I’ll admit it — cabbage used to be one of those vegetables I’d buy with the best intentions and then forget about until it started looking sad in the crisper drawer. That all changed the first time I made these roasted cabbage steaks. One sheet pan, a drizzle of oil, a few spices, and 25 minutes later, I had crispy edges, tender centers, and a vegetable side dish so flavorful I ended up eating half of it straight off the tray.
Now it’s one of those recipes I reach for anytime I need a no-fuss, healthy side dish that everyone actually wants to eat.
Why You’ll Love These Roasted Cabbage Steaks
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Simple ingredients, big flavor: You only need a handful of pantry staples to make these taste amazing.
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Crispy edges, tender middle: That combination of textures is what makes this dish so satisfying.
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Versatile: Pair it with almost anything — pasta, grains, proteins, or just enjoy it as a light snack.
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Naturally healthy: Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and full of fiber and nutrients.
I’ve made this for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday spreads, and someone always asks for the recipe.
What You’ll Need
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Cabbage: A fresh, green head works best here, though red cabbage works too.
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Olive oil: Helps the edges crisp up and the spices stick. Avocado, sunflower, or canola oil work too.
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Salt, garlic powder, and paprika: The simple trio that gives these steaks their addictive flavor.
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Red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick of heat.
How to Make Roasted Cabbage Steaks
1. Prep the cabbage.
Trim off the stem end and slice the cabbage into ¾–1-inch thick “steaks.” Try to keep the slices intact so they roast evenly.
2. Lay them out.
Place the cabbage slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each slice for even roasting.
3. Season one side.
Brush with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and paprika.
4. Flip and repeat.
Brush the other side with oil, season again, and add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want some heat.
5. Roast to perfection.
Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 25 minutes until the edges are crispy, the center is tender, and the aroma fills your kitchen. Serve hot right from the tray — no judgment.
Tips for the Best Cabbage Steaks
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Pick a good cabbage: Look for one that feels heavy for its size with tight, fresh leaves.
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Don’t skimp on oil: It’s the secret to tender centers and crispy edges.
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Season both sides: This helps every bite taste just as good as the last.
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Try an air fryer: For smaller batches, pop them in at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes.
Fun Variations and Add-Ins
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Switch up the seasonings: Try Italian seasoning, chili powder, or onion powder.
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Add citrus: A squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens up the flavors.
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Cheesy twist: Sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a nutty, “parmesan-like” vibe — or use actual parmesan if you’re not keeping it vegan.
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Grill them: Perfect for summer — brush with oil and grill until charred and tender.
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Garlic butter finish: A quick drizzle of garlic butter right out of the oven takes these over the top.
What to Serve with Roasted Cabbage Steaks
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As is: They make a light, flavor-packed main dish.
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With pasta: Serve alongside creamy alfredo or a tomato-based pasta.
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With grains: Try pairing with quinoa, farro, or a simple spinach rice for a filling meal.
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With protein: Grilled salmon, tofu, chicken, or shrimp all work beautifully.
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With other veggies: Roasted eggplant, sautéed mushrooms, or a side of riced cauliflower complement the flavors perfectly.
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With a sauce: A drizzle of mushroom sauce or tahini dressing takes them to another level.
How to Store and Reheat
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To store: Let the cabbage cool, then place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days.
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To reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through to bring back the crispiness. The microwave works too, but the edges won’t stay as crunchy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Yes! Red cabbage roasts just as beautifully, though the flavor is slightly sweeter and the color deepens as it cooks.
Can I make this in advance?
You can prep and season the cabbage slices ahead of time, then roast them just before serving for the freshest texture.
Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Definitely. Roast at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are crisp.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Skip the red pepper flakes and your kids will love the naturally sweet, caramelized flavor of roasted cabbage.
Roasted Cabbage Steaks
These Roasted Cabbage Steaks are crisp on the edges, tender in the middle, and packed with smoky, garlicky flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 small cabbage heads
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice a thin layer off the stem ends of the cabbage. Cut each cabbage head in half, then in half again to create four thick slices — about ¾ to 1 inch thick — from each head. Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each steak.
- Brush the tops of the cabbage steaks generously with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Flip each steak and repeat the process on the other side.
- Roast for 25 minutes, until the centers are tender and the edges are beautifully crisp and caramelized. Serve hot, straight from the oven.
Notes
- As-is: Perfect as a simple, savory snack.
- With pasta: Pair with your favorite pasta and sauce for a hearty meal.
- With grains: Try quinoa, farro, or spinach rice for a wholesome side.
- With protein: Top with sautéed tofu or grilled chicken.
- With veggies: Pair with roasted eggplant, riced cauliflower, or sautéed mushrooms.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 118Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 0mgSodium 273mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 2gSugar 2gProtein 2g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
If you’ve been stuck thinking of cabbage as just a soup or slaw ingredient, these roasted cabbage steaks will change your mind. They’re simple, flavorful, and versatile enough to work with whatever else you’ve got planned for dinner. Whether you serve them as a side, a snack, or even a main, they’ll earn a spot in your regular rotation — and you might just start buying cabbage on purpose.
