If you’re searching for a delicious way to elevate a humble vegetable, this Garlic Butter Roasted Cabbage Recipe will absolutely delight your taste buds. Roasting cabbage with a generous smear of garlic butter brings out its natural sweetness while adding a crisp, caramelized edge that’s simply irresistible. This recipe transforms cabbage from a simple side to a memorable star of any meal, making it the perfect choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed cabbage any other way!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Butter Roasted Cabbage Recipe is truly in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to enhance flavor and texture without overshadowing the cabbage’s natural charm. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a dish that’s richly buttery, subtly smoky, and bursting with aroma.
- Green cabbage (1 medium-sized head): This forms the heart of the dish, providing tender bite and earthy sweetness when roasted.
- Unsalted butter (5 tablespoons): Divided use ensures a deep buttery flavor and perfect caramelization without overwhelming saltiness.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a mild, savory depth that complements the cabbage beautifully.
- Sea salt (¾ teaspoon, adjust to taste): Enhances all the flavors and helps draw out natural moisture for great texture.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Brings a subtle smoky warmth and lovely color contrast to the cabbage edges.
- Dried parsley (½ teaspoon): For a touch of herbal brightness and a pop of green flecks.
- Garlic (2 large cloves, minced): The star of the garlic butter drizzle, infusing every bite with irresistible aroma and punch.
How to Make Garlic Butter Roasted Cabbage Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Butter and Oven
Start by bringing 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter out to soften—room temperature is perfect for easy spreading. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 420 degrees Fahrenheit; this high heat is essential for achieving that caramelized, crispy edge we love in this Garlic Butter Roasted Cabbage Recipe.
Step 2: Cut Your Cabbage
Trim off the rounded top and the tough, hard tail from your cabbage head for clean edges. Slice the cabbage into wedges about half to three-quarters of an inch thick. This thickness strikes the ideal balance between tender centers and those golden, crispy edges. For a less crispy but more visually striking presentation, cutting into 1-inch rounds and baking slightly longer works beautifully.
Step 3: Arrange and Season the Cabbage
Lightly oil a large rimmed baking sheet or use parchment paper to prevent sticking. Lay the cabbage wedges in a single layer, ensuring they have enough room to crisp without steaming. Spread the softened butter over the wedges and sprinkle with sea salt, onion powder, paprika, and dried parsley—these seasonings layer the cabbage with great flavor and gorgeous color.
Step 4: Roast and Flip
Bake the cabbage for 20 minutes at 420°F, then carefully flip each wedge using a sturdy metal spatula. This step encourages even caramelization on both sides, helping each bite become tender inside with that trademark crisp outside. Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until you notice that irresistible golden brown on the edges and the cabbage is softened to your liking.
Step 5: Add the Garlic Butter Drizzle
While the cabbage roasts, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Stir in the minced garlic, then spread this aromatic garlic butter evenly over the cabbage wedges. Pop it back in the oven for 3 to 5 more minutes to let the garlic release its fragrant oils and infuse the dish. If you don’t have fresh garlic on hand, you can sprinkle garlic powder earlier along with other seasonings to keep things simple.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the garlic butter has worked its magic, remove the cabbage from the oven and get ready to enjoy one of the most satisfying vegetable dishes you can imagine. This Garlic Butter Roasted Cabbage Recipe will quickly become a dinner table favorite.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Roasted Cabbage Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh, vibrant touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the cabbage right before serving. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the rich buttery flavor perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Roasted Cabbage Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even alongside a hearty grain bowl. The savory buttery notes complement protein dishes effortlessly and bring a pop of texture to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the wedges for a rustic cabbage “tower” or arrange them fan-style on a serving platter for a stunning presentation. For a comforting twist, top with crispy fried shallots or a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for added crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover garlic butter roasted cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making it a fantastic make-ahead side.
Freezing
While cabbage tends to get softer after freezing, you can freeze roasted wedges if wrapped tightly in foil and placed inside a freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw gently in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat your leftovers, pop them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to regain the crispy edges. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that delightful roasted texture.
FAQs
Can I use red cabbage for this Garlic Butter Roasted Cabbage Recipe?
