Name: Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Paprika Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 small cabbage heads; 3 tbsp. olive oil; ½ tsp. salt or to taste; 2 tsp. paprika; 1 tbsp. garlic powder; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Jump to Recipe·5 from 68 reviews

If you’re looking for a simple yet seriously flavorful way to enjoy cabbage, you’re going to love this Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Paprika Recipe. It’s one of those magic dishes that turns humble cabbage into something crispy, tender, and packed with smoky, garlicky goodness. Trust me, once you try it, it might just change the way you think about cabbage forever.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple ingredients: With just cabbage, olive oil, garlic, and paprika, this recipe lets the natural flavors shine beautifully.
Perfect texture: Roasting gives you that lovely contrast of crispy edges and tender centers – a cabbage steak triumph!
Customizable flavors: The garlic and smoky paprika combo can be adjusted or spiced up to suit your preferences effortlessly.
Quick and fuss-free: You’re basically tossing cabbage on a sheet and letting the oven do the work – minimal hands-on time.

Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Paprika, roasted cabbage steaks, garlic paprika cabbage, vegetable steak recipes, healthy cabbage side dishes - The image shows a close-up of a roasted cabbage wedge, placed on a white marbled surface. The cabbage has many layers, with the outer leaves charred and dark brown, while the inner layers are light green and yellow. The top layer is coated with a reddish-brown seasoning that looks slightly crispy. A metallic fork is stuck into the cabbage, lifting some soft, cooked pieces which look pale and juicy with a slight shine. The fork has a black handle and is positioned toward the upper right side of the cabbage. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here has a simple but powerful role in turning ordinary cabbage into a star. Plus, these pantry staples are likely already hanging out in your kitchen – so no stressful shopping trips needed.

Cabbage heads: I like to use smaller heads so the steaks hold their shape better and roast evenly.
Olive oil: It crisps up those edges beautifully while keeping the cabbage juicy inside.
Salt: Essential for enhancing the cabbage’s natural sweetness and balancing the flavors.
Paprika: Adds a smoky undertone that gives these steaks their deliciously vibrant flavor.
Garlic powder: Brings garlic’s warmth without adding moisture, so your cabbage stays crisp.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Paprika Recipe is how easy it is to tweak according to what you love or what you have on hand. I usually play around with the spices or add a little heat depending on my mood or the season.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the paprika for smoked chili powder for a deeper smoky kick — perfect if you love some heat.
Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary sprinkled on before roasting can add a lovely fragrant twist.
Vegan cheese topping: For a creamy finish, add a little vegan parmesan after roasting — it melts slightly and adds richness.
Spicy touch: A pinch of red pepper flakes on top before roasting amps the flavor without overwhelming the cabbage’s natural sweetness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Paprika Recipe

Step 1: Slicing Your Cabbage Steaks

First things first, take those small cabbage heads and slice off the stems. This helps the cabbage lay flat when roasted. Then cut each head in half, and cut those halves in half again. You want about ¾ to 1-inch thick wedges — thick enough to hold together but thin enough to cook through. I usually aim for four steaks from each cabbage head. Pro tip: If you see any loose or wilted outer leaves, peel those off before roasting.

Step 2: Oil and Season Generously

Place your cabbage steaks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them space to breathe. Now brush both sides with olive oil — don’t be shy here, it really helps with browning and crispiness. Sprinkle salt, garlic powder, and paprika evenly on both sides. I always add a pinch of red pepper flakes on top for a little extra warmth, but that’s your call.

Step 3: Roast Until Golden and Tender

Pop your tray into a preheated 400°F oven and roast the cabbage steaks for about 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them after 20 minutes — you want the edges to be nicely browned and a bit crispy while the centers soften up but don’t turn mushy. If you love extra crispy edges, you can broil for a minute at the end but watch carefully so they don’t burn.

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Pro Tips for Making Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Paprika Recipe

Even Thickness: Make sure your cabbage steaks are roughly the same thickness so they cook evenly — nothing worse than one side burnt and the other raw.
Don’t Overcrowd: Spread them out on the baking sheet; if they’re too close, they’ll steam instead of roast and miss out on crispiness.
Use Parchment Paper: It makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking — I always line my sheet for this recipe.
Taste Test Seasoning: Don’t be shy with salt and spices — cabbage can handle bold flavors, so make sure each steak gets a generous coating.

How to Serve Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Paprika Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these cabbage steaks with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few toasted pumpkin seeds for some crunch. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving brightens everything up and cuts through the richness of the oil and spices. Sometimes, I drizzle a little tahini sauce or a dollop of vegan sour cream for extra creaminess.

Side Dishes

These roasted cabbage steaks shine on their own, but I often pair them with a hearty grain like quinoa or farro for a filling meal. They’re also fantastic alongside your favorite pasta tossed in olive oil or tomato sauce. When I’m feeling veggie-heavy, I throw together sautéed mushrooms or roasted eggplant for a warm, cozy plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I serve these cabbage steaks stacked like mini towers with layers of sautéed tofu or mushrooms in between. I’ve also tried serving them on a big platter with an assortment of dips and fresh herbs for a fun make-your-own topping bar — it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I pop leftover cabbage steaks in a sealed container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor well, just keep in mind the edges get a little softer in the fridge, which is perfectly fine for me!

Freezing

Freezing works, but I find the texture changes a bit — the cabbage gets softer after thawing. If you want to freeze, wrap each steak tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for about 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring those roasted cabbage steaks back to life, I prefer reheating them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This helps restore some crispiness. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too, but it softens the edges more.

FAQs

Can I use green cabbage instead of small cabbage heads?

Absolutely! Green cabbage works great. Just aim for evenly thick slices so they cook at the same rate. Larger heads might require a bit more roasting time to get that tender center.
Can I add fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

You can, but fresh garlic might burn in the hot oven and turn bitter. I recommend sticking to garlic powder for even, mellow flavor. If you want fresh garlic aroma, try roasting whole cloves separately and serving alongside.
What other seasonings work well with this Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Paprika Recipe?

Besides paprika and garlic powder, cumin, smoked chili powder, or even curry powder can add interesting layers. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano sprinkled on after roasting elevate the dish nicely.
Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free as is — just double-check your spices to be sure no cross-contaminations have occurred if that’s a concern for you.

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Paprika Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s so simple yet so satisfying. It reminds me of cozy fall dinners with a twist and always feels special even when my pantry is sparse. If you’ve never roasted cabbage this way, do yourself a favor and try it — I promise it’ll become a go-to side dish that’s easy, delicious, and surprisingly addictive.