Simple, wholesome, and undeniably tasty, Easy Roasted Cabbage Steaks are one of those magical recipes that prove vegetables can truly steal the show. Imagine a platter piled high with thick slices of cabbage, gently caramelized, crispy on the edges, yet meltingly tender at the core—each bite shining with bold savory seasoning and just a hint of fresh lemon. It’s a plant-based side dish you’ll find yourself making again and again, whether you’re serving a crowd, feeding your family, or just treating yourself to a healthy, satisfying snack.

Easy Roasted Cabbage Steaks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Roasted Cabbage Steaks lies in their simplicity—just a handful of pantry staples and a fresh head of cabbage. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to bring out the very best in this humble vegetable, creating layers of flavor and texture with every slice.

Cabbage: Use a medium head for perfectly sized steaks—green is classic, but red cabbage offers a lovely pop of color and sweetness.
Olive oil: Provides golden color and helps the cabbage crisp up beautifully while roasting.
Garlic powder: Adds an irresistible depth of savory flavor to the final dish.
Onion powder: Boosts the heartiness and lightly sweetens every bite.
Paprika (optional): For a subtle smoky hint and a gorgeous red hue, paprika takes things up a notch.
Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors—don’t be shy!
Fresh lemon juice (optional): A bright squeeze at the end lifts the dish and makes it sing.
Fresh herbs (optional): Sprinkle with parsley, dill, or chives for a fresh, aromatic finish.

How to Make Easy Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to a robust 400°F (200°C). For the easiest cleanup ever, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper—trust me, your future self will thank you for this minor detail.

Step 2: Slice the Cabbage Steaks

Remove any tough or wilted outer leaves from your cabbage, trim off the very bottom of the stem (just enough so you get a nice, flat base), and carefully slice the cabbage into 1-inch thick steaks. Aim to keep the stem mostly intact in each piece—that central core is what keeps the steaks together during roasting.

Step 3: Season and Oil

Arrange your cabbage steaks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle generously with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Using your hands or a pastry brush, coat both sides so every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Slide the tray into the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping each steak partway through. The goal: golden brown edges, crispy outside, and fork-tender centers. Keep an eye on the magic as it happens—some ovens cook faster, so peek in around the 20-minute mark to gauge progress.

Step 5: Finish with Freshness

As soon as they come out of the oven, give your Easy Roasted Cabbage Steaks a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. Toss on a handful of chopped herbs if you’re feeling fancy. Serve right away for best texture and flavor.

How to Serve Easy Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Garnishes

You can really let your creativity shine here: a rain of chopped fresh parsley, dill, or chives will wake up the dish, while a final sprinkle of flaky salt or a dusting of red pepper flakes invites a little extra flair. For something decadent, a grating of fresh parmesan or a drizzle of balsamic glaze is always a hit.

Side Dishes

Easy Roasted Cabbage Steaks happily play alongside just about anything. Try them with a hearty bean stew, grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or alongside your favorite grains like quinoa, rice, or couscous. They’re just as happy next to classic meatloaf as they are alongside a pile of crispy tofu. The versatility is truly endless!

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopping appetizer, cut the steaks into wedges and arrange on a large platter scattered with microgreens and toasted seeds. Or serve them stacked, “Napoleon” style, with layers of roasted veggies and a dollop of yogurt sauce in between. Leftover cabbage steaks can even be sliced up and tucked into sandwiches or tossed with pasta for a clever next-day lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Easy Roasted Cabbage Steaks (it happens, but not often!), simply transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavor somehow gets even better, soaking up all those seasonings and developing deeper, richer notes.

Freezing

Roasted cabbage isn’t always the top candidate for freezing, as its texture can soften further when thawed, but in a pinch, you can freeze cooked steaks separated by parchment in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and use within one month for the best experience.

Reheating

To bring your Easy Roasted Cabbage Steaks back to their crispy best, set them on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes. The oven is key here, as it revives the crispness the microwave can’t offer. If you’re short on time, a skillet over medium-high heat works great too.

FAQs

Can I use red cabbage instead of green?

Absolutely! Red cabbage not only brings a jewel-toned color to your table, but it also adds a slightly sweeter, earthier flavor. It’s a fun twist on the classic Easy Roasted Cabbage Steaks.

How do I keep the cabbage steaks from falling apart?

Keeping the core (the tough, central stem) mostly intact with each slice helps hold the cabbage steaks together during roasting and flipping. Slice carefully, and handle gently when flipping with a wide spatula.

Can I add cheese for a melty topping?

Yes—if you love a cheesy finish, simply sprinkle on some grated parmesan, cheddar, or asiago during the last 5 minutes of roasting. The cheese will melt and brown beautifully right on top of the easy roasted cabbage steaks.

How can I make these spicy?

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, chili powder, or even a drizzle of hot sauce to the seasoning mix. You control the heat level, so go as mild or wild as you please!

Are Easy Roasted Cabbage Steaks suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. Easy Roasted Cabbage Steaks keep well in the fridge and reheat like a dream, making them perfect for prepping ahead and jazzing up weekday lunches, grain bowls, or wraps throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a long-time cabbage lover or just searching for a new crowd-pleasing veggie side, Easy Roasted Cabbage Steaks deserve a spot on your table. With minimal prep and major payoff, there’s every reason to fire up your oven and give these a try—your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you!

Easy Roasted Cabbage Steaks Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: Sara
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 2-4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Easy Roasted Cabbage Steaks are a healthy, simple, and flavorful side dish that transforms humble cabbage into a crispy, savory delight. Perfect for pairing with any meal or enjoying on their own as a light, plant-based snack.

Ingredients

Cabbage Steaks:

1 medium head of cabbage
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional for smokiness)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh lemon juice (optional, for finishing)
Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the cabbage: Remove any tough outer leaves from the cabbage, trim the stem, and slice the cabbage into 1-inch thick steaks, ensuring the core stays intact.
Season and roast: Arrange the cabbage steaks on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a brush to coat both sides of the cabbage evenly. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Finish and serve: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cabbage steaks and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately as a side dish or snack.

Notes

If you prefer a slightly spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder to the seasoning mix.
For a cheesy variation, sprinkle grated cheese on top in the last 5 minutes of roasting.
For extra flavor, drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving or toss the cabbage with rosemary, thyme, or oregano before roasting.
Red cabbage can be used for a sweeter flavor and a vibrant color.

Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American