Mediterranean Baked Cabbage with Creamy Cheese Sauce
This Mediterranean-inspired baked cabbage turns a humble vegetable into a rich and satisfying side dish—or even a vegetarian main course. Thick wedges of cabbage are roasted until tender and slightly caramelized, then smothered in a silky cream sauce with cheese. The result is comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly elegant. Perfect for pairing with roasted meats, fish, or enjoyed on its own with crusty bread.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: 55–60 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
Cabbage:
1 medium head cabbage (Savoy or green), cut into thick wedges or “steaks”
Olive oil, for drizzling
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Cream Sauce Base:
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, quartered or chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon spicy mustard (optional, for tang and depth)
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, mixed with 1 tablespoon water, for thickening)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese Topping:
1 cup shredded mozzarella
½ cup grated Parmesan (or a blend of cheeses)
Garnish (Optional):
Fresh parsley, chopped
Toasted walnuts or seed mix
Instructions
Prep the cabbage:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange cabbage wedges or steaks on the sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Roast the cabbage:
Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the edges are golden and slightly crisp.
Make the cream sauce:
While cabbage bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant, 5–6 minutes.
Pour in the cream and whisk in mustard. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
If using cornstarch, stir it into the sauce now and cook until slightly thickened.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove onion pieces if you prefer a smoother sauce.
Assemble and bake:
Transfer roasted cabbage to a baking dish.
Pour the cream sauce evenly over the wedges.
Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Final bake:
Return to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
Garnish and serve:
Top with fresh parsley and toasted walnuts or seeds if desired.
Serve warm as a side or light vegetarian main.
Tips & Variations
Cheese Choices:
Use Gruyère or Fontina for a nutty, melty finish.
For a sharper bite, try Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan.
Add crumbled feta on top after baking for a Mediterranean tang.
Make it Lighter:
Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
Use less cheese or swap in a lighter mozzarella blend.
Spice it Up:
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the sauce.
Stir in a spoonful of harissa or a dash of cayenne for heat.
Extra Vegetables:
Layer in roasted zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers with the cabbage for more color and flavor.
Mix in spinach or kale into the sauce before baking for a leafy boost.
Protein Additions:
Add shredded rotisserie chicken or crumbled sausage to make it a full meal.
For a vegetarian protein boost, sprinkle in chickpeas or white beans before baking.
Texture Boost:
Top with breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil and herbs for a crunchy golden crust.
Use toasted nuts or seeds as a garnish for extra crunch.
Serving Ideas:
Pair with roasted lamb, grilled chicken, or fish for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
Serve with couscous, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can roast the cabbage and prepare the sauce separately a day in advance. Assemble and bake with cheese right before serving.
Q: Do I have to use heavy cream?
A: No. Half-and-half, evaporated milk, or even a mix of milk and a little cornstarch can be used for a lighter version.
Q: How do I keep the cabbage from turning soggy?
A: Roast it at a high temperature (400°F / 200°C) until the edges are caramelized before adding the sauce and cheese. This helps it stay flavorful and not watery.
Q: Can this recipe be made vegetarian or gluten-free?
A: Yes. It’s naturally gluten-free, and it’s vegetarian as long as you don’t add meat. To make it vegan, use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.
Q: What can I serve with this dish?
A: It pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or lamb. As a vegetarian main, serve it with couscous, quinoa, or crusty bread.
Nutrition
(per serving, 1 of 6)
Estimated values
Calories: ~280
Protein: 9 g
Fat: 21 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: ~320 mg
Conclusion
Mediterranean Baked Cabbage with Creamy Cheese Sauce is a comforting yet elegant way to enjoy cabbage. The caramelized edges, creamy garlic-onion sauce, and golden cheese topping transform a simple vegetable into something hearty and flavorful. Whether you serve it as a side with roasted meats or enjoy it as a vegetarian centerpiece with grains or bread, this dish proves that cabbage can be both rustic and gourmet.