Baked Cabbage with Garlic and Parmesan is often overlooked as a side dish, but when you bake it, you unlock its delicious natural sweetness. Paired with the rich, savory flavors of garlic and Parmesan, this baked cabbage recipe turns a humble vegetable into a gourmet treat. Whether you’re serving it with a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a holiday meal, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Why You Should Try Baked Cabbage with Garlic and Parmesan
This recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can elevate a dish. Roasting cabbage with garlic and Parmesan brings out its natural sweetness while infusing it with savory flavors. Here’s why this baked cabbage with garlic and Parmesan is a keeper:
Earthy Sweetness: Baking cabbage caramelizes its sugars, creating a mild, sweet flavor.
Crispy Edges: The edges of the cabbage get slightly crispy, adding a delightful texture.
Savory Goodness: Parmesan cheese and garlic create a rich, flavorful crust that compliments the cabbage perfectly.
Minimal Ingredients: With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a side dish that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.
Low-Carb and Healthy: This dish is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for anyone following a keto or low-carb diet.
Ingredients for Baked Cabbage with Garlic and Parmesan
This recipe uses simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
1/2 medium head of green cabbage (or Savoy cabbage for a milder flavor)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic is recommended for best flavor)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (use high-quality Parmesan for maximum flavor)
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
Ingredient Substitutions
Cabbage: While green cabbage is commonly used in this recipe, you can substitute Savoy cabbage for a milder flavor and ruffled texture. Red cabbage can also be used for a vibrant twist, but note that it may have a slightly stronger flavor.
Butter: You can replace unsalted butter with olive oil for a dairy-free version.
Cheese: If you’re out of Parmesan, Asiago or Romano cheese are excellent alternatives. For a sharper flavor, try aged Pecorino Romano.
How to Make Baked Cabbage with Garlic and Parmesan
This recipe is straightforward and takes just a few minutes of prep work. Here’s how to make baked cabbage with garlic and Parmesan:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the baking dish: Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the cabbage from sticking.
Cut the cabbage: Slice the cabbage into wedges, keeping the core in each wedge to help hold it together during baking.
Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter and season it with salt and pepper. Stir in the minced garlic.
Arrange the cabbage: Place the cabbage wedges in the prepared baking dish, making sure they are spread out evenly.
Season and coat: Brush half of the garlic butter over the top side of the cabbage wedges. Press half of the Parmesan cheese onto the cabbage.
Flip and repeat: Carefully flip each wedge over and brush with the remaining garlic butter. Press the remaining Parmesan cheese onto the wedges.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender, the cheese is melted, and the edges are lightly browned and crispy. If the cabbage starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil.
Garnish and serve: Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an added burst of color and freshness.
Chef Tips for Perfect Baked Cabbage
Thin Cabbage Wedges: The key to even cooking is cutting the cabbage into even wedges. This ensures the cabbage cooks uniformly, with crispy edges and tender centers.
Don’t Skip the Core: Keeping the core intact will help the cabbage hold together. If the core is too tough after baking, you can remove it easily.
Try Different Cuts: For a different presentation, you can cut the cabbage into “steaks” instead of wedges. This adds a dramatic effect when serving.
Add Extra Crunch: If you like a bit of crunch, top the cabbage with crispy breadcrumbs before baking. For a low-carb option, use ground pork rinds.
Why Baked Cabbage is a Great Choice
If you’re looking to elevate a simple cabbage dish, baking it is one of the best methods to bring out its natural flavors. Unlike boiled or sautéed cabbage, baking helps caramelize the vegetable, giving it a subtly sweet flavor and crispy texture. When paired with garlic and Parmesan cheese, this roasted cabbage turns into a rich and savory side dish that’s full of depth.
Health Benefits of Cabbage
Cabbage, especially when roasted, retains many of its health benefits, making it an excellent choice for your next meal. Here’s why you should consider adding cabbage to your diet:
High in Fiber: Cabbage is rich in fiber, which helps with digestion and can keep you feeling full longer.
Packed with Vitamins: Cabbage is an excellent source of Vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and promotes healthy skin.
Low in Calories: Cabbage is low in calories and high in nutrients, making it a perfect choice for anyone trying to maintain or lose weight.
Contains Antioxidants: The antioxidants in cabbage help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
Baking cabbage with garlic and Parmesan cheese retains all these health benefits while enhancing its flavor, making it a great addition to any balanced diet.
Tips for the Best Baked Cabbage with Garlic and Parmesan
Baking cabbage is simple, but there are a few tricks you can use to make sure your cabbage comes out perfectly every time. Let’s dive into some tips and tricks to elevate this dish:
Use Thin Cabbage Wedges: Thinly sliced cabbage will cook more evenly and develop a crispier texture. Try to slice each wedge to a similar thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Dish: To achieve the perfect roasted edges, make sure the cabbage wedges are arranged in a single layer. Overcrowding the baking dish can cause the cabbage to steam instead of roasting, which will prevent it from crisping up properly.
Use Fresh Garlic: While garlic powder can be a convenient alternative, fresh garlic has a more vibrant and robust flavor. Mince the garlic finely to ensure it’s evenly distributed throughout the cabbage.
Season Well: Don’t skip on the salt and pepper! These basic seasonings enhance the natural flavor of the cabbage. Additionally, try sprinkling a bit of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick if you like a little spice.
Top with Fresh Herbs: After baking, garnish with fresh parsley, thyme, or basil for an added pop of color and flavor. The fresh herbs will complement the richness of the Parmesan and butter, balancing the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Baked Cabbage with Garlic and Parmesan
This baked cabbage dish pairs well with a wide variety of main courses. Here are some ideas for what to serve it with:
Grilled or Roasted Meats: It’s a perfect side dish for chicken, pork, or beef. The garlic and Parmesan flavors complement the savory taste of grilled steaks or roasted chicken.
Vegetarian Main Dishes: If you prefer a plant-based meal, this dish is great alongside lentil loaf, quinoa, or a hearty vegetable stir-fry.
Holiday Meals: Baked cabbage with garlic and Parmesan is an excellent side for holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas. It pairs wonderfully with roast turkey, stuffing, or mashed potatoes.
Simple Pasta Dishes: Serve it alongside pasta dishes such as spaghetti with marinara sauce, or a creamy fettuccine Alfredo. The richness of the cabbage and Parmesan balances the flavors in these dishes.
Making This Dish for Meal Prep
This baked cabbage with garlic and Parmesan isn’t just for special occasions—it’s an easy, healthy option to include in your meal prep routine. Here’s how to make it work for you:
Prepare in Advance: You can prepare the cabbage wedges and garlic butter up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
Reheat Leftovers: Leftovers from this recipe can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the cabbage back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again.
Serve with Multiple Meals: Since this baked cabbage goes well with so many different meals, you can plan to serve it with a variety of dishes throughout the week. It’s also a great option for lunch when paired with some protein like grilled chicken or tofu.
FAQs On Baked Cabbage with Garlic and Parmesan
How do you cook a cabbage in the oven?
To cook cabbage in the oven, first preheat the oven to around 375°F (190°C). Cut the cabbage into wedges or slices, removing the core. Place the cabbage on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices. Roast for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cabbage is tender and crispy at the edges.
What spices are good in roasted cabbage?
When roasting cabbage, common spices and seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and black pepper. You can also add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to enhance the flavor. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a bit of heat, while a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or lemon zest can add a tangy finish.
How to roast cabbage in the oven BBC Good Food?
BBC Good Food recommends roasting cabbage by cutting the cabbage into wedges and placing it on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized. For added flavor, season with mustard or vinegar before roasting.
How to make garlic cabbage?
To make garlic cabbage, sauté finely chopped garlic in olive oil or butter over medium heat until fragrant. Add chopped cabbage, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. For an oven version, toss cabbage wedges with minced garlic, olive oil, and salt, then roast in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until crispy and golden.
Why do you soak cabbage before cooking?
Soaking cabbage before cooking can help remove dirt and insects, especially if you’re using fresh cabbage from a garden. It also softens the cabbage slightly, making it easier to cut and cook. In some cases, soaking cabbage in saltwater before cooking can help reduce bitterness, particularly in tougher varieties of cabbage.
Recipe Card: Baked Cabbage with Garlic and Parmesan
1. Ingredients:
1/2 medium head green cabbage (cut into wedges)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
2. Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spray a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Season the melted butter with salt, pepper, and add the minced garlic.
Arrange the cabbage wedges in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
Brush half of the garlic butter mixture over the top of the cabbage wedges.
Press half of the Parmesan cheese onto the cabbage wedges.
Carefully flip the wedges, holding the cheese in place as much as possible.
Brush the remaining garlic butter over the flipped cabbage and press the remaining Parmesan cheese onto the wedges.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the cabbage edges are crispy and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley (optional) for garnish.
Serve warm and enjoy!
3. Notes:
If your cabbage is large, cut it into six wedges for better portioning.
For a lower-carb version, try topping with ground pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
Savoy or red cabbage can be used as alternatives to green cabbage, though green cabbage provides the most flavor and texture for roasting.
If you want a little extra crunch, top the cabbage with crispy breadcrumbs (panko) before baking.
Make ahead: Prepare the cabbage up to the step of adding the cheese and butter, then refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply follow the rest of the steps.
4. Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 182 kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 39mg
Sodium: 311mg
Potassium: 220mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Vitamin A: 559 IU
Vitamin C: 42mg
Calcium: 202mg
Iron: 1mg
