Roasting Cabbage: How Long Before It's Perfect?

Roasting cabbage is a simple process that yields a delicious, healthy, and inexpensive side dish. The ideal roasting time for cabbage is around 20 minutes in an oven preheated to 400-425 degrees Fahrenheit, though some recipes suggest a higher temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit and a longer roasting time of 40-45 minutes. The result is a vegetable with a crispy exterior and tender interior, full of sweet and nutty flavours.

How to cut cabbage for roasting

Roasting cabbage is a simple and tasty way to cook this versatile vegetable. But before roasting, you'll need to cut it into the right shape. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cut cabbage for roasting:

First, remove any damaged, browned, or wilted outer leaves from the cabbage. Rinse the cabbage under cold water and blot it dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels.

Locate the stem or core of the cabbage. This will be at the bottom of the cabbage where the leaves join together. For roasting, it's best to keep the core intact to hold the leaves together.

Using a sharp chef's knife, cut the cabbage in half lengthwise through the core. Then, cut each half into halves again lengthwise, so you have four wedges. If you want thinner wedges for better roasting, you can continue to cut the cabbage wedges vertically through the core until they reach your desired thickness. Aim for a thickness of about 1 to 1.5 inches.

Now your cabbage is ready for roasting! You can follow your favourite recipe to roast it in the oven, or try one of the suggested seasoning combinations below:

• Olive oil, salt, and black pepper
• Olive oil, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and salt
• Melted butter, onion powder, dried thyme, and grated parmesan

The best temperature to roast cabbage

Roasting cabbage is a great way to prepare this vegetable, yielding a crispy exterior and a tender interior. The best temperature to roast cabbage is between 400°F and 500°F (230°C and 260°C).

How to Roast Cabbage

First, preheat your oven to 400°F-500°F. Then, cut the cabbage into wedges or 1-inch chunks. You can also slice the cabbage into thick slices or "steaks". Keep in mind that cutting the cabbage into wedges will create a nice textural contrast between the exterior and interior, and the wedges will be hefty, almost like vegetable steaks.

Next, brush or toss the cabbage with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, red pepper flakes, onion powder, dried thyme, or marjoram. Arrange the cabbage on a baking sheet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

Roast the cabbage for about 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it is tender and charred or browned in spots.

Tips for Roasting Cabbage

• Don't remove the core when cutting the cabbage into wedges, as it will help hold the wedges together.
• Dry the cabbage thoroughly after washing to ensure it roasts properly.
• Use a dark baking sheet if you want more browning.
• Don't overcrowd the cabbage on the baking sheet, as it will prevent it from crisping up.
• Red cabbage is denser and less watery than green cabbage, resulting in crispier results. It also has a lovely peppery flavour.

Serving Suggestions

Roasted cabbage is a versatile side dish that pairs well with various entrées, such as grilled cheese, fried eggs, sandwiches, grilled salmon, chicken thighs, and more. It can also be served as a vegan main course with rice and other sides.

How long to roast cabbage for

Roasting cabbage is a simple and tasty way to prepare this vegetable, and it can be done in a few easy steps. Firstly, you'll want to preheat your oven to a high temperature—most sources recommend 400-425°F, but one source suggests a much higher temperature of 500°F.

Next, prepare your cabbage. Most recipes suggest cutting the cabbage into wedges, but one source recommends cutting it into 1-inch chunks. You can use either red or green cabbage, but red cabbage is denser and less watery, so it will be crispier when roasted.

Once your cabbage is prepared, drizzle or brush it with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, red pepper flakes, onion powder, dried thyme, or marjoram.

Now it's time to roast the cabbage. Place it in the preheated oven and roast for about 20-30 minutes, flipping the wedges halfway through. Keep an eye on the cabbage during the final minutes, as you want it to be tender and lightly charred or browned.

And that's it! Your roasted cabbage is now ready to be served as a delicious and healthy side dish. Enjoy!

How to tell when roasted cabbage is done

Roasted cabbage is done when it is tender and lightly charred or browned in some areas. Depending on your oven temperature, this should take between 15 and 45 minutes.

When roasting cabbage, you want to bring out its sweet, nutty flavour through caramelisation and browning. To achieve this, cut the cabbage into wedges or chunks and coat them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting.

Caramelisation happens faster at higher temperatures, so if you're roasting at 425°F (218°C), your cabbage will be done in about 20 minutes. If you're roasting at a lower temperature, like 400°F (204°C), it will take closer to 30 minutes. And if you're going for a very high heat of 500°F (260°C), your cabbage will be done in about 20 minutes.

Keep in mind that the size of your cabbage wedges or chunks will also affect the roasting time. Smaller pieces will cook faster, while larger pieces may take a few minutes longer.

To test if your roasted cabbage is done, insert a fork into the thickest part of the cabbage. If it slides in easily, your cabbage is ready. You can also taste a piece to ensure it has reached your desired level of tenderness.

Remember, it's better to slightly overcook cabbage than to undercook it. Undercooked cabbage can be tough and bitter, while overcooked cabbage is soft and sweet. So, if you're unsure, err on the side of leaving it in the oven a little longer.

What to serve with roasted cabbage

Roasted cabbage is a versatile side dish that can accompany a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas for what to serve with roasted cabbage:

Beef Tenderloin Roast

Roasted cabbage pairs well with beef tenderloin roast. The cabbage can be roasted in the oven at 400°F, and the beef tenderloin can be cooked using the same oven temperature, making this a convenient option.

Spicy Chicken Drumsticks

If you're looking for something with a bit of a kick, try serving roasted cabbage with spicy chicken drumsticks. The cabbage will help balance out the spice from the drumsticks, and both can be cooked in the oven simultaneously.

Pork Meatballs

For a hearty and satisfying meal, pair roasted cabbage with pork meatballs. The cabbage adds a nice crunchy texture to complement the juicy meatballs.

Grilled Cheese

Roasted cabbage can be a great side dish for a casual lunch. Try serving it with a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting and cheesy meal.

Eggs

Whether you prefer them fried, scrambled, or boiled, eggs make a great companion to roasted cabbage. The simplicity of eggs lets the flavours of the roasted cabbage shine through.

Sandwiches

Roasted cabbage can also be a tasty addition to sandwiches. Its crisp texture and slightly charred flavour can enhance the overall taste of your sandwich.

Roasted Vegetables

If you're a fan of roasted vegetables, consider making a platter with roasted cabbage as the star, accompanied by roasted broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes.

Pasta Dishes

Surprisingly, roasted cabbage goes well with pasta. Try adding it to Asian noodle dishes or tossing it with your favourite pasta and some grated Parmesan cheese.

Cast Iron Grilled Ribeye Steak

For a hearty meal, serve roasted cabbage steaks with a juicy ribeye steak cooked on a cast iron grill. The flavours of the steak and the crispy edges of the cabbage will create a delightful combination.

Crispy Cracklin' Pork Shoulder

The crispiness of roasted cabbage complements the tender, juicy pork shoulder. This combination makes for a satisfying and indulgent meal.

BBQ Chicken

Roasted cabbage can be a great substitute for Brussels sprouts when served with BBQ chicken. It provides a similar texture and flavour profile while being easier to prepare.

Frequently asked questions