Melting Cabbage Steaks (Oven Roasted with Parmesan)

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.

Prep Time10

Cook Time40

Total Time50

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cabbage recipe, easter recipe, easy meals, easy side dish, steak side dish

Servings: Servings

Calories: 328kcal

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Kitchen Essentials

Half Sheet Pan

baking pan

Vintage Measuring

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

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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