Crispy Roasted Parmesan Cabbage Steaks with Garlic Herb Butter
There’s something undeniably delightful about the crunch of perfectly roasted vegetables, and Crispy Roasted Parmesan Cabbage Steaks with Garlic Herb Butter are no exception. Picture this: thick, hearty cabbage steaks coated in garlic-infused olive oil and showered with rich Parmigiano Reggiano. Each bite introduces a medley of flavors and textures that are hard to resist. You’re not just eating vegetables; you’re indulging in a culinary experience that highlights the humble cabbage in a brilliantly new way.
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I first stumbled across the idea of cabbage steaks when looking for a unique vegetarian dish to impress a few friends. To my surprise, these crispy cabbage slices quickly became the star of the evening. The garlic herb butter adds a depth that complements their natural sweetness, while the Parmesan creates a crunchy, golden crust. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues or a cozy weeknight dinner and has that “wow” factor even though it’s incredibly easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip these up in just 45 minutes; perfect for any night!
- Irresistible Flavor: Rich, cheesy goodness with notes of garlic make each bite unforgettable.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Steak-like cabbage slices make for a stunning presentation.
- Flexible Serving: A fantastic side dish or even a light main that works for any occasion.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Vegetarian and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 cabbage steaks: A hearty vegetable that stands up well to roasting. Choose fresh cabbage for the best texture.
- 1/3 cup olive oil: Provides essential fat for roasting, enhancing the dish’s richness. Extra virgin olive oil offers superior flavor; however, any light olive oil will work.
- 1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds flavor and fragrance. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but fresh is always more robust.
- 1/4 tsp. salt: Enhances the natural flavors. Feel free to use sea salt or kosher salt.
- 1/2 tsp. pepper: Freshly ground black pepper infuses a bit of heat; you could experiment with white pepper for a different punch.
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika: Adds a lovely smoky flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, sweet paprika can be an alternative.
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese: This aged cheese becomes golden and crispy upon roasting—an absolute must! Parm can be substituted with Pecorino for a sharper taste or a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
- 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar: A drizzle just before serving adds a tangy contrast.
- 1 tbsp. chopped parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the dish, adding a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Crispy Roasted Parmesan Cabbage Steaks with Garlic Herb Butter
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your cabbage cooks evenly and achieves that lovely crispiness.
Slice the Cabbage: Take your head of cabbage and slice it in half vertically. From one of the halves, cut about 1-inch thick steaks. Make sure to cut through the stem; this will hold the steaks together while roasting, helping to maintain their form.
Mix the Seasoning: In a medium bowl, combine 1/3 cup olive oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. This savory mix will bring your cabbage to life!
Coat the Cabbage Steaks: Brush both sides of the cabbage steaks generously with the garlic-oil mixture. Don’t be shy; this is where the flavor starts to build!
Create Cheese Beds: Take the remaining 1 1/2 cups of grated Parmigiano Reggiano and create piles on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper—about 1/3 cup for each steak. This will form a delightful, crunchy base.
Arrange the Steaks: Place each cabbage steak on its cheese bed. As they roast, the cheese melts and creates a crispy crown around the hearty cabbage.
Roast to Perfection: Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven, letting the steaks roast for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is beautifully browned and super crisp, and the cabbage edges are tender.
Finish with Flavor: Once roasted, drizzle the warm cabbage steaks with the balsamic vinegar and sprinkle chopped parsley on top. This adds a gorgeous aesthetic and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours, but for optimal freshness, transfer to the refrigerator in an airtight container, where they’ll keep for about 3 days. If you want to save them longer, feel free to freeze the cooked steaks in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, pop them back in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Note that the texture may vary slightly, but a sprinkle of fresh cheese can refresh the taste!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure your cabbage is fresh for the best crunch; wilted cabbage can become soggy.
- For added texture, try broiling the tops for the last minute of cooking.
- If you prefer a bit of spice, mix in red pepper flakes with your garlic-oil blend for a kick!
- Make extra garlic herb butter and use it on your favorite grilled vegetables or spread on bread.
- This dish can be prepped ahead of time; slice the cabbage and mix the oil a few hours in advance. Just brush and roast when you’re ready.
Crispy Roasted Parmesan Cabbage Steaks with Garlic Herb Butter are a fantastic way to elevate your vegetable game. Whether you’re throwing a dinner party or just want a comforting weeknight dish, this recipe has got you covered.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmigiano Reggiano is ideal for its flavor and melting properties, feel free to experiment with cheeses like Pecorino Romano or even mozzarella for a different experience. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will change the final taste and texture.
How do I know when the cabbage is done?
Your cabbage steaks are ready when the edges look golden and crispy, and the cheese is nicely browned. A fork should easily penetrate through the cabbage, signaling it’s tender yet still holding its integrity.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version, substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative and ensure your balsamic vinegar is vegan-friendly. The flavor will still be delicious, especially with the garlic and fragrant herbs.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Certainly! Feel free to roast other vegetables alongside your cabbage steaks. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as softer vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, may require less time in the oven.
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📖 Recipe Card
Crispy Roasted Parmesan Cabbage Steaks with Garlic Herb Butter
- Prep Time: N/A
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Oven Roasting
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Description
Savor the unique flavors of Crispy Roasted Parmesan Cabbage Steaks with Garlic Herb Butter. This dish combines tender cabbage and rich Parmesan, making it a perfect quick dinner or healthy meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 cabbage steaks
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 cups grated parmigiano reggiano cheese
- 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp. chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash and vertically slice the cabbage in half. Cut 1-inch thick steaks from one half, ensuring they stay together through the stem.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, 1/3 cup Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Brush both sides of the cabbage steaks generously with the oil mixture.
- On the baking sheet, create cheese piles using the remaining Parmesan, one for each steak.
- Place each cabbage steak atop its cheese pile on the baking sheet.
- Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese becomes golden and crisp.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the roasted steaks and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For extra crunch, ensure the cheese piles are generous.
Feel free to add herbs like thyme or oregano for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cabbage steak
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
