Roasted cabbage steaks are a simple yet flavorful dish that transforms a humble vegetable into a crispy, tender treat. The hearty cabbage slices are seasoned with a blend of spices and roasted until golden and caramelized. Whether you’re looking for a side dish or a light main, these roasted cabbage steaks are a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Roasted cabbage steaks are an easy way to elevate your vegetable game. The combination of savory spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, and thyme enhances the cabbage’s natural sweetness. The high roasting temperature ensures crispy edges while the inside stays soft and tender. It’s a healthy, gluten-free, and vegan option that can be customized with a variety of toppings like Parmesan or fresh herbs. Plus, they make a perfect side dish for a range of meals or can stand alone as a satisfying veggie main.
Ingredients
-
1 large green or red cabbage
-
3 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor)
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
½ teaspoon onion powder
-
½ teaspoon dried thyme
-
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
-
Optional garnishes:
-
Grated Parmesan cheese
-
Red pepper flakes
-
Fresh parsley
-
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy cleanup.
-
Prepare the Cabbage: Remove any wilted or damaged outer leaves. Slice the cabbage into ¾-inch thick rounds, making sure to leave the core intact to keep each slice together.
-
Make and Brush Seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil (or melted butter), garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Generously brush the mixture on both sides of each cabbage steak.
-
Roast the Cabbage: Arrange the cabbage steaks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. The edges should be golden and crispy.
-
Serve and Garnish: Once roasted, allow the cabbage steaks to cool for a minute. Garnish with Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or parsley for added flavor and color. Serve immediately.
-
Air Fryer Variation: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the seasoned cabbage steaks in a single layer and air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are crispy and golden.
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: 4 servings
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (oven), 10-15 minutes (air fryer)
-
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
-
Cheese Lovers: Add melted cheese between two cabbage steaks for a cheesy veggie “sandwich.”
-
Herb Twist: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or oregano in place of thyme for a different flavor profile.
-
Spicy Kick: Top with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce for an extra zing.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storing Leftovers: Store leftover cabbage steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cabbage holds up well due to its hearty texture.
-
Freezing: Cool the cabbage steaks completely before stacking them with parchment paper in between layers. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When reheating, the texture may soften slightly but will still be delicious.
-
Reheating: To reheat, place the cabbage steaks back in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until crispy. Avoid microwaving for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use savoy or napa cabbage instead of green or red?
Yes, savoy and napa cabbage can be used, though they are more tender than regular cabbage. You may need to adjust the roasting time to ensure they don’t overcook.
What’s the secret to getting super-crispy edges?
Generously coat the cabbage with olive oil or melted butter and give each steak enough space on the pan. The hot air needs room to circulate around each slice for those crispy, caramelized edges.
Can I prep the cabbage steaks in advance?
Yes, you can slice the cabbage and make the spice mixture ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to roast.
Are there any allergy-friendly substitution options?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free if you use olive oil instead of butter and skip the Parmesan. You can also use a plant-based cheese for garnish.
How do I keep cabbage steaks from falling apart?
Slicing the cabbage through the core is key to keeping the steaks intact. The core acts as a sturdy base, preventing the cabbage from falling apart while roasting.
Can I cook cabbage steaks in a skillet?
While the oven or air fryer are ideal for crispy results, you can also cook cabbage steaks in a skillet. Sauté them on medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side until golden, but be aware that the edges won’t be as crispy as in the oven.
How do I make cabbage steaks more flavorful?
Use more spices! Experiment with adding smoked sea salt, cumin, or even a drizzle of balsamic vinegar after roasting for extra depth of flavor.
Can I serve these with other vegetables?
Absolutely! Roasted cabbage steaks pair wonderfully with other roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts. They also go well with a fresh green salad.
Are roasted cabbage steaks good for meal prep?
Yes, they’re perfect for meal prep! The cabbage keeps well in the fridge for several days and can be reheated easily.
What do I serve with cabbage steaks?
Cabbage steaks are versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes. Try them with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or over a bed of grains for a light but filling meal.
Conclusion
These roasted cabbage steaks are a simple, delicious, and healthy side dish that can easily become a star on your table. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that is both savory and satisfying. Whether served alongside a main course or as a standalone veggie dish, roasted cabbage steaks are sure to please even the most skeptical of veggie eaters.

Roasted Cabbage Steaks
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews
- Author: Alice
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Roasted Cabbage Steaks are a simple yet flavorful dish that transforms cabbage into a crispy, tender treat. Roasted with a blend of spices, these cabbage steaks are perfect as a side dish or a light main course.
Ingredients
1 large green or red cabbage
3 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional garnishes:
Grated Parmesan cheese
Red pepper flakes
Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Remove any wilted or damaged outer leaves of the cabbage. Slice the cabbage into ¾-inch thick rounds, ensuring the core is left intact to keep each slice together.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil (or melted butter), garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Brush this mixture generously on both sides of each cabbage steak.
- Arrange the cabbage steaks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy on the edges.
- Once roasted, remove from the oven and allow the cabbage steaks to cool for a minute. Garnish with Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or parsley for added flavor and color.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For an air fryer variation, preheat to 375°F (190°C) and air fry the cabbage steaks for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy and golden.
- For extra flavor, experiment with other herbs like rosemary or oregano in place of thyme.
- If you like spicy food, top the cabbage steaks with red pepper flakes or drizzle them with hot sauce.
- Serve these cabbage steaks with roasted potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (oven), 10-15 minutes (air fryer)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg