Oven Roasted Garlic Cabbage Steak

If you’ve never tried Oven Roasted Garlic Cabbage Steak, get ready for your new favorite veggie side. Thick cabbage slices brushed with garlicky olive oil and roasted until golden on the edges turn into a dish that’s both hearty and healthy. I started making these during busy weeknights when I wanted something simple, crisp, and satisfying without fuss.

Oven roasted garlic cabbage steaks served with creamy dipping sauce
Crispy oven roasted garlic cabbage steaks with golden edges, served with dipping sauce.

With just one pan and a few pantry staples, you get that roasted-caramelized flavor that feels cozy enough for family dinners yet light enough for a healthy meal. Whether you serve them beside grilled chicken or my Chicken Fajita Casserole, these cabbage steaks are proof that simple ingredients can create big flavor.

Table of Contents

Ingredients Needed for Oven Roasted Garlic Cabbage Steaks

To make these healthy cabbage steaks, you don’t need anything fancy—just a few pantry staples and one fresh head of cabbage. These simple ingredients create incredible roasted flavor and crisp edges that make this dish a star among health cabbage recipes.

You’ll Need:

  • 1 medium green cabbage – firm and heavy, for the best texture.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil – helps the cabbage roast evenly and adds that golden finish.
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste – gives rich, bold flavor that infuses every layer.
  • 2 teaspoons fennel or caraway seeds – add a subtle sweetness and warmth.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt – balances and enhances flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper – for mild heat and aroma.
  • Fresh parsley (optional) – a sprinkle of color and freshness to finish.

Optional: Add green peppers to the pan if you want to turn this into a heartier variation—great for those who love cabbage and green pepper recipes.

This short list proves that a cabbage steak recipe healthy doesn’t need dozens of ingredients. Simple, fresh, and full of natural flavor.

Oven roasted garlic cabbage steaks served with creamy dipping sauce

Oven Roasted Garlic Cabbage Steaks

This easy recipe for roasted cabbage steaks is a healthy, flavorful, and budget-friendly vegetable side dish. Cabbage steaks are brushed with garlicky olive oil, seasoned with fennel seeds, and roasted until the edges are golden and crispy. Perfect for fall or winter dinners and great for keto or plant-based meals.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 62 kcal

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • brush
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 1 head green cabbage
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp garlic paste
  • 2 tsp fennel seeds or caraway seeds
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp ground black pepper (to taste)
  • fresh parsley for optional garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Slice the cabbage into 1-inch thick steaks. Keep the core intact to hold slices together.
  • Brush one side of each steak with half of the olive oil, garlic paste, fennel, salt, and pepper. Flip and repeat on the other side.
  • Roast for 25 minutes until edges start browning. Carefully flip with a spatula and roast another 20 minutes until tender and golden.
  • Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra crisp edges.
  • Serve warm and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Let the cabbage slices rest for a few minutes before serving; this helps the flavors settle.
  • For extra crisp edges, switch to broil mode for the last 1–2 minutes of roasting.
  • Sprinkle fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for brightness.
  • To make this recipe dairy-free, skip cheese toppings and use olive oil or avocado oil.
  • You can grill the cabbage steaks instead of baking them; see the grilled version in the post.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the oven at 400°F or in an air fryer to bring back the crispy texture.
  • Avoid microwaving—it softens the cabbage and dulls the roasted flavor.
  • Great for meal prep: roasted cabbage keeps well and pairs with chicken, fish, or tofu.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 62 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 7.2 g
  • Protein: 1.6 g
  • Fat: 3.6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 2.6 g
  • Fiber: 2.9 g
  • Sugar: 3.7 g
  • Sodium: 311 mg
  • Potassium: 200 mg
  • Vitamin C: 42 mg
  • Calcium: 49 mg
  • Iron: 0.6 mg

How to Make the Perfect Oven Roasted Garlic Cabbage Steak

Making perfect roasted cabbage steaks is easier than it looks. The key is even slicing, proper seasoning, and letting the oven do the magic. You’ll only need a few pantry staples, and your kitchen will fill with that savory garlic aroma in no time.

1. Prepare the Cabbage

  • Choose a firm head of green cabbage; remove any wilted outer leaves.
  • Slice into 1-inch thick “steaks.” Keep the core intact—it helps each slice hold together.
  • Lay them flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.

