Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These roasted cabbage steaks are wonderfully simple yet packed with flavor. The high-heat roasting brings out the cabbage’s natural sweetness, while garlic and butter add richness and depth. The result is a dish that’s both crispy and tender — satisfying without being heavy. They pair beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a dollop of mashed potatoes. Plus, they’re easy to customize with spices, sauces, or herbs, making them a versatile addition to any meal.
Print
Oven Roasted Garlic Cabbage Steaks – A Simple, Flavor-Packed Side Dish
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Oven Roasted Garlic Cabbage Steaks are a simple, flavorful, and healthy side dish made by roasting thick slices of cabbage until caramelized and tender. Seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, these golden-brown cabbage steaks are crispy on the edges, buttery in the center, and bursting with savory flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove any tough outer leaves from the cabbage. Slice the cabbage into 1-inch thick rounds (steaks), keeping the core intact to hold them together.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Brush both sides of each cabbage steak generously with the garlic oil mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are golden and crispy and the centers are tender.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the cabbage steaks for 2–3 minutes at the end of roasting.
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or lemon juice before serving for a burst of brightness.
- For a vegan version, skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast instead.
- Pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, steak, or as a hearty vegetarian main dish.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Green Cabbage: The star of the show — firm and fresh cabbage slices roast into tender, flavorful “steaks.”
Olive Oil or Melted Butter: Helps the edges crisp up while adding rich, savory flavor.
Garlic: Infuses the cabbage with aromatic, roasted goodness.
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple but essential seasonings that enhance the natural sweetness of the cabbage.
Paprika or Smoked Paprika (optional): Adds a touch of warmth and color.
Parmesan Cheese (optional): For a savory, umami-packed finish.
Fresh Parsley or Thyme: Brings a bright, herby note before serving.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Remove any tough outer leaves from the cabbage and cut it into 1-inch-thick slices from top to core, keeping the core intact so each slice holds together.
In a small bowl, mix olive oil (or melted butter) with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Brush this mixture generously over both sides of each cabbage slice.
Arrange the cabbage steaks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are golden brown and crisp and the centers are tender.
For extra flavor, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of roasting, allowing it to melt and form a delicious crust.
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme, and serve hot.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time is 10 minutes, roasting time is 30 minutes, and total time is 40 minutes — an easy, quick side dish for any dinner.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cabbage soggy.
Variations and Customizations
Cheesy Garlic Cabbage Steaks
Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan before baking for a cheesy, golden crust.
Spicy Version
Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha before roasting.
Balsamic Glazed
Drizzle with balsamic vinegar or glaze during the last 5 minutes for a tangy-sweet finish.
Lemon Herb Cabbage
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and sprinkle of thyme for a bright, fresh flavor.
Bacon Lovers’ Version
Top with crispy bacon crumbles and chives for an indulgent touch.
Cajun Style
Toss with Cajun seasoning before roasting for a smoky, spicy kick.
FAQs
1. Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Yes, red cabbage works just as well and adds a beautiful color — just note it may take slightly longer to roast.
2. How do I keep the cabbage steaks from falling apart?
Leave the core intact — it helps hold each slice together while roasting.
3. Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Can I roast them ahead of time?
You can roast them a few hours in advance and reheat in the oven before serving.
5. What can I serve these with?
They pair wonderfully with steak, roasted chicken, pork chops, or mashed potatoes.
6. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, about 1 teaspoon per cabbage head works well.
7. Can I make them vegan?
Absolutely — just use olive oil instead of butter and skip the cheese.
8. Can I season them with herbs before baking?
Yes, rosemary, thyme, or oregano add great flavor.
9. How do I make them extra crispy?
Brush lightly with oil and avoid crowding the baking sheet so air circulates.
10. Can I add sauce on top?
Yes — drizzle with garlic aioli, tahini dressing, or even ranch for a creamy finish.
Conclusion
Oven Roasted Garlic Cabbage Steaks prove that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. The combination of caramelized edges, tender centers, and that irresistible garlic aroma makes them a side dish worth repeating. Easy, healthy, and endlessly customizable, they bring out the best in humble cabbage — transforming it into something golden, flavorful, and downright addictive. Serve them with your favorite main course, or enjoy them on their own for a comforting, satisfying meal that tastes far richer than its simplicity suggests.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!