Table of Contents

Cabbage Apple Cinnamon Casserole (Vegetarian Too!)

The scent of cinnamon always transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. It wasn’t just the classic apple pies that filled the air, but also the comforting aroma of her unconventional cabbage casserole. I remember wrinkling my nose as a child, dubious about cabbage in a sweet dish, but one bite changed my mind forever. The way the slight bitterness of the cabbage balanced the sweetness of the apples and brown sugar, all melded together with warm spices, was pure genius. It was a dish that proved even the humblest of ingredients could be transformed into something truly extraordinary.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

½ head cabbage
6 tablespoons butter substitute or 6 tablespoons margarine
2 cups apples, peeled and sliced
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
¾ cup breadcrumbs
Canola oil cooking spray
¼ cup brown sugar

Equipment Needed

Casserole dish
Large pot
Colander
Knife
Cutting board
Aluminum foil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Begin by preparing the cabbage. Chop half a head of cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chopped cabbage and cook for approximately 4 minutes. This will soften the cabbage slightly.
Drain the cabbage thoroughly in a colander, pressing out any excess water. Excess water will make the casserole soggy.
Spray a casserole dish generously with canola oil cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking.
In a separate bowl, mix the peeled and sliced apples with the cinnamon. Ensure the apples are evenly coated.
Now, begin layering the ingredients in the prepared casserole dish. Start with a layer of the cooked cabbage, followed by a layer of the apple and cinnamon mixture, then sprinkle some brown sugar and breadcrumbs over the apples.
Repeat the layering process – cabbage, apples, brown sugar, and breadcrumbs – until all the ingredients are used. Make sure the final layer consists of breadcrumbs on top. This will create a nice, crispy crust.
Melt the butter substitute or margarine in a small saucepan or in the microwave. Be careful not to burn it.
Pour the melted butter substitute evenly over the top layer of breadcrumbs. This will help the breadcrumbs crisp up and add richness to the casserole.
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes. The foil helps to steam the cabbage and apples, ensuring they are cooked through. After 50 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. This step allows the breadcrumbs to become beautifully browned and crispy.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together a bit more.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, consider browning the butter substitute or margarine before pouring it over the top. Watch it carefully, as browned butter can burn quickly.
If you’re short on time, you can skip the boiling step for the cabbage, but the final texture will be a bit firmer.
To add a little crunch, consider mixing some chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans would work well) with the breadcrumbs.
If the breadcrumbs start to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the casserole with foil for the last part of baking.
For a slight tang, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the apple mixture.
Make Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few minutes to the baking time.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Cabbage Apple Cinnamon Casserole is delicious served warm as a side dish or even as a light dessert. It pairs well with roasted vegetables, vegetarian sausages, or as part of a holiday meal.

To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or reheat the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) until warmed through. You may want to cover it with foil to prevent the top from browning too much. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the cabbage can become mushy upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	174 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	9.3g	14%
Saturated Fat	5.6g	28%
Cholesterol	22.9mg	7%
Sodium	162.7mg	6%
Total Carbohydrate	22g	7%
Dietary Fiber	2.9g	11%
Sugars	12.4g	N/A
Protein	2.3g	4%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Vegan: Ensure your butter substitute and margarine are vegan.
Different Apples: Try using different types of apples, such as Granny Smith for a more tart flavor or Honeycrisp for extra sweetness.
Spice Variations: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves along with the cinnamon for a warmer, more complex spice profile.
Sweetener: Substitute maple syrup or honey for brown sugar, adjusting the amount to your preference.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cabbage for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use pre-shredded cabbage to save time. Just make sure to drain it well after boiling.

Q: Can I add other fruits besides apples?
A: Absolutely! Pears or cranberries would also be delicious additions to this casserole.

Q: Is it necessary to boil the cabbage before baking?
A: Boiling the cabbage softens it and helps it blend better with the other ingredients. While it’s recommended, you can skip it if you prefer a firmer texture.

Q: Can I use regular butter instead of a butter substitute?
A: Yes, you can substitute regular butter for the butter substitute or margarine.

Q: How do I know when the casserole is done?
A: The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Cabbage Apple Cinnamon Casserole becomes a new family favorite in your home, just as it is in mine. It’s a simple, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own! If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think. And if you are looking for a nice pairing, this casserole goes beautifully with a glass of crisp apple cider. Enjoy!

Cabbage Apple Cinnamon Casserole (Vegetarian Too!) Recipe