For Incredible Cabbage, Caramelize the Heck Out of It: Try This Recipe

Despite being in season from late fall to early spring, cabbage is eaten all year round. Whether braised with St. Patrick's Day corned beef or shredded for a summer slaw, cabbage is a versatile vegetable. That said, if you're looking for the best way to cook this leafy green just roast it at a high temperature until charred. This trick removes excess moisture and brings out its natural sugars. The result: Sweet and buttery golden brown cabbage that's delicious served alongside roasted chicken or beef. Making caramelized cabbage is easy and can be prepared in less than an hour. Keep reading to get a recipe for tender charred cabbage that's guaranteed to elevate any weeknight dinner.

The basics of cooking cabbage

Cabbage is a leafy green with flavors that vary by type. Green and red cabbage have more peppery notes, while savoy cabbage is known for its sweet taste. Regardless of the variety, cabbage is a beloved vegetable due to its versatility as it can be cooked or enjoyed raw. The ultimate way to maximize the veg's flavor? Caramelize it in the oven!

Why you should caramelize cabbage

Caramelizing the cabbage by roasting it at a high heat brings out the veggie's natural sugars. This not only helps the outside brown nicely, but it cooks the sugars so they become sweeter. What this creates is crispy and tender cabbage with a nutty sweetness that pairs well with any seasoning. Also, it's quicker to caramelize in the oven versus cook on low heat on the stove. