Roasted Cheesy Cabbage Steaks

Thick slices of cabbage roasted until tender and caramelized, then topped with savory seasonings and melted cheese. A simple, flavorful vegetable side dish or light meal.

Ingredients

Cabbage Steaks

• 1 large green cabbage
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

Cheese Topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

Optional Sauce

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice
• Pinch of garlic powder

Instructions

1. Prepare the cabbage

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Remove any damaged outer cabbage leaves.
3. Keep the core intact so the slices hold together.
4. Cut the cabbage into ¾–1-inch thick rounds.
5. Arrange the cabbage steaks in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

2. Season

Mix olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Brush both sides of each cabbage steak with the seasoned oil.

3. First roast

Roast for 20 minutes.

Carefully flip each cabbage steak and roast for another 10–15 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the edges are nicely browned.

4. Add the cheese

Mix the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar.

Sprinkle the cheese generously over each cabbage steak.

Return to the oven for 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.

5. Finish

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.

For the optional sauce, whisk all ingredients together and drizzle lightly over the cabbage steaks or serve on the side.

Tips

• Cut the cabbage thick enough so it doesn’t fall apart.
• Keep the core attached while slicing.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; space helps the cabbage caramelize.
• For crispier edges, roast directly on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
• Add the cheese only toward the end so it doesn’t burn.
• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving adds a nice contrast to the rich cheese.

Variations

Spicy

Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.

Mediterranean

Use feta instead of cheddar and finish with parsley, oregano, and lemon.

Higher Protein

Serve with grilled chicken, turkey, shrimp, or a Greek-yogurt-based sauce.

Extra Crispy

Mix Parmesan with a little almond flour or crushed nuts and sprinkle over the cabbage before the final roasting stage.

Nutrition Notes

Approximate per serving, assuming 4 servings:

• Calories: ~220–260
• Protein: ~12–15 g
• Carbohydrates: ~12–15 g
• Fiber: ~4–5 g
• Fat: ~15–18 g

Actual nutrition depends on the cheese and amount of olive oil used.

Nut Information 🌰

The basic recipe contains no nuts.

If using almond flour or chopped nuts for the optional crispy topping, the recipe will contain nuts. For a nut-free crispy topping, simply use additional Parmesan.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in a 400°F (200°C) oven or air fryer for several minutes to restore some crispness.

Q&A

Can I use red cabbage?

Yes. Red cabbage works, although it has a slightly different flavor and may take a little longer to become tender.

Can I use only mozzarella?

Yes. Mozzarella gives you a stretchy, mild cheese topping.

Can I make these without cheese?

Absolutely. The roasted cabbage is delicious with garlic, herbs, lemon, and olive oil even without cheese.

Can I make them in an air fryer?

Yes. Air fry at about 375°F (190°C) for 12–16 minutes, flipping halfway through. Add cheese during the final 2–3 minutes.

How do I keep the cabbage steaks from falling apart?

Leave the core intact and cut the cabbage into thick slices. Handle them gently when flipping.

Can I prepare them ahead?

You can slice and season the cabbage several hours ahead. Roast and add the cheese shortly before serving for the best texture.

Are cabbage steaks low-carb?

Cabbage is naturally relatively low in carbohydrates. The exact carbohydrate content will depend on the cheese and any additional toppings or sauces used.

What can I serve with cabbage steaks?

They pair well with grilled chicken, roasted fish, shrimp, turkey, steak, or a simple green salad.