If you’re looking for a side dish that could pretty much upstage the main event, Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage is what your dinner table needs. This recipe transforms humble cabbage into something unexpectedly luxurious: each slice bakes up butter-tender, infused with garlicky richness and bubbling Parmesan. You’ll be amazed at how this simple combination turns cabbage into an irresistible, golden masterpiece. Whether you serve it as a cozy weeknight side or as an impressive addition to a festive spread, Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage is sure to win everyone over with its comforting texture and big flavors.

Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage is all about letting a handful of good ingredients shine. Each element plays a part—whether it’s flavor, texture, or color—in turning plain cabbage into something spectacular. Here’s what you’ll need, and why every ingredient matters:

Green cabbage: The hero of the dish, its layers hold up beautifully and become meltingly soft in the oven.
Unsalted butter: Brings richness and that “melting” quality, coating the cabbage in savory flavor.
Fresh garlic: Adds deep, aromatic punch—you can always use a bit more if you adore garlic!
Salt: Enhances every flavor and balances out the sweetness of cabbage.
Black pepper: Lends a gentle warmth and complexity to every bite.
Italian seasoning: A quick way to add herbal undertones without a dozen spice jars.
Grated Parmesan cheese: The star of the topping, giving a salty, nutty, crave-worthy finish.
Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: Helps steam the cabbage while bringing subtle savory depth.
Olive oil: Blends with the butter for browning, adding its own touch of fruity richness.
Fresh parsley (optional): For a bright pop of color and fresh flavor just before serving.

How to Make Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C)—you want it good and hot so the cabbage can caramelize. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or rimmed sheet pan. This helps prevent sticking, but it also lets those buttery edges get extra deliciously crisp.

Step 2: Slice and Arrange the Cabbage

Cut your cabbage into thick 1-inch rounds. There’s something fun about rounding out the cabbage: you get gorgeous layers and a texture that’s tender at the heart but, if you’re lucky, crispy at the edges. Lay these rounds in a single layer in your prepared baking dish, crowding is fine but keep them mostly intact for even cooking.

Step 3: Mix and Apply the Seasoned Butter

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Then, using a pastry brush or spoon, generously coat the tops and sides of each cabbage round. This is where the flavor magic happens—don’t skimp!

Step 4: Add Broth and Bake Covered

Pour your broth into the bottom of the baking dish. This step is crucial: the broth will gently steam the cabbage from below, making it ultra-tender. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing right about now.

Step 5: Top with Parmesan and Finish Baking

Remove the foil—get ready for the big reveal! Sprinkle your Parmesan over every cabbage slice and return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for another 15 to 20 minutes. When the cheese is golden and the cabbage is soft enough to cut with a spoon, you’re ready to eat. If you love crisp edges, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two (but keep a close watch).

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, shower the cabbage with fresh chopped parsley if you like a burst of color and freshness. Serve these beauties hot and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped parsley is classic and adds both brightness and color to Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage. Feeling bold? Try a dusting of extra Parmesan, a drizzle of good olive oil, or even a few toasted pine nuts for crunch. For contrasting tang, a squeeze of fresh lemon works wonders.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs marvelously with so many mains—think golden roast chicken, pan-seared pork chops, or even baked tofu for vegetarians. It’s also delicious with simple grains like farro or a big slice of crusty, rustic bread to mop up all those savory juices.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage the star, try arranging the rounds slightly overlapping on a platter for a gorgeous display. You can also slice them in half for easy sharing, or serve each round individually as a show-stopping restaurant-style starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To save leftovers, transfer cooled cabbage slices and their cooking juices into an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay tasty for up to 3–4 days, making lunchtime meal prep a breeze.

Freezing

While Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage can technically be frozen, the texture of the cabbage changes after thawing—expect it to be quite a bit softer. If you do freeze it, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month, and defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To bring it back to life, reheat the cabbage in a 350°F oven (covered) until hot, about 15 minutes. It’s also perfectly fine to microwave, but the oven will preserve those wonderful crispy Parmesan edges.

FAQs

Can I make Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for plant-based margarine and use a vegan Parmesan alternative. Choose vegetable broth, and it’s a fantastic vegan centerpiece.

What type Side Dish

Regular green cabbage is ideal for Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage—it’s sturdy and holds its shape perfectly. Savoy cabbage can also work for a frillier appearance and milder taste.

Can I prep this dish ahead and bake later?

Definitely! You can assemble everything (except the Parmesan) a few hours in advance and refrigerate. When ready, simply bake as directed, adding the cheese at the right time.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Good news: the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect for anyone avoiding wheat or gluten. Just check that your broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free if you’re sensitive.

How can I make the cabbage even crispier?

If you love crunch, broil the finished dish for 1–2 minutes until frizzled and golden, or use a sheet pan for better airflow. Don’t walk away—it goes from crisp to overdone quickly!

Final Thoughts

Give Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage a spot at your table just once, and you’ll start looking for excuses to make it again and again. Whether you’re a long-time cabbage fan or just cabbage-curious, this easy bake lets simple ingredients truly shine. I can’t wait for you to taste just how comforting and unexpectedly delicious cabbage can be!

Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 19 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic-Parmesan Melting Cabbage recipe is a flavorful and easy side dish that will impress your family and guests. Tender cabbage rounds are baked with a savory garlic-Parmesan butter, resulting in a deliciously cheesy and golden-brown dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Cabbage:

1 medium green cabbage, cut into 1-inch thick rounds

Garlic-Parmesan Butter:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or rimmed sheet pan.
Prepare the Cabbage: Arrange the cabbage rounds in a single layer in the baking dish.
Mix the Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Brush this mixture over the cabbage slices.
Add Broth: Pour the broth into the bottom of the baking dish.
Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Add Parmesan and Bake: Remove the foil, sprinkle Parmesan over the cabbage, and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes until golden and tender.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra crisp edges, broil the cabbage for 1–2 minutes at the end.
This dish pairs well with roast chicken, pork chops, or as a vegetarian main with crusty bread.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American