Absolutely! Red cabbage will offer a slightly sweeter and earthier flavor as well as beautiful color. Just keep an eye on roasting time, as red cabbage can sometimes be a bit denser.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Using unsalted butter gives you more control over the seasoning, especially with the added salt in the recipe. However, if you only have salted butter, reduce the amount of additional salt accordingly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Replace butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil. The roasting process will still caramelize the cabbage deliciously, though the flavor will be slightly different.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic? Can I use garlic powder?
You can substitute garlic powder for fresh garlic, but add it earlier with the other seasonings to ensure it has time to release its flavor during roasting. The fresh garlic butter drizzle step is what makes this recipe truly special though!
How thick should I cut the cabbage wedges for the best results?
For the perfect balance of tender inside and crispy outside, aim for wedges about ½ inch to ¾ inch thick. Thicker wedges take longer to cook through but hold their shape nicely, while thinner ones cook faster but can become delicate.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Roasted Cabbage Recipe is a fantastic way to bring simple ingredients to life with bold flavors and irresistible textures. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself to a comforting vegetable dish, it’s a must-try favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a go—you might just find your new go-to side!
PrintGarlic Butter Roasted Cabbage Recipe
This Garlic Butter Roasted Cabbage recipe features tender cabbage wedges roasted to golden perfection with a flavorful blend of garlic, butter, and spices. It delivers a deliciously caramelized exterior with crispy edges and a tender interior, making it a perfect savory side dish for any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cabbage and Seasonings
- 1 medium-sized head green cabbage
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ¾ tsp sea salt (to taste)
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- 2 large cloves garlic (minced)
Butter
- 5 Tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
Instructions
- Soften the Butter: Bring 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter out of the refrigerator about 10-20 minutes ahead of time to soften. Alternatively, use the ‘soften’ setting on your microwave to achieve a softened texture suitable for spreading.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 420°F (215°C). This high temperature is key to achieving a caramelized effect with crispy edges on the cabbage.
- Prepare the Cabbage: Place the cabbage on a cutting board and slice off the rounded top and the hard tail end. Using a sharp knife, cut the cabbage into wedges approximately ½ to ¾ inch thick. Thicker rounds, around 1 inch, can be used if you prefer less crispy edges and a more elegant presentation.
- Arrange Cabbage on Baking Sheet: Lightly spray a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking oil or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Place the cabbage wedges in a single layer on the sheet, making sure not to overcrowd them.
- Butter and Season: Spread the softened 4 tablespoons of butter evenly over the cabbage wedges. Optionally, drizzle a small amount of olive oil to protect the cabbage from high-heat roasting. Sprinkle the sea salt, onion powder, paprika, and dried parsley evenly over the cabbage.
- Initial Bake: Bake the cabbage in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After this time, carefully flip the wedges using a sturdy spatula or metal spatula to preserve their shape. Don’t be concerned if they unravel slightly, you can rearrange them as needed.
- Continue Roasting: Return the cabbage to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, until you notice the cabbage is golden brown, caramelized, and tender. The exact baking time can vary based on wedge thickness and desired doneness.
- Garlic Butter Drizzle: Microwave the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a small bowl for 20-30 seconds until melted. Stir in the minced garlic thoroughly. Spoon or brush this garlic butter mixture evenly over the cabbage wedges.
- Final Bake: Bake the cabbage with the garlic butter for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and the cabbage reaches your preferred doneness. If fresh garlic is unavailable, substitute garlic powder with the initial seasonings.
- Serve: Remove the roasted cabbage from the oven and serve warm alongside your favorite main dish. Enjoy the rich garlic butter flavor complemented by tender, crisp edges.
Notes
- For less crispy edges, cut the cabbage into 1-inch thick rounds and bake slightly longer.
- If you do not have cooking spray, use parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
- Use a metal spatula to carefully flip cabbage to keep wedges intact.
- Garlic butter adds rich flavor; if you prefer, garlic powder can be sprinkled before roasting instead of fresh garlic in the final step.
- You can drizzle a little olive oil along with butter to protect the cabbage from high temperatures and enhance roasting.
