Name: Easy Baked Cabbage Steaks
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large head green cabbage (about 2 to 2.5 lbs); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ¾ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; Juice of ½ lemon, plus wedges for serving; Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish (optional)

Craving a side dish that's both stunning and satisfying? These Easy Baked Cabbage Steaks are about to become your new obsession!

Imagine thick, juicy rounds of cabbage roasted until golden at the edges, infused with garlicky, herby olive oil, and finished with a pop of lemon. The centers are tender and subtly sweet, while every bite delivers crispy, caramelized perfection.

Best of all, they're so simple-you need just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients and almost no prep. Whether you're feeding a weeknight crowd or want to jazz up your weekend dinner, this vegetable dish never fails to impress.

Inspired by my family's love of oven-roasted veggies, this recipe has become a regular at our table. I can't wait for you to make it yours!

Easy Baked Cabbage Steaks plated with fresh herbs and lemon slices

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ultra-easy and mostly hands-off prep for busy nights
Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb
Beautifully caramelized edges with a tender, buttery center
Perfect for meal-prep, entertaining, or as a healthy side
Budget-friendly and made with simple ingredients

Key Ingredients for Easy Baked Cabbage Steaks

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Green Cabbage

Green cabbage is the star of this dish! When roasted, its leaves mellow and turn deliciously sweet with crispy, browned edges. Choose a medium or large head that's heavy for its size and free of blemishes. For picture-perfect steaks, slice straight through the core in even, thick rounds. Savoy or red cabbage also works if you want a fun twist.

Olive Oil

A generous drizzle of olive oil helps the cabbage caramelize while keeping it moist and tender inside. For the best flavor, use a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil. Avocado oil is a great alternative if you prefer its mild taste, but avoid vegetable oils for this recipe as they can smoke in a hot oven.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder adds a savory punch to the otherwise mild cabbage and is easy to sprinkle evenly over large surfaces. If you want a sharper bite, finely minced fresh garlic works too, but keep an eye on it-fresh garlic may brown quickly.

Smoked Paprika

This brings a gentle smokiness and gorgeous color to your cabbage steaks. Sweet paprika or chili powder can be substituted for a milder or spicier flavor, respectively. If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne!

Lemon Juice

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right out of the oven brings the whole dish to life, brightening every bite. No lemon? A splash of apple cider vinegar works in a pinch, or try balsamic glaze for a hint of sweetness.

Easy Baked Cabbage Steaks cooking process

Instructions for Easy Baked Cabbage Steaks

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Cabbage

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Remove any loose outer leaves from the cabbage, then slice the head into ¾-inch thick rounds, cutting straight through the core so the steaks hold together.

Season Generously

Arrange the cabbage slices in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they don't overlap. Brush both sides generously with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper-really get those spices into every nook and cranny!

Bake Until Golden

Pop the tray in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping steaks halfway through, until the edges are deeply browned and crispy but the centers are tender when pierced with a fork. If you love extra-crispy edges, broil for the last 1-2 minutes (watch closely to avoid burning).

Finish and Serve

Right out of the oven, drizzle with lemon juice and scatter with chopped fresh parsley or thyme if desired. Serve hot with extra lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce on the side!

Recipe Variations

Give It a Cheesy Twist

Sprinkle your cabbage steaks with grated parmesan or vegan cheese during the final 5 minutes of baking for extra savory flavor and a golden crust. Mozzarella, feta, or nutritional yeast work beautifully too!

Spice It Up

Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce before roasting for a spicy kick. Swap smoked paprika for chili powder or your favorite Cajun blend to amp up the heat.

Herbed Delight

Change up the dried herbs! Add Italian seasoning, dried thyme, or rosemary to the olive oil for a more Mediterranean flavor. A little dried dill or tarragon gives a fresh, springy vibe.

Low-FODMAP or Allium-Free

Omit the garlic powder and instead season with ground cumin, coriander, or a sprinkle of lemon zest to keep the flavor punchy without any alliums.

Asian-Inspired

Brush with a mix of sesame oil, soy sauce, and a touch of ginger before roasting. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions before serving for an umami-packed twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Easy Baked Cabbage Steaks alongside grilled chicken, baked salmon, or your favorite veggie burgers for a well-rounded dinner. They're fantastic with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tahini sauce, and extra fresh herbs or toasted seeds elevate the presentation. Pair them with brown rice or a hearty lentil salad to make it a complete plant-based meal.

Storage and Reheating

Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, lay cabbage steaks on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for 7 to 10 minutes until hot and crispy. Microwave reheating works too, though the edges won't be as crisp. Freezing is not recommended, as roasted cabbage loses its texture after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Baked Cabbage Steaks (FAQ)

Q: Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage for this recipe?

A: Yes! Red cabbage works well and creates a stunning color, but may be slightly firmer. Add 2-3 extra minutes to baking time for best results.

Q: What dipping sauces go well with cabbage steaks?

A: They're delicious with tahini sauce, garlicky yogurt, spicy mustard, ranch, or your favorite vinaigrette. A squeeze of lemon is also perfect!

Q: Do I need to core the cabbage before slicing?

A: No, keep the core in! Slicing through the core helps hold each cabbage steak together during roasting.

Thanks for stopping by! These Easy Baked Cabbage Steaks are a game-changer for weeknights or healthy meal prep. If you try this recipe, let me know how you liked it-leave a comment and a star rating below. Happy cooking!

★★★★★ 4.70 from 176 ratings