Name: Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Steaks Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 head green cabbage; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 4 reviews

I absolutely adore how simple ingredients can transform into something truly comforting and flavorful, and that’s exactly what I get with my Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Steaks Recipe. When I first tried roasting thick cabbage slices, I was amazed at how tender and satisfying they became, with that irresistible combination of roasted garlic, nutty parmesan, and a subtle peppery kick. It’s become one of my go-to dishes when I want something easy, healthy, and downright delicious that also feels a bit special.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Steaks Recipe

What really excites me about this Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Steaks Recipe is the explosion of flavor you get with so little fuss. The cabbage roasts to a perfect tenderness, soaking up the olive oil while the garlic powder infuses every bite with its aromatic warmth. Then, the parmesan melts and crisps wonderfully on top, adding a sharp, savory richness that completely elevates this humble vegetable. The slight char on the edges gives it just enough texture contrast to keep things interesting with every bite.

Another reason I constantly come back to this recipe is how incredibly quick and straightforward it is to prepare. You only need a handful of pantry staples and about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I want a wholesome side without spending ages cooking. Plus, I love serving this at casual get-togethers or holiday meals because it feels fancy but takes very little effort. It’s definitely a recipe that stands out, whether I’m trying to impress guests or just enjoy a cozy dinner with my family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with several cooking ingredients neatly arranged. On the left, there is a large half head of cabbage showing its pale green and white layers. Below it, there are four peeled garlic cloves scattered. Above them are three small glass containers holding a clear liquid, golden olive oil, and a dark soy sauce, arranged left to right. To the right, a small white plate with red chili flakes sits next to a small black bowl filled with salt. On the top right, a round wooden plate holds a pile of grated white cheese. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a critical role, from the fresh crunch of the cabbage to the punchy garlic and the creamy, nutty parmesan that brings everything together. Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible cabbage steaks:

Green cabbage: Be sure to use a fresh, firm head for the best taste and texture.
Olive oil: It helps roast the cabbage evenly and adds a lovely richness.
Garlic powder: A quick way to infuse that deep garlicky flavor without overpowering the dish.
Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the cabbage and balances the parmesan.
Black pepper: Just a pinch to give a gentle heat and complexity.
Grated parmesan cheese: The star of the show, melting into a golden crust full of savory umami.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (about 200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cabbage steaks roast evenly without sticking.

Step 2: Slice the green cabbage into 1-inch thick rounds. I find that thickness perfect to hold together when roasted and maintain a nice bite inside while crisping at the edges.

Step 3: Arrange the cabbage slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they’re spaced enough to roast properly rather than steam.

Step 4: Brush both sides of each cabbage steak generously with olive oil. This helps the seasoning stick and encourages caramelization as they roast.

Step 5: Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and black pepper evenly on both sides of the steaks. Don’t be shy – these seasonings are what make all the difference.

Step 6: Finally, top each piece with a good amount of grated parmesan cheese. This melts during roasting and forms a golden, crispy crust that’s absolutely addicting.

Step 7: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for about 25 minutes. Halfway through, check for browning and crispiness on the edges – that’s when you know they’re perfect and ready to enjoy.

Servings and Timing

This Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Steaks Recipe makes roughly 4 servings, depending on how thick you slice the cabbage and your portion sizes. Prep time is incredibly fast, around 5 to 10 minutes, since cutting and seasoning the cabbage is straightforward. The cook time is about 25 minutes in the oven for that perfect roasted texture. Total time from start to finish should take no more than 35 minutes, which is great for busy days when I want something delicious without delay. There’s no resting needed, but I like to let them cool just slightly before serving so the parmesan crust stays crisp.

