Name: Baked Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Paprika Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 small cabbage heads; 3 tbsp. olive oil; ½ tsp. salt or to taste; 2 tsp. paprika; 1 tbsp. garlic powder; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 8 reviews

If you’ve never tried Baked Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Paprika Recipe, you’re in for a real treat! This simple yet incredibly flavorful dish turns humble cabbage into crispy, savory steaks that are bursting with smoky paprika and garlicky goodness. Trust me, once you see how easy it is to make and how delicious it tastes, you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation — it’s that fan-freaking-tastic.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just a few pantry staples like garlic powder and paprika, you get an amazing smoky and savory taste that really shines through.
Perfect Texture Contrast: The edges get crispy while the inside stays tender, giving you the best of both worlds in every bite.
Easy to Prep and Bake: Minimal chopping and just one baking tray make this dish a quick and fuss-free way to enjoy veggies.
Versatile Side or Snack: Whether you want a simple snack or a side dish to complement your main course, these cabbage steaks step up.

Baked Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Paprika, roasted cabbage steaks, healthy veggie steaks, savory cabbage recipes, easy cabbage side dish - The image shows a close-up of a roasted cabbage wedge, placed on a white marbled surface. The cabbage has many layers, with the outer leaves charred and dark brown, while the inner layers are light green and yellow. The top layer is coated with a reddish-brown seasoning that looks slightly crispy. A metallic fork is stuck into the cabbage, lifting some soft, cooked pieces which look pale and juicy with a slight shine. The fork has a black handle and is positioned toward the upper right side of the cabbage. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

I love how the ingredients for this Baked Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Paprika Recipe come together to create something that’s warm, comforting, and just packed with flavor. These basics let the cabbage shine while the spices add just the right kick.

Baked Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Paprika, roasted cabbage steaks, healthy veggie steaks, savory cabbage recipes, easy cabbage side dish - Flat lay of two small fresh green cabbage heads cut to show thick wedges, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl filled with coarse sea salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl containing vibrant red paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl with pale beige garlic powder, placed 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

Cabbage Heads: Choose small to medium heads for perfect steak thickness and even cooking. The natural sweetness and subtle bitterness balance the spices beautifully.
Olive Oil: Helps in that delicious browning and crispy edge development, plus it carries the garlic and paprika flavors on the cabbage.
Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural sweetness of the cabbage and enhancing all the other flavors.
Paprika: Offers a warm smoky depth that really sets these steaks apart from your usual roasted greens.
Garlic Powder: Adds a savory, aromatic hit without overwhelming the delicate cabbage notes.

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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

What I really enjoy about this Baked Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Paprika Recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily tweak the spices or add toppings to make it your own little creation.

Spicy Kick: Sometimes I like to sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking for an extra pop of heat that wakes up the whole dish.
Herbaceous Touch: Adding fresh parsley or thyme after baking gives a fresh, bright note—perfect if you’re serving these steaks alongside richer mains.
Umami Boost: Drizzling a little balsamic glaze or adding grated parmesan works wonders if you want a savory, elevated finish.
Vegan Protein Addition: Topped with pan-seared tofu cubes, these cabbage steaks instantly turn into a hearty, satisfying meal.

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Cabbage Steaks with Care

I start by cutting the core stem off the cabbage heads, then slicing each into ¾ to 1-inch thick wedges. Thick cuts are crucial because thin ones tend to fall apart or dry out. Keep the pieces a bit chunky so you get that satisfyingly tender center with crispy edges. Pro tip: use a sharp knife and steady hands — this keeps your slices neat and less likely to crumble during roasting.

Step 2: Oil and Season Generously

Lay the cabbage steaks on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space around them for air to circulate. Brush both sides liberally with olive oil — this is key for browning and carrying those smoky paprika and garlicky flavors. Then sprinkle salt, garlic powder, and paprika evenly on all sides. I often add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild heat that complements the smoky notes.

Step 3: Roast to Golden Perfection

Slide your tray into a preheated oven at 400°F and bake for about 25 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges — you want them to turn golden brown and crisp without burning. If you notice any spots cooking faster, rotate the pan halfway through. When done, the cabbage should be tender when poked with a fork, with delightfully charred edges that add texture and flavor.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Slice Thickness Matters: I learned the hard way that slicing too thin leads to floppy edges—thicker steaks hold shape and crisp up better.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Giving each steak space allows the heat to crisp all sides evenly rather than steaming them.
Brush Both Sides: Many forget this step, but oiling both sides ensures every bite is flavorful with that perfect crust.
Rotate Your Pan: Oven hot spots can cause uneven browning, so rotating halfway keeps your steaks golden all over.

How to Serve Baked Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Paprika Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing these cabbage steaks with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice—it brightens the smoky flavors so beautifully. Sometimes, a dusting of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze adds a luxurious touch that makes a simple veggie feel special.

Side Dishes

For a complete meal, these cabbage steaks pair wonderfully with grain salads like quinoa or farro, or alongside creamy mashed potatoes. I’ve also served them with sautéed mushrooms or roasted eggplant for a hearty, veggie-forward dinner that feels indulgent yet healthy.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners or casual parties, I sometimes layer these baked steaks over a bed of riced cauliflower and top with crispy tofu cubes and a sprinkle of toasted seeds. The layered presentation makes it look gourmet while still being easy to assemble—always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the cabbage steaks cool, I pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate. They keep well up to 3 days, making them a perfect make-ahead side or snack for busy weeks.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftovers by placing individual cabbage steaks on a tray first to flash freeze, then transferring them to freezer bags. When reheated, they lose a bit of crispness but still taste great for a quick veggie option later.

Reheating

To bring the cabbage steaks back to life, warming them in a 350°F oven on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes restores the crisp edges better than the microwave, which tends to turn them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cabbage for this recipe?

Absolutely! While green cabbage works perfectly, you can try red cabbage for a pop of color and slightly different sweetness. Just keep the steak thickness consistent for even roasting.
How do I make this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free as long as you use pure spices and olive oil. Just watch out for any additional toppings or sides to keep it compliant with your dietary needs.
What else can I serve with baked cabbage steaks?

They pair beautifully with grains like quinoa, rice, or couscous, roasted or sautéed vegetables, or even as a topping for burgers or grain bowls. The options are endless.
How do I avoid soggy cabbage steaks?

Make sure to slice thick enough, space the steaks out on your baking tray, and brush oil on both sides. Also, avoid covering them while roasting so they crisp up nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Paprika Recipe is one of my all-time favorite veggie dishes because it’s so simple but delivers big on flavor and texture. It’s perfect for anyone looking to make cabbage exciting, healthy, and downright delicious. If you give it a try, I bet it’ll become a regular in your kitchen like it is in mine — feel free to share how you customize it or what sides you love with it!