What are melting cabbage steaks? In short, tender roasted cabbage rounds with crispy edges and buttery flavor. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a simple head of cabbage into something the whole family gets excited about, this melting cabbage recipe is it. Thick cabbage rounds are brushed with butter and olive oil, roasted until tender, and finished with golden, bubbly Parmesan. The inside becomes soft and almost silky, while the edges crisp up beautifully in the oven.
This is one of those old-fashioned, practical side dishes that feels right at home on a farmhouse table. Affordable, filling, and surprisingly comforting. It pairs perfectly with roast chicken, pork chops, meatloaf, or can even stand alone as a cozy vegetarian dinner idea.
A cozy, buttery cabbage side dish with crispy edges and rich, savory flavor
If you’ve ever thought cabbage was just for slaw or soups, this recipe will change your mind. I tried the popular “melting cabbage” trend this week, and after one small tweak, swapping regular garlic for black garlic, it turned into something truly special. The cabbage becomes tender and buttery on the inside, with crispy, golden edges and a deep, slightly sweet umami flavor from the black garlic.
This is one of those simple farmhouse-style side dishes that feels fancy enough for Sunday dinner, but easy enough for a busy weeknight. It pairs beautifully with roast chicken, pork chops, or even as a hearty vegetarian main with a slice of crusty bread.
Serving Size
With 1 large cabbage cut into 4–6 thick rounds, this will comfortably serve:
- 4 people as a side dish (1–2 slices per person, depending on appetite)
- 2–3 people as a light main dish (especially if served with bread or another veggie)
For family dinners, I’d list it as:
👉 Serves: 4
Prep Time, Bake Time & Total Time
Here’s what’s realistic for home kitchens:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
(slicing cabbage, mixing butter, brushing slices) - Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
- First roast: 20 minutes
- After flipping + cheese: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Melting Cabbage Steaks (Oven Roasted with Parmesan)
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1 Large Green Cabbage cut into 1½-inch thick rounds (about 4–6 slices)
- 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ Teaspoon Paprika
- 4 Cloves Garlic minced, I used black garlic today
- ¼ Cup Butter melted
- ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese Grated
- ¼ Cup Low-sodium Vegetable or chicken broth (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Remove any loose outer leaves. Slice the cabbage into thick rounds, keeping the core intact so the slices stay together. Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet without overlapping.1 Large Green Cabbage
- Make the Garlic Butter. In a small bowl, mix together: melted butter, olive oil, sliced or mashed garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.3 Tablespoons Olive Oil, ½ Teaspoon Salt, ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper, ½ Teaspoon Paprika, ¼ Cup Butter, 4 Cloves Garlic
- Generously brush both sides of each cabbage slice with the garlic butter mixture. I spooned my butter mixture over the top. Roast for 20 minutes.
- Carefully flip each cabbage round. If using broth, spoon it around the cabbage (not on top) to keep the edges crisp. Sprinkle Parmesan evenly over the slices.½ Cup Parmesan Cheese, ¼ Cup Low-sodium Vegetable
- Return to the oven and roast another 15–20 minutes. When done the cabbage should be fork-tender. Edges are caramelized and crispy. Parmesan is golden and bubbly
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.Fresh parsley
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Recipe Variations & Flavor Ideas
This melting cabbage recipe is very forgiving and easy to customize. 🧄 Black Garlic Upgrade (Our Favorite) Swap regular garlic for 4 cloves of mashed black garlic. Black garlic adds a rich, slightly sweet, umami flavor that pairs beautifully with roasted cabbage and Parmesan. Why Black Garlic Works Well Here. Black garlic is fermented garlic with a soft texture and sweet, savory flavor — almost like balsamic and roasted garlic combined. It removes the sharp bite of raw garlic and adds a deep richness that pairs beautifully with butter and Parmesan. If you love cozy comfort food with big flavor, this swap is absolutely worth trying. 🧀 Extra Cheesy Add shredded mozzarella, provolone, or Gruyère along with the Parmesan for a thicker, gooey cheese topping. 🌶️ Spicy Roasted Cabbage Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the butter mixture. 🌿 Herb Butter Cabbage Mix in dried thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for extra savory flavor. 🥓 Bacon Lover’s Version Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon over the Parmesan before the final roast.Nutrition
Storage & Reheating Tips (Great for Leftovers!)
To Store:
Let cabbage cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat (Best Methods):
- Oven: Reheat at 375°F for 8–10 minutes to bring back crispy edges.
- Air Fryer: 3–5 minutes at 375°F works wonderfully.
- Microwave: Quick and easy, but edges will soften.
Tip: If reheating in the oven or air fryer, sprinkle on a little extra Parmesan for a fresh-melted topping.
Why is it called “melting” cabbage?
Because the thick slices become incredibly tender and almost creamy inside while staying crispy on the edges — they practically melt in your mouth.
Can I use red cabbage instead?
You can, but green cabbage works best for this recipe. Red cabbage stays firmer and has a stronger flavor.
Why keep the core when slicing?
The core holds the cabbage rounds together so they don’t fall apart while roasting. I tried removing the core on a few of the slices in the past and it does fall apart when flipping the slices. So, if you’re going for presentation, leave the core in.
Is this recipe keto or low carb?
Yes! Cabbage is naturally low in carbs, making this a great keto-friendly and low-carb side dish.
This melting cabbage has quickly become one of those simple recipes I know I’ll keep coming back to. Humble ingredients, big comfort, and just the kind of dish that feels right at home on a farmhouse table. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty roast or enjoying it as a cozy vegetarian meal, it’s proof that even the simplest garden vegetables can be turned into something truly special with a little butter and a hot oven.
My family loved this!