Mediterranean Baked Cabbage Steaks with Cheese and Sauce
Cabbage gets a delicious Mediterranean makeover in this simple baked dish. Thick slices of cabbage, roasted until tender and caramelized, are topped with cheese and a creamy sauce for a rich, comforting flavor. Smoked paprika and garlic powder add depth, while fresh parsley or chili brings brightness and a little kick. It’s an easy side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, legumes, or grains, but it’s also hearty enough to stand on its own.
Time
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: 40–45 minutes
Ingredients
Cabbage: 1 head of cabbage, sliced into thick “steaks”
Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons
Seasonings:
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce: 2 tablespoons creamy sauce (cashew cream, tahini dressing, or vegan ranch)
Cheese: 1 cup shredded cheese (vegan or dairy, your choice)
Optional Garnish: Chopped red chili or fresh parsley
Instructions
Preheat oven: Heat to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare cabbage steaks: Remove loose outer leaves of the cabbage and slice it into 1-inch-thick “steaks,” cutting straight through the core to hold them together.
Season cabbage: Place cabbage steaks on the prepared baking sheet. Brush both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bake: Roast in the oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway, until cabbage is tender and edges are browned and slightly crisp.
Add cheese: Remove from oven, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over each steak, and return to the oven for another 5–8 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finish with sauce: Drizzle your chosen creamy sauce over the hot cabbage steaks.
Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with chopped red chili or fresh parsley for a finishing touch. Serve warm.
Tips
Cut evenly: Slice the cabbage into uniform steaks so they cook at the same rate.
Use parchment paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Flip carefully: Use a wide spatula to turn the steaks halfway through so they stay intact.
Cheese last: Add the cheese toward the end so it melts without burning.
Serve hot: Cabbage steaks are best enjoyed right out of the oven while the edges are crispy and the cheese is gooey.
Variations
Cheese choices: Try mozzarella for a melty finish, feta for a tangy bite, or a vegan blend for a plant-based version.
Herb upgrade: Sprinkle fresh thyme, oregano, or basil before baking for extra Mediterranean flavor.
Spicy kick: Add chili flakes or harissa paste before roasting for heat.
Sauce swap: Instead of tahini or cashew cream, try pesto, garlic aioli, or even tzatziki.
Extra toppings: Add roasted chickpeas, toasted pine nuts, or olives on top for more texture and protein.
Make it a meal: Serve over couscous, quinoa, or bulgur with a side of hummus for a complete plate.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can roast the cabbage steaks in advance, then reheat and add cheese and sauce just before serving for the best texture.
Q: How do I keep the cabbage steaks from falling apart?
A: Cut through the core when slicing—this helps hold the leaves together during baking.
Q: Can I grill these instead of baking?
A: Yes. Brush with oil and seasonings, then grill over medium heat for about 6–8 minutes per side before topping with cheese and sauce.
Q: What’s the best cheese for melting?
A: Mozzarella and cheddar melt beautifully, while feta or Parmesan add stronger Mediterranean flavor but less melt.
Nutrition
(per serving, based on 4 servings with dairy cheese and tahini sauce)
Calories: ~210
Protein: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fat: 14 g
Fiber: 5 g
Calcium: ~18% DV
(Values are approximate and will vary depending on cheese and sauce choice.)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Baked Cabbage Steaks with Cheese and Sauce are a simple but impressive dish that turns a humble cabbage into a flavorful, hearty side or vegetarian main. Roasted until tender and caramelized, then finished with melted cheese and a drizzle of creamy sauce, they’re comforting, colorful, and easy to customize. Pair with grains, legumes, or grilled proteins for a wholesome Mediterranean-inspired meal.