.

My Best Tips for Making Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole

Brenda shares small tips while showing this recipe, and I followed those notes in my kitchen.

They seem simple, but they help the casserole cook well and give each serving a good mix of creamy cabbage and crunchy topping.

1. Use a Large Onion for More Sweetness – Use one large onion for a sweeter flavor. Larger onions often have a mild, sweet taste. Even when only part of the onion is needed, the larger size can add a nice balance to the casserole.

2. Soften the Butter for the Topping – Soften the butter before mixing the topping. Let 1 stick of butter sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Soft butter mixes more easily with the crushed crackers and cheddar cheese.

3. Check the Cabbage for Tenderness – Use the cabbage as the main doneness test, not just the timer. Near the end of baking, poke a piece with a fork. The casserole is ready when the cabbage feels tender.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Prepare the cabbage, onion, and cream sauce the night before. Store them separately in the refrigerator.

The next day, layer the cabbage and onion in the baking dish, add the salt, butter, and cream sauce, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Prepare the cracker topping separately and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Add it just before baking. Bake at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the topping is lightly golden.

What to Serve With Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole

This casserole works well as a side dish for a Southern-style meal. Here are some simple foods I like to serve with it:

• Baked ham: A slice of baked ham next to your casserole makes a classic, filling plate you will love.
• Cornbread: Warm cornbread on the side soaks up extra sauce and adds a nice, slightly sweet touch.
• Fried chicken: This crispy favorite pairs so well with the creamy, cheesy casserole you just baked.
• Sliced tomatoes: Fresh, cool tomato slices balance out the rich, buttery flavors on your plate nicely.
• Mashed potatoes: Another comfort-food side that fits right in with this Southern-style dinner spread.

Storage & Freezing Tips

Store Cabbage Casserole – For best results, cover the casserole tightly and place it in the refrigerator soon after it cools. A sealed container or tight foil cover helps keep the casserole fresh.

Refrigerator Tips – Keep the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until it is hot all the way through before serving.

Freeze Cabbage Casserole – For longer storage, wrap the cooled casserole well with foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can stay frozen for up to 2 months. The cracker topping may soften after thawing.

Signs of Spoilage – Check for a sour smell, slimy cabbage, unusual color, or mold spots. Discard the casserole right away when any signs of spoilage appear.

Reheating Tips for Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole

Leftover casserole tastes just as good the next day when you reheat it the right way. Here are my best tips for warming it up.

Oven reheating (best method) – Heat your oven to 350°F. Put the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until it is hot all the way through. Take the foil off for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the topping again. This keeps the cabbage tender and the top crunchy.

Microwave reheating (quick way) – Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a paper towel to stop splatters. Heat on high for 1 to 2 minutes. Check it and heat longer if needed. The topping will not be as crispy, but it still tastes good.

Air fryer reheating – Put a serving in the air fryer basket. Heat at 320°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back some of that nice crunch on top. Keep an eye on it so the topping does not burn.

Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use light mayonnaise?

Yes. Light mayonnaise can replace regular mayonnaise at the same 1/2-cup amount. The sauce may taste a little lighter. The cream of chicken soup still helps keep the topping smooth and creamy.

2. Can I add meat to this casserole?

Yes, you can add cooked bacon, ham, or sausage to make it heartier. Crumble the cooked meat and add it when you add the onion layer. Use about 1 to 1½ cups of cooked meat.

3. Is It Good for Thanksgiving?

Yes. I think this casserole fits well on a Thanksgiving table. It uses simple foods and pairs nicely with turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, and cornbread. The warm creamy texture also suits a cool November meal.

4. Should the Casserole Be Covered While Baking?

The casserole can be baked uncovered. This helps the cracker and cheese topping turn light brown and crisp. Covering the dish can trap steam and make the topping softer, so leave it uncovered during the baking time.

5. Why Does the Casserole Have Liquid at the Bottom?

Cabbage and onion naturally release water as they cook. A small amount of liquid at the bottom is normal. Cutting the cabbage into bite-size pieces and baking until tender helps reduce excess moisture before serving.

This copycat Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole Recipe stays a favorite because it turns humble cabbage into a creamy, cheesy, crunchy dish full of Southern flavor. It is simple, budget-friendly, and full of comfort in every bite.

Try this recipe for yourself and share how your version turns out.