Name: Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Paprika Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium-large green cabbage; 1/4 cup olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; Optional: fresh ground black pepper

There’s something quietly magical about turning humble cabbage into a dish that feels both cozy and a little special. This Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Paprika Recipe brings gorgeous caramelized edges, smoky warmth, and garlicky goodness in every bite — it’s a perfect side or even a centerpiece for a veggie-packed meal.

The image shows a close-up of two round cabbage fritters on a white marbled surface. Each fritter has multiple thin layers of cooked cabbage that are browned and crispy on the edges. The cabbage layers have a soft, slightly orange-brown cooked texture and are tightly packed in a circular shape. One fritter is whole and flat in the background, while the other one is being lifted by a silver fork, showing the soft, layered inside mixing light orange and beige tones. Bits of dark brown caramelized cabbage are scattered on the surface around them. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Paprika Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Paprika Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Paprika Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I hadn’t given cabbage steaks much thought until this recipe taught me how to unlock their hidden charm. Once you see how simple it is to roast cabbage with just garlic, olive oil, and smoked paprika, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!

Simple ingredient list: Using just a handful of everyday pantry staples, you get incredible flavor without fuss.
Rich texture and flavor: The roasting process creates caramelized, crispy edges with tender insides that feel indulgent.
Versatile and satisfying: Enjoy it as a main vegetarian dish or the perfect sidekick to meat, fish, or grains.
Easy to prepare: Minimal prep with big payoff; even busy weeknights call for something this delicious.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a starring role in bringing out the best in your cabbage steaks. These simple flavors create layers of taste and texture that perfectly complement one another.

Flat lay of one medium-large green cabbage with vibrant light green leaves, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a few sprigs of fresh garlic stems, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl containing coarse sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl holding reddish-brown smoked paprika powder, and a small white ceramic bowl with freshly ground black pepper, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Green cabbage: Choose a firm, medium-large head for thick, sturdy slices that hold up well to roasting and get beautifully caramelized.
Olive oil: This is your flavor carrier and crisping agent; use extra virgin for the best aroma and richness.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds sharp, comforting pungency that melds wonderfully with the smoky paprika.
Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and helps draw out moisture for better caramelization.
Smoked paprika: Offers a subtle smoky warmth and vibrant color that makes these steaks stand out.
Fresh ground black pepper (optional): Adds a finishing zing and complexity if you like a little heat.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Paprika Recipe is how easy it is to tailor. Whether you want it lighter or more intense, you can tweak it and still end up with a knockout dish.

Variation: I like to sprinkle a little grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast over the steaks right before serving for a cheesy kick — it elevates the flavor wonderfully.
Spice it up: Try adding a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the olive oil mix if you crave some heat.
Herb twist: Fresh thyme or rosemary tossed in before roasting adds lovely herbal notes.
Make it vegan: Stick to this original recipe and it’s naturally vegan, perfect for plant-based eating.

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

The image shows a single large roasted cabbage slice on a silver baking tray with a light brown surface. The cabbage slice has many layers, with the outer layers pale yellow and slightly crisped at the edges, curling up on the tray. The inner layers are a mix of orange and light reddish hues with some charred edges and a sprinkle of black pepper and chili flakes on top. The texture looks soft and slightly oily with some caramelized spots, giving it a roasted appearance. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Cabbage

First things first: preheat your oven to 400°F. While it warms up, I like to line my baking sheet with parchment paper — it makes cleanup so much easier. Trim off any loose or dark outer leaves from the cabbage, then slice it crosswise into 1-inch “steaks.” You should get about 6 to 8 thick slices. Pro tip: try to keep the core intact within each slice, it helps hold everything together during roasting.

Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Oil

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly minced garlic, salt, and smoked paprika. This magic mixture is what transforms simple cabbage into something unforgettable. Be generous with the garlic — it really sings when roasted!

Step 3: Oil and Roast the Cabbage Steaks

Lay your cabbage steaks out on the baking sheet and brush both sides with your garlic and paprika oil mixture. Don’t skimp — coating them well ensures even roasting and flavor. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes. At this point, you’ll want to flip each steak carefully using a wide spatula so they brown evenly. Roast an additional 5-10 minutes until the centers are tender and the edges have that beautiful caramelized texture.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Once your cabbage steaks are golden and tender, I like to give them a quick sprinkle of fresh ground black pepper before serving. Serve them hot as a delightful side or even as a light vegetarian main. Enjoy immediately for best texture and flavor!

Top Tip

From roasting to seasoning, a few little tricks have helped me nail this Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Paprika Recipe every time. These tips will save you a lot of frustration and make sure your cabbage comes out deliciously every time.

Don’t slice too thin: Thicker steaks hold their shape better and get that crispy crust without drying out.
Use a wide spatula: When flipping, a big, sturdy spatula helps prevent breakage.
Brush generously: The olive oil mix is the flavor vehicle; don’t be shy applying it to both sides.
Watch the timing: Roasting too long can make the edges bitter, so stick close to the 25-30 minute total time.

How to Serve Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Paprika Recipe

roasted cabbage steaks - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I almost always add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top for color and brightness. A squeeze of lemon can uplift the smoky paprika flavor beautifully, especially if you’re serving this as a side for richer mains.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these cabbage steaks with roasted potatoes, quinoa salad, or grilled chicken. They also make a fantastic partner to a simple bean stew when you want a comforting, plant-forward meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served these on a long platter stacked with grilled halloumi, roasted cherry tomatoes, and drizzled with a garlicky yogurt sauce — it makes a stunning centerpiece that guests always remember.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop leftover cabbage steaks into an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3-4 days. The texture will soften a bit, but the flavor stays delicious.

Freezing

I haven’t had great luck freezing these because the cabbage tends to get watery. I recommend enjoying leftovers fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen.

Reheating

To keep them crispy when reheating, I like to use my air fryer or reheat in a hot oven for 5-7 minutes rather than the microwave, which tends to make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use red cabbage instead of green for this recipe?

Yes! Red cabbage works wonderfully for this recipe and adds a beautiful color contrast. Just note that red cabbage might take a couple of extra minutes to become tender when roasting.

How do I know when the cabbage steaks are fully cooked?

Look for edges that are nicely caramelized and a center that is tender when pierced with a fork but not mushy. It usually takes around 25-30 minutes total roasting time.

Can I prepare the cabbage steaks ahead of time?

You can prep the cabbage steaks and brush them with the oil mix a few hours ahead, keeping them covered in the fridge. However, I recommend roasting just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?

Cabbage is naturally low in carbohydrates, so this recipe fits well with low-carb or keto diets, especially when paired with protein-rich sides.

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Paprika Recipe has become one of my absolute go-to ways to make cabbage exciting. There’s something so satisfying about its smoky, garlicky, caramelized edges and tender heart. I hope you give it a try and find yourself as hooked as I am — it’s a simple recipe, but one that really delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.