Easy Cabbage Casserole With Cheese (Traditional Lithuanian Recipe)

Easy cabbage casserole with melted cheese in a rustic baking dish, golden brown and served on a wooden table — traditional Lithuanian comfort food

 

This cozy, cheesy Lithuanian cabbage casserole is a comforting and low-carb dish perfect as a main or a side. Made with simple ingredients like cabbage, cheese, sour cream, and eggs, it’s an easy oven-baked recipe inspired by generations of Eastern European home cooking.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Lithuanian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Knife or mandoline
  • 9-inch baking or pie dish
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head white or green cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 green onions (scallions), chopped
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup sour cream or crème fraîche (can substitute with heavy cream)
  • 3 tbsp full-fat mayonnaise
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of mozzarella and parmesan)
  • Ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) baking dish or pie/quiche dish.
  • In a large bowl, add finely shredded cabbage and sprinkle with salt. Massage with your fingers for 1 minute to soften the cabbage. Drain any excess moisture.
  • Mix in the chopped green onions and spread the cabbage mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
  • Stir in the flour and baking powder. Season with black pepper.
  • Pour the wet mixture evenly over the cabbage in the dish.
  • Top with shredded cheese.
  • Bake for 35–40 minutes, checking at 30 minutes. If the cheese browns too quickly, cover with foil.
  • Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Easy cabbage casserole with melted cheese in a rustic baking dish, golden brown and served on a wooden table — traditional Lithuanian comfort food
Looking for a cozy, feel-good dish that’s both simple to make and deeply satisfying? This Easy Cabbage Casserole With Cheese is a beloved Lithuanian classic that turns humble cabbage into something truly irresistible. Whether served as a comforting main dish or a savory side, it’s packed with cheesy goodness, creamy texture, and hearty nostalgia.
Straight from the kitchens of Lithuania, this baked cabbage casserole is the kind of dish that evokes family dinners, laughter around the table, and the smell of home-cooked meals wafting through the air.

🥬 Cabbage: A Lithuanian Staple with a Twist

In Lithuanian folklore, it’s not just the stork that delivers babies—some say they’re found in cabbage patches! This adorable tale is more than a bedtime story; it reflects just how central cabbage is to Lithuanian cuisine. In this recipe, cabbage takes center stage and proves that it’s so much more than a side vegetable.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Cabbage Casserole 💚

  • Easy to Make – Minimal prep and simple ingredients
  • 🧀 Ultra-Cheesy and Comforting – A hug in a casserole dish
  • 🥗 Low Carb – Great for anyone watching their carb intake
  • 🌿 Versatile – Serve it as a main, side, or even breakfast!
  • 🥩 Easy to Customize – Add your favorite proteins or veggies
Whether you're cooking for your family or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole is always a winner.

📝 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this comforting cabbage casserole:
  • Cabbage – Use white or green cabbage, finely shredded
  • Salt – For seasoning and softening the cabbage
  • Green onions – Also known as scallions or spring onions
  • Eggs – Large or extra-large, for structure and richness
  • Sour cream or crème fraîche – Or substitute with heavy cream
  • Mayonnaise – Full-fat gives the best flavor and texture
  • All-purpose flour – For thickening the custard-like base
  • Baking powder – Helps give a light lift
  • Cheddar cheese – Or any melt-friendly cheese like mozzarella or a blend of mozzarella and parmesan
👉 Full ingredient quantities and step-by-step instructions can be found in the recipe card below!

🔄 Delicious Variations & Additions

This traditional dish is highly adaptable—make it your own with these ideas:

🥩 Add Protein

Want to make it a full meal? Stir in cooked ground beef, ground turkey, or diced ham. The extra protein turns this comforting dish into a hearty casserole that satisfies big appetites.

🧄 Add Seasonings

Enhance the flavor with:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Black pepper
  • Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence
🌶️ Craving a bit of heat? Add a pinch of chili flakes!

🥕 Add Extra Veggies

Boost the nutrition and color with chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots, spinach, or even mushrooms. It’s a great way to sneak more veggies into your meal.

Side view of a woman in an apron preparing cabbage casserole in a cozy, naturally lit kitchen

🔪 How to Shred Cabbage Like a Pro

To shred cabbage:
  1. Cut the head in half and remove the core.
  2. Place the flat side down for stability.
  3. Slice into thin ribbons with a sharp knife, or use a mandoline for ultra-fine shredding.
🧼 Pro tip: Massaging the shredded cabbage with salt softens it and draws out excess moisture. This prevents the casserole from becoming watery.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Lithuanian Cabbage Casserole – Step-by-Step

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) baking or pie dish.
  2. Massage the cabbage: Add finely shredded cabbage to a large bowl, sprinkle with salt, and massage for about 1 minute to soften. Drain excess moisture.
  3. Add green onions and toss to combine.
  4. Transfer cabbage to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
  5. Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl or jug, whisk together eggs, sour cream, and mayo.
  6. Stir in flour and baking powder. Add black pepper to taste.
  7. Pour the mixture over the cabbage base.
  8. Top with shredded cheese.
  9. Bake for 35–40 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil around the 30-minute mark.
  10. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy every comforting bite!

🍽️ How to Serve It

  • On its own, as a satisfying vegetarian meal
  • As a cheesy side for pork chops, roast chicken, or grilled sausages
  • With a drizzle of sweet chili sauce (a surprising but delicious twist!)
  • Or the classic Lithuanian way—with a generous dollop of ketchup (trust Dad on this one)

🧊 Storing & Reheating Leftovers

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • ❌ Not freezer-friendly—the texture may change.
  • To reheat:
    • Use the microwave for convenience.
    • For the best texture, warm gently in a skillet with a lid or reheat in the oven (covered with foil) until warmed through.

🇱🇹 A Slice of Lithuanian Comfort Food

This cheesy cabbage casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a slice of heritage. With every forkful, you’ll taste the warmth of tradition, the joy of simple ingredients, and the kind of comfort food that brings people together.
Keyword cabbage casserole, cabbage cheese casserole, cheesy cabbage bake, lithuanian recipes, low carb casserole
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View Comments (1)
  1. katia.eats.

    This looks absolutely delicious! That cheesy, cabbagey goodness is calling my name. I love finding traditional recipes like this – the simplicity of the ingredients is so appealing. Definitely adding this to my “to-make” list! Thanks for sharing!

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