Melted Cabbage (Tender Roasted Wedges with Garlic & Parmesan)
If you think you don’t like cabbage, prepare to have your mind changed. This Melted Cabbage recipe transforms a humble, budget-friendly vegetable into a luxurious side dish that steals the spotlight. By roasting the cabbage wedges until they are incredibly tender, they lose their fibrous crunch and become silky, sweet, and practically “melt” in your mouth.
The secret lies in the cooking method. We are not just steaming these; we are roasting them with a mix of olive oil and butter until the edges turn a deep, golden brown. As seen in the photos, the result is a dish that balances the natural sweetness of the caramelized vegetable with the salty, savory punch of roasted garlic and crispy Parmesan cheese.
Secrets to the Perfect Melted Cabbage
Why It Works
This dish works because high-heat roasting concentrates the natural sugars in the cabbage. The addition of butter adds a nutty richness that olive oil alone can’t achieve. The texture is key here: the outer leaves become crispy chips while the inner layers soften into a buttery confit-like texture.
Visually, keeping the core intact is crucial. It holds the “steaks” or wedges together, allowing you to serve substantial portions that look elegant on the plate rather than a messy pile of leaves.
Chef’s Tips
- Don’t Remove the Core: When slicing your cabbage into wedges, make sure each wedge is attached to a piece of the core. This acts as the spine and keeps the wedge intact during the roasting and flipping process.
- Season Between the Layers: Don’t just sprinkle salt on top. Gently fan out the leaves and rub the garlic-butter mixture deep inside the wedges to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- The Parmesan Crust: Add the Parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking. This allows it to melt and form a savory crust without burning or becoming bitter.
Serve this alongside a juicy steak or keep it vegetarian and pair it with our crusty artisan bread to soak up the garlic butter.
Storage
Store leftover Melted Cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to re-crisp the edges; microwaving will make it soft but still tasty.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free/Vegan: Substitute the butter with more olive oil or melted vegan butter, and use nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan instead of cheese. Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a kick. Herbs: If you don't have parsley, fresh thyme or dill pairs beautifully with the roasted flavor.
Ingredients
1 medium head, outer leaves removed
2 tablespoons
2 tablespoons, melted
3, minced
1/2 teaspoon
1/4 teaspoon
1/3 cup, freshly grated
2 tablespoons, fresh chopped
Shopping Tip
For best results, gather all ingredients before you start cooking. Fresh ingredients will give you the most flavorful results.
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the cabbage in half through the core, then cut each half into 3 or 4 thick wedges, ensuring the core stays intact for each piece.
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Place the cabbage wedges on a large baking sheet. Brush the butter mixture generously over the cut sides of the cabbage, trying to get some between the leaves.
Roast for 20 minutes. Carefully flip the wedges over. Roast for another 15-20 minutes until the cabbage is very tender (pierced easily with a knife) and the edges are dark golden brown.
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top of the hot cabbage wedges. Return to the oven for 2-3 minutes just to melt the cheese.
Remove from oven and garnish immediately with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Serve this recipe straight from the kitchen for the best taste and texture. It's sure to become a favorite that you'll make again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ What type of ingredients work best for this dish?
Use the freshest ingredients available for the best flavor and texture results.
→ Can I make substitutions?
Yes, feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain the best texture.
Melted Cabbage (Tender Roasted Wedges with Garlic & Parmesan)
If you think you don’t like cabbage, prepare to have your mind changed. This Melted Cabbage recipe transforms a humble, budget-friendly vegetable into a l
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the cabbage in half through the core, then cut each half into 3 or 4 thick wedges, ensuring the core stays intact for each piece.
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Place the cabbage wedges on a large baking sheet. Brush the butter mixture generously over the cut sides of the cabbage, trying to get some between the leaves.
Roast for 20 minutes. Carefully flip the wedges over. Roast for another 15-20 minutes until the cabbage is very tender (pierced easily with a knife) and the edges are dark golden brown.
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top of the hot cabbage wedges. Return to the oven for 2-3 minutes just to melt the cheese.
Remove from oven and garnish immediately with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Rate This Recipe
Tools You'll Need
- Large Rimmed Baking Sheet
- Sharp Chef's Knife
- Pastry Brush
- Small Mixing Bowl
Recipe Tags
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At Cozy Bites Kitchen, we believe that great food doesn't have to be complicated. Our passion is creating easy, cozy, and delicious homemade recipes for everyday cooking - quick meals, comfort dishes, family dinners, soups, pastas, and simple home-style favorites. Warm, friendly, and fuss-free cooking made for real life.
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