2. Season Generously

  • In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic paste, fennel or caraway seeds, salt, and black pepper.
  • Brush one side of each slice, then carefully flip and brush the other side. This ensures both sides roast evenly and stay flavorful.
  • For a deeper flavor, let the cabbage sit 5–10 minutes before baking so the garlic and oil can soak in.

3. Roast Until Crispy

  • Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes. Flip carefully using a spatula.
  • Roast another 20 minutes until the edges are golden and crisp while the center turns tender.
  • Avoid moving them too often—direct contact with the pan creates that caramelized crust.

Quick Tips

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give each cabbage slice space to brown.
  • For a smoky twist, finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.

This method also works perfectly for a grilled version, which I’ll explain later in the post.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ons for Garlic Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Once you master the base recipe, oven roasted cabbage steaks become a blank canvas for endless flavor twists. Whether you want a keto-friendly, cheesy, or herb-packed version, here’s how to make each one taste new every time.

Crispy roasted cabbage steaks with garlic and parsley
Golden brown roasted cabbage steaks brushed with garlic olive oil, finished with chopped parsley.

1. Herb and Spice Upgrades

  • Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a little kick.
  • Use fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic, earthy flavor.
  • For a Mediterranean touch, drizzle a teaspoon of lemon juice and a pinch of oregano right after roasting.

2. Cheesy or Savory Add-Ons

  • Love extra crunch? Sprinkle grated parmesan during the last 5 minutes of baking to melt into a crisp topping.
  • For a dairy-free version, top with nutritional yeast to get that same savory finish without cheese.
  • A spoonful of garlic yogurt sauce or tahini drizzle adds creamy balance to the crispy edges.

3. Meal Ideas With Cabbage

  • Serve your baked cabbage steaks with grilled chicken or fish for a light, balanced dinner.
  • For a veggie night, layer cabbage steaks with roasted bell peppers or top them with a fried egg for extra protein.

These flavor combinations turn a simple cabbage recipe baked into one of those good cabbage recipes you’ll keep making all year.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Reheating

Once your oven roasted garlic cabbage steaks come out golden and crisp, they’re ready to steal the spotlight on your dinner table. These healthy cabbage recipes are perfect as dinner veggie sides or even as the main dish when paired with grains or legumes.

1. Serving Ideas

  • Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil for brightness.
  • Pair with roasted or grilled proteins like chicken, salmon, or tofu.
  • Add a fresh green salad or a lemony quinoa bowl on the side for a wholesome, colorful plate.
  • For a Mediterranean spin, serve with hummus or a scoop of tzatziki.

2. Storage Tips

  • Let leftover cabbage steaks cool completely before storing.
  • Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • To keep them from getting soggy, place parchment paper between layers.

3. Reheating for Best Texture

  • Reheat in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until edges are crispy again.
  • Avoid microwaving—it softens the texture and reduces that roasted flavor.
  • If you have an air fryer, it’s a quick way to bring back the crunch in just 3–4 minutes.

With these steps, your recipe for cabbage steaks stays flavorful, crisp, and meal-ready even on your busiest nights.

FAQs About Oven Roasted Garlic Cabbage Steaks

1. How long should you bake cabbage steaks in the oven?
Bake your cabbage steaks at 400°F (200°C) for 40–45 minutes total. Flip halfway through—around the 25-minute mark—to make sure both sides become caramelized and crisp.

2. What can you serve with roasted cabbage steaks?
These make amazing dinner veggie sides. Try them with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or alongside my Chicken Fajita Casserole for a full, flavorful meal.

3. Can you make cabbage steaks keto-friendly?
Absolutely. This dish already fits a keto cabbage steaks profile—it’s low in carbs, high in fiber, and packed with healthy fats from olive oil. You can also top them with parmesan or avocado sauce for more richness.

4. How do you keep cabbage steaks crispy?
Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet and flip only once. Let them roast undisturbed until edges brown. For extra crunch, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end or reheat in an air fryer.

These oven roasted garlic cabbage steaks are one of those good cabbage recipes that prove healthy food doesn’t have to be complicated. They’re quick to prepare, beautiful to serve, and irresistibly flavorful. Whether you’re making them as a side dish, a meatless main, or a keto-friendly meal, the result is always satisfying.

I make them often on weeknights when I need something simple but still want dinner to feel special. Serve them fresh from the oven, and you’ll see why this humble cabbage deserves a spot at the center of your table.

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating