Picture this: fork-tender cabbage slices crowned with golden, bubbling cheese and kissed with the irresistible flavors of garlic and butter. Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage transforms humble green cabbage into a stunning side that could easily outshine the main course. Every bite is savory, comforting, and full of soul, making this dish a delicious revelation whether you’re new to roasted cabbage or a longtime fan. Once you’ve tasted the rich, aromatic magic that happens as the cabbage bakes in garlicky broth and Parmesan, you’ll want to make this again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing essential flavor, richness, or a pop of color. Gather these must-haves and prepare to watch magic happen in your oven.
- Green cabbage: The main event gets meltingly tender and soaks up all the garlicky goodness.
- Unsalted butter: Delivers rich flavor and helps the cabbage caramelize beautifully.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic brings out big, bold aromas—don’t skimp!
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the earthy undertones in the cabbage.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a little kick, these add a touch of warmth.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Infuses the cabbage with extra flavor and keeps it moist as it bakes.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into golden, crispy perfection on top. Freshly grated is a must for the best melt.
- Olive oil: Rounds out the buttery base and helps coat the cabbage evenly.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Brightens the finished dish with a fresh green pop and a herby lift.
How to Make Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage
Step 1: Prep Your Cabbage
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s piping hot and ready for that savory magic. Cut your cabbage into 1-inch thick rounds—think sturdy but not too thick, so everything gets beautifully tender in the oven. Arrange the slices flat in a single layer in a large baking dish or rimmed pan; overlapping pieces won’t cook as evenly.
Step 2: Mix Up the Buttery Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little spice. This flavorful potion will coat the cabbage, helping it caramelize at the edges and infusing it with loads of rich, garlicky flavor.
Step 3: Brush and Bathe
Brush the butter-garlic mixture generously over each cabbage round, covering every cranny for maximum flavor. Next, carefully pour the broth into the bottom of the dish—aiming for the spaces around the cabbage, not directly on top. The broth ensures the cabbage bakes up tender and deeply flavored, almost melting into deliciousness.
Step 4: Cover and Bake
Cover your dish tightly with foil to lock in all those fragrant steam and flavors. Pop it in the oven and let the cabbage bake for 25 minutes—this first stage softens the cabbage to “melting” territory.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan generously over the cabbage rounds. Place the dish back in the oven, uncovered, for another 20–25 minutes. The cheese will melt, bubble, and eventually turn a gorgeous golden color. For extra crispy edges, you can broil the cabbage for 2–3 minutes to finish, watching closely!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage looks irresistibly golden and bubbly, remove it from the oven. Scatter chopped fresh parsley over the top for a lovely burst of green, and serve piping hot—get ready for rave reviews!
How to Serve Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brings a hint of freshness and color that makes each slice pop visually and adds a subtle herby finish. You can also try a dash of extra Parmesan or a light drizzle of olive oil right before serving for even more richness.
Side Dishes
Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage is incredibly versatile—it pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, grilled sausages, or vegetarian mains like lentil loaf. If you’re looking for a comforting combination, serve alongside mashed potatoes or buttery rice for a meal that feels utterly cozy.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the rounds on a rustic platter, overlapping them slightly and topping with extra parsley and cheese. For a charming starter, cut the rounds into wedges and serve as finger food at a gathering. Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage also makes a delicious base under a poached egg for a surprising brunch treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage keeps well—simply transfer cooled slices to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors deepen and mellow, making it just as delightful the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooled slices of Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage for up to one month. Layer parchment between the rounds to prevent sticking, and store in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, arrange slices in a baking dish, cover lightly with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through—about 15 minutes. For extra crispness, remove the foil for the last few minutes or use the broiler briefly.
FAQs
Can I make Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage vegan?
Absolutely! For a vegan version, swap the butter for vegan butter or more olive oil, use vegetable broth, and substitute nutritional yeast for the Parmesan cheese. The finished dish is still ultra-creamy and full of flavor.
How do I choose the best cabbage for this recipe?
Look for a large, firm, and heavy head of green cabbage with tight, crisp leaves and no brown spots. The denser the cabbage, the better it will hold up during roasting and achieve that “melting” texture.
Can I prepare the cabbage rounds ahead of time?
Yes! You can slice the cabbage a day ahead and store the rounds in the refrigerator, covered, to save prep time. For ultimate freshness, brush with the garlic-butter mixture just before baking.
What’s the best way to get extra crispy cheese on top?
For a golden, crispy cheese crust, broil the finished Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage for 2–3 minutes after adding the Parmesan. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t over-brown.
Is this dish low carb or keto-friendly?
Definitely! Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage is naturally low in carbs and high in flavor, making it a fantastic side for those watching their carb intake or following a keto lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a side dish that’s equal parts comforting and crave-able, give Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage a try. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but stunning enough for any special table. Once you taste its buttery, garlicky goodness and golden cheesy finish, you’ll wonder how you ever saw cabbage as boring!
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Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the savory delight of Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage, a delectable vegetarian side dish that marries the bold flavors of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and tender cabbage slices baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Cabbage:
- 1 large head of green cabbage, cut into 1-inch thick rounds
Seasoning:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Additional:
- ¾ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Cabbage: Arrange cabbage rounds in a single layer in a baking dish.
- Mix Seasoning: In a bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Coat Cabbage: Brush the seasoning mixture over cabbage slices.
- Add Broth: Pour broth around the cabbage in the pan.
- Bake Covered: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle Parmesan over cabbage and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan for a vegetarian or vegan version.
- For extra crispness, broil the cabbage for 2–3 minutes at the end.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cabbage slice
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
