Baked cabbage is a wonderfully versatile vegetable dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table. Whether you’re looking for a hearty side or a wholesome main, baked cabbage recipes offer a delightful way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable with enhanced flavors and textures.
The gentle roasting caramelizes the cabbage’s natural sugars, creating a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with herbs, spices, and other vegetables. Plus, baking cabbage is incredibly simple and requires minimal prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals.
In this post, we’ll explore several delicious baked cabbage recipes that celebrate vegetables in all their glory. From classic roasted wedges to layered casseroles, these dishes showcase how cabbage can transform into a satisfying, nutrient-packed meal.
If you’re curious about expanding your vegetarian repertoire, these recipes are a perfect starting point. Let’s dive in and uncover why baked cabbage might just become your new favorite comfort food!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked cabbage recipes bring out the best in this humble vegetable by enhancing its natural flavors with roasting. Unlike boiling or steaming, baking adds a caramelized, slightly crispy texture that makes every bite enjoyable.
These recipes are:
- Healthy and nutrient-rich: Cabbage is packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, supporting overall health.
- Easy to prepare: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make these recipes perfect even for beginner cooks.
- Customizable: From spicy to savory, you can adjust seasonings and add your favorite vegetables or proteins.
- Deliciously comforting: Warm, tender cabbage with a hint of crispiness is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.
Plus, baking cabbage reduces its sometimes bitter taste, making it more palatable for the whole family. You’ll find these recipes fit well into vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.
Ingredients
- 1 medium green cabbage (about 2-3 pounds), cored and cut into wedges or slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any vegetable oil of your choice)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for garnish
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional for brightness)
- ½ cup grated vegan cheese or nutritional yeast (optional for extra flavor)
Equipment
- Baking sheet or ovenproof dish
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)
- Oven mitts
- Serving platter or plates
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for roasting vegetables until they’re tender and slightly caramelized.
- Prepare the cabbage: Remove any damaged outer leaves, rinse the cabbage, and pat dry. Cut the cabbage into 6-8 wedges or thick slices, leaving the core intact to hold the wedges together.
- Mix the seasoning: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and minced garlic. Stir well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Coat the cabbage: Toss the cabbage wedges and sliced onion in the seasoning mixture until evenly coated. Add cherry tomatoes if using, for added sweetness and color.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the cabbage wedges on the prepared baking sheet or ovenproof dish in a single layer, cut side down for maximum roasting. Spread the onions and tomatoes around for even cooking.
- Bake: Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the cabbage edges are browned and tender. The cooking time depends on the thickness of your wedges.
- Optional cheese topping: In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle grated vegan cheese or nutritional yeast over the cabbage wedges for a cheesy, savory finish.
- Finish with lemon and herbs: Remove from oven, drizzle lemon juice over the cabbage, and sprinkle with fresh herbs for brightness and aroma.
- Serve warm: Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy immediately as a side dish or a light main course.
Tips & Variations
“For the best flavor, choose a fresh, firm cabbage with tightly packed leaves. Roasting brings out the sweetness, but don’t overcook or it might become mushy.”
- Try adding other vegetables like sliced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the baking dish for a colorful medley.
- For a spicy kick, sprinkle some chilli powder or crushed red pepper flakes along with the paprika.
- Swap olive oil for coconut oil or vegan butter for a richer flavor.
- Add cooked chickpeas or lentils before baking for extra protein and a heartier meal.
- Make it a layered casserole by alternating cabbage slices with tomato sauce, onions, and herbs, then bake covered for 45 minutes.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave and taste even better the next day.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Vitamin C | 60% of Daily Value |
| Vitamin K | 85% of Daily Value |
| Potassium | 10% of Daily Value |
Serving Suggestions
Baked cabbage pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside your favorite grain like quinoa, brown rice, or farro for a balanced vegetarian meal.
It also complements amazing vegan pasta recipes or a hearty bean stew, such as those found in 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious.
For a lighter option, toss baked cabbage with fresh salad greens and a tangy vinaigrette to create a warm salad. You can also add it to wraps or grain bowls like the Vegan Chipotle Bowl Recipe for a Flavorful Healthy Meal.
Baked Cabbage Recipes Vegetable: 3 Delicious Variations
Classic Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Garlic and Herbs
This simple recipe highlights the natural sweetness of cabbage with garlic and fresh herbs. Perfect as a side or appetizer.
- Ingredients: cabbage wedges, olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper
- Method: Toss wedges with oil, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper. Bake at 400°F for 35 minutes turning once.
Spicy Baked Cabbage with Smoked Paprika and Chili
For those who enjoy a little heat, this version incorporates smoked paprika and chili powder for a smoky, spicy twist.
- Ingredients: cabbage slices, olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic, onion, salt
- Method: Coat all ingredients with spices and oil, bake at 400°F for 30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
Baked Cabbage Casserole with Tomatoes and Vegan Cheese
A layered casserole that combines cabbage with juicy tomatoes, onions, and a melted vegan cheese topping. A comforting and filling dish.
- Ingredients: cabbage slices, cherry tomatoes, onions, olive oil, garlic, vegan cheese, salt, pepper
- Method: Layer cabbage, tomatoes, and onions in a baking dish, drizzle oil and seasoning, bake covered at 375°F for 40 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle cheese, bake 5 more minutes.
Conclusion
Baked cabbage recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy a nutritious vegetable with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. These recipes are not only easy to make but also highly adaptable, perfect for anyone from beginners to seasoned cooks looking to add more plant-based meals to their menu.
The roasting process enhances the cabbage’s natural sweetness and texture, making it a pleasurable dish that can stand alone or complement many other meals. Whether you prefer a simple garlic-herb roast or a layered casserole with vegan cheese, baked cabbage offers a delicious, healthy option that fits various dietary preferences.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs, spices, and additional vegetables to make these recipes your own. For more inspiration on wholesome vegetarian meals, check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or explore hearty options like our Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.
Happy cooking and enjoy the wonderful world of baked cabbage!
📖 Recipe Card: Baked Cabbage Vegetable
Description: A simple and healthy baked cabbage recipe with mixed vegetables. Perfect as a side dish or light meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, and onion.
- Add garlic, olive oil, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well.
- Transfer vegetables to a baking dish and pour vegetable broth over them.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle Parmesan cheese if using, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 18 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Baked Cabbage Vegetable”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A simple and healthy baked cabbage recipe with mixed vegetables. Perfect as a side dish or light meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT35M”, “totalTime”: “PT50M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 medium head of cabbage, chopped”, “2 medium carrots, sliced”, “1 red bell pepper, chopped”, “1 yellow onion, diced”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 teaspoon dried thyme”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “Salt to taste”, “Black pepper to taste”, “1/4 cup vegetable broth”, “2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 400\u00b0F (200\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, and onion.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic, olive oil, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Transfer vegetables to a baking dish and pour vegetable broth over them.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove foil, sprinkle Parmesan cheese if using, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “150 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “4 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “18 g”}}
