Drizzle this 1 mixture over raw cabbage slices into a baking sheet for a savory side dish that’s way more satisfying than it looks
These Southern Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Garlic Bacon Butter turn a humble head of cabbage into a show-stopping side dish. By roasting thick “steaks” at a high temperature, you achieve a beautiful contrast between the charred, crispy outer edges and the tender, buttery core. The smoky bacon bits and garlic melt into the crevices of the cabbage layers during the roast, creating a savory, built-in sauce that makes this dish feel incredibly indulgent.
ADVERTISEMENT
Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Green cabbage | 1 medium (2–2 1/2 lbs) |
| Butter (unsalted, melted) | 6 tablespoons |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Bacon bits (crispy, cooked) | 1/2 cup |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Smoked paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Olive oil (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh parsley (optional garnish) | 1 tablespoon |
Step-by-Step Directions:
Step 1: The High-Heat Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Trim the very bottom of the cabbage core so it sits flat, then slice it from top to bottom into rounds roughly 3/4 to 1-inch thick.
ADVERTISEMENT
Tip: Keep the core intact! The core is what holds the “steak” together. If you cut it out completely, the cabbage will fall apart into separate leaves on the baking sheet.
ADVERTISEMENT
Step 2: The Garlic Bacon Butter: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and those crispy bacon bits. This single mixture provides all the fat and seasoning the cabbage needs to transform in the oven.
Step 3: Drizzle and Infuse: Arrange the cabbage slices in a single layer. Spoon the butter mixture evenly over each steak. Use the back of the spoon to press the garlic and bacon bits into the nooks and crannies of the leaves so the flavor penetrates deep into the center.
Step 4: The Roast: Bake for 20–25 minutes. You are looking for the edges to be dark brown and “frilly” while the center remains soft and translucent.
Tip: If your oven has hot spots, rotate the pan halfway through. The sugar in the cabbage and the milk solids in the butter can go from “perfectly charred” to “burnt” very quickly at this temperature.
Step 5: The Final Spoon: Remove from the oven and use a spatula to spoon any flavorful butter and bacon bits that pooled on the parchment back over the tops of the steaks. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately while the edges are still shatteringly crisp.