How to Serve This Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Steaks Recipe

The image shows a metal baking tray with six wedge-shaped white cabbage pieces arranged in two rows, each piece coated with a shiny light brown sauce that has small bits in it. To the right of the tray, there is a white bowl filled halfway with the same sauce, and a black brush resting inside the bowl with sauce on its bristles. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these cabbage steaks, I love pairing them with dishes that complement their rich, cheesy flavors without overpowering the subtle sweetness of the cabbage. They’re fantastic alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish for a balanced meal. If I want a vegetarian spread, I’ll toss them with a fresh green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette and some crusty bread on the side.

For presentation, I often garnish the steaks with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a little extra parmesan just before serving to add a pop of color and even more flavor. These details make the dish feel elevated and inviting, perfect for casual dinners or small gatherings. I also think the steaks look great when served warm straight from the oven, but they’re still tasty at room temperature for a relaxed brunch or picnic.

When it comes to drinks, I personally enjoy a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling water with a squeeze of lime alongside these cabbage steaks. The acidity and freshness balance the richness of the cheese and olive oil beautifully. If you’re serving them at a party, they also pair nicely with light cocktails or even a cold, hoppy beer for a casual vibe.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Steaks Recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes or dietary needs. If you’re looking to keep it vegan, you can swap the parmesan cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast, which lends that cheesy flavor with a slightly nutty undertone. I’ve also tried it with smoked paprika or chili flakes in place of or alongside the garlic powder for a smoky or spicy twist that pairs beautifully with the mild cabbage.

For a gluten-free version, this recipe already fits the bill perfectly, but if you want to amp up the texture, you could sprinkle some crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch. Alternatively, roasting the cabbage steaks on a grill rather than in the oven adds a wonderful smoky char that I find irresistible during warm-weather cookouts. Just keep a close eye because grilling cooks quickly and you want to maintain that tender center with crispy edges.

If you’re craving a bit more dimension, I occasionally drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the finished steaks or sprinkle them with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for an added layer of flavor and crunch. These little upgrades keep the dish exciting and versatile every time I make it.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from this Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Steaks Recipe, I recommend placing them in an airtight container and storing them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making it easy to reheat for a quick snack or lunch. I prefer glass containers to avoid any lingering odors and ensure the cabbage retains its texture as much as possible.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cabbage steaks if needed. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents the steaks from sticking together. Frozen, they’ll keep well for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve flavor and texture.

Reheating

To bring these cabbage steaks back to life, I prefer reheating them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This method helps maintain their crisp edges without turning them soggy like a microwave often does. If you’re in a hurry, a quick stovetop reheat in a skillet over medium heat also works well. Avoid microwaving whenever possible to keep the parmesan crust delightful and crispy.

FAQs

Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?

Absolutely! Red cabbage works great for this recipe and adds a lovely pop of color. Keep in mind it might be slightly earthier in flavor and may need similar roasting time to get tender and caramelized beautifully.

Is garlic powder better than fresh garlic for this recipe?

I find garlic powder is preferable here because it spreads evenly and roasts without burning, which can happen quickly with minced fresh garlic. It gives a balanced garlicky flavor that infuses the cabbage perfectly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free and vegan?

Yes! As long as you swap the parmesan for a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast, the recipe is vegan and gluten-free naturally since it contains no wheat ingredients.

How do I know when the cabbage steaks are done roasting?

Look for a tender center when poked with a fork and golden, crispy edges with bubbly, melted parmesan on top. The cabbage should feel soft but not mushy, typically after 25 minutes at 400°F.

Can I add other seasonings or herbs?

Definitely! I sometimes add smoked paprika, chili flakes, or herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra complexity. Just sprinkle them along with the garlic powder and parmesan before roasting.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a simple, delicious way to jazz up your veggies, I can’t recommend this Garlic Parmesan Cabbage Steaks Recipe enough. It’s fast, flavorful, and satisfying, packing layers of texture and taste into every bite. Whether you’re a longtime cabbage fan or just curious to try something new, this recipe has a way of winning you over with its comforting, cheesy goodness. Give it a try soon—I promise it’ll become a favorite go-to in your kitchen, just like it did in mine.