Garlic Butter Roasted Cabbage Recipe

If you’re craving something unexpectedly delicious, Garlic Butter Roasted Cabbage is about to become your new obsession. With crisp, caramelized edges and a melt-in-your-mouth buttery interior, this simple side dish turns humble cabbage into a total showstopper you’ll want to make again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines with its short list of simple, honest ingredients. Each one brings its own personality to the table—from the hearty crunch of cabbage to the fragrant garlic and that glorious, golden butter—making every bite comforting and vibrant.

• Green cabbage: The star of the show! Cabbage roasts up delightfully tender inside with crispy, flavorful edges—choose a firm, fresh head for the best texture.
• Unsalted butter: Using plenty of softened butter gives every layer delicious richness; unsalted lets you control the seasoning perfectly.
• Onion powder: Adds a mellow savory note that deepens the flavor of every bite.
• Sea salt: Helps the cabbage caramelize and draws out its natural sweetness—sprinkle to taste.
• Paprika: Lends just a hint of warmth and an inviting pop of color on those golden wedges.
• Dried parsley: Brings freshness and a splash of green that makes the dish stand out.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic turns aromatic and sweet as it roasts—don’t skimp if you’re a garlic lover!

Variations

The beauty of Garlic Butter Roasted Cabbage is how easily you can riff on it depending on what you have in your pantry or what flavors you’re craving. Whether you’re looking to make it vegan or amp up the spices, there’s lots of room for customizing to your heart’s content!

• Vegan Swap: Use a vegan butter or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for a plant-based, dairy-free version that’s just as delicious.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne with the seasonings for cabbage with gentle heat.
• Lemon Zest: Add finely grated lemon zest over the roasted cabbage just before serving for bright, zippy flavor.
• Herb Lovers’ Mix: Try mixing in dried thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning in place of or alongside the parsley.

How to Make Garlic Butter Roasted Cabbage

Step 1: Soften the Butter

About 10 to 20 minutes before you start, bring 4 tablespoons of butter out of the fridge to let it soften to room temperature. Soft but still cool butter makes it easier to spread evenly on the cabbage—no torn slices, just perfectly coated edges. If you’re short on time, the microwave “soften” setting is your friend.

Step 2: Prep Cabbage and Oven

Preheat your oven to 420°F (that high heat is key to caramelization!). Set the cabbage on a large cutting board and, using a sharp knife, slice off both the rounded top and the tough tail end. Then, cut the cabbage into ½- to ¾-inch wedges. Not only does this size get gorgeously crisp around the edges, it’s also tender in the middle. Want thicker “steaks” for a showier look? Go for 1-inch rounds and simply roast a bit longer.

Step 3: Arrange and Butter the Cabbage

Lightly spritz a large, rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Lay the cabbage slices out in a single layer, making sure the pieces don’t overlap. Gently spread the softened butter on top of each wedge—don’t be shy! For a little insurance against the high heat, you can also drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil over the cabbage before roasting.

Step 4: Season Generously

Sprinkle the cabbage evenly with sea salt, onion powder, paprika, and dried parsley. These seasonings create a beautiful crust and infuse flavor into every nook and cranny. This is when the anticipation really kicks in!

Step 5: Roast to Golden Perfection

Roast the cabbage for 20 minutes, then use a wide, sturdy metal spatula to carefully flip each wedge. If some of the slices start to fall apart, don’t worry—just nudge them back together as best you can. Return to the oven and roast for another 5 minutes until the cabbage is bronzed and caramelized around the edges. Thicker wedges may need an extra minute or two, so keep an eye on that tempting color.

Step 6: Finish with Garlic Butter

In a small bowl or ramekin, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the microwave, then stir in the minced garlic. Carefully spoon or brush the fragrant mixture over the hot cabbage and return the pan to the oven for a final 3 to 5 minutes. This quick blast wakes up the garlic and makes your Garlic Butter Roasted Cabbage unforgettable. If you only have garlic powder, you can sprinkle it on with the other spices before roasting for a similar effect.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Once the cabbage is beautifully golden, softened in the center, and your kitchen smells like pure heaven, it’s ready to serve. Garlic Butter Roasted Cabbage makes a knockout side or a stunning addition to your main dish—it’s that good.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Roasted Cabbage

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a shower of finely chopped fresh parsley, or even a dusting of parmesan cheese right out of the oven can take your Garlic Butter Roasted Cabbage from homey to seriously restaurant-worthy. If you love a little zing, squeeze over some fresh lemon juice just before serving.

Side Dishes

This cabbage is a fabulous partner for just about any main—think juicy roast chicken, buttery salmon, baked tofu, or a hearty grain salad. Serve with fluffy mashed potatoes or warm crusty bread for a totally satisfying meal (and to soak up every last drop of that garlic butter!).

Creative Ways to Present

For a little extra wow-factor, arrange the cabbage rounds overlapping on a rustic wooden board, drizzle with the remaining garlic butter, and scatter microgreens or pomegranate seeds for color. You can also slice each wedge in half and stack them neatly to create individual “towers”—perfect for a holiday table or dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Garlic Butter Roasted Cabbage cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making meal prep or next-day lunches a total breeze.

Freezing

While best eaten fresh, you can freeze roasted cabbage wedges if needed. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until firm, then pack into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for about 1 month. Keep in mind, texture will soften once thawed, but the flavor remains divine.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat Garlic Butter Roasted Cabbage in a hot oven (400°F) for about 8–10 minutes. This brings back the crispy edges and that buttery aroma. Microwaving works in a pinch but may soften the wedges a bit more.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you fall in love with Garlic Butter Roasted Cabbage as much as I have! It’s the kind of simple-yet-magical dish that makes you appreciate the beauty of cozy, homemade food. Try it soon—I promise, even cabbage skeptics will be coming back for seconds!

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