​Roasted Bacon & Garlic Butter Cabbage Steaks

 

​Thick-cut cabbage "steaks" roasted until tender and caramelized, then topped with a decadent garlic-herb butter and crispy bacon bits.

​📋 Ingredients

​The Cabbage
​1 large Head of Green Cabbage (approx. 1–1.5 kg)
​2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
​1/2 tsp Sea Salt
​1/2 tsp Cracked Black Pepper
​The Topping
​4–6 slices Thick-cut Bacon, diced
​60g (4 tbsp) Unsalted Butter, softened
​3 cloves Garlic, minced
​1 tbsp Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
​1/2 tsp Red Chili Flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
​Optional: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for finishing.

​📝 Step-by-Step Instructions

​1. Preparation and Preheating
​Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking.
​2. Slicing the "Steaks"
​Remove any loose or damaged outer leaves from the cabbage. Cut the cabbage into thick rounds (steaks), roughly 2–2.5 cm (1 inch) thick.
​Tip: Keep the core intact for each slice; this helps the "steaks" hold together during roasting.
​3. The Initial Roast
​Place the cabbage slices on the prepared baking sheet. Brush both sides generously with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Roast in the oven for 20–25 minutes. The edges should start to brown and become crispy.
​4. Crisping the Bacon
​While the cabbage is roasting, place the diced bacon in a cold skillet over medium heat. Fry until the bacon is crispy and the fat has rendered. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon bits to a paper towel-lined plate, but keep the bacon drippings in the pan.
​5. Preparing the Garlic Butter
​In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and red chili flakes. If you want extra depth, stir in one tablespoon of the warm bacon drippings into the butter mixture.
​6. Finishing and Caramelizing
​Remove the cabbage from the oven. Spread a dollop of the garlic butter onto each cabbage steak and sprinkle the crispy bacon bits on top. Return the tray to the oven for another 5–8 minutes (or under the broiler for 2 minutes) until the butter is bubbling and the cabbage is fork-tender.
​💡 Chef’s Notes
​The "Char" is Flavor: Don't be afraid of dark brown edges on the cabbage; that caramelization provides a sweet contrast to the salty bacon.
​Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and add smoked paprika to the garlic butter to maintain that smoky profile.
​Serving Suggestion: These are best served hot, straight from the oven. They pair perfectly with roasted chicken or a grilled steak.
​Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cooking Time: 30 Minutes
Calories: Approx. 220 kcal per serving