Cheesy Baked Cabbage Steaks
Cabbage often gets overlooked, but this recipe proves it deserves a starring role. Roasting thick cabbage slabs brings out their natural sweetness and transforms the texture into something tender, slightly crisp, and totally addictive. Add a blanket of bubbly mozzarella and some pantry seasonings, and you’ve got a side dish—or meatless main—that’s not just nutritious but next-level satisfying.
Why I Love This Recipe
Honestly, I never knew cabbage could be this good until I tried baking it. It’s simple, satisfying, and super budget-friendly. The contrast of crisp edges, soft centers, and melty cheese hits every comfort food note without being heavy. It’s a weeknight winner, and it pairs beautifully with recipes like turkey wings or chicken enchiladas, or it can shine solo with a glass of blueberry lemonade.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
🥬 Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Cheese options: Try sharp cheddar, provolone, or a spicy pepper jack for more bite.
- Add crunch: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed fried onions before the final bake.
- Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Go dairy-free: Use vegan cheese shreds or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
🔥 Directions
1. Prep Your Oven & Pan
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice the Cabbage
Remove outer leaves and trim the base. Cut the cabbage into thick 1-inch steaks, slicing top-down to keep them intact.
3. Oil & Season
Lay the cabbage steaks on the baking sheet. Brush both sides with olive oil.
Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Roast
Roast in the oven for 25–30 minutes, or until edges are golden and the centers are tender.
5. Add Cheese
Remove from oven and sprinkle each steak generously with mozzarella. Return to oven for 5–7 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish & Serve
Top with chopped parsley if using. Serve hot and enjoy every gooey, roasted bite.
💡 Tips for Success
- Use a sharp knife and cut straight down to keep steaks from falling apart.
- Don’t skip the parchment. It prevents sticking and helps caramelization.
- Roast face-up only. Flipping can cause them to break apart.
- Customize freely. Think Italian seasoning, Cajun spice, or a squeeze of lemon for a twist.
🍽 Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These cabbage steaks work great as a:
- Vegetarian main course with a side of crusty bread
- Low-carb side dish for hearty mains like easy turkey wings or chicken enchiladas
- Party bite paired with beer cheese dip
- Snacky dinner with this walking taco bar
- Refreshing drink duo like blueberry lemonade
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or air fry for 5 minutes to re-crisp.
- Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the edges crispy.
🥄 More Recipes You’ll Love
- Easy Turkey Wings – hearty and perfect alongside
- Beer Cheese Dip – for dipping or spreading
- Blueberry Lemonade – your fresh, fruity match
- Walking Taco Bar – a fun pairing for casual meals
- Chicken Enchiladas – cozy and craveable
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Baked Cabbage Steaks prove that vegetables don’t have to be boring. This dish is full of flavor, texture, and comforting goodness. Whether you’re vegetarian, watching carbs, or just trying to use up a head of cabbage, this is a recipe you’ll want to keep in regular rotation.
Tried it? Tag us and show off your cheesy creations! And be sure to follow ChefManiac.com for more veggie-forward hits and comfort classics.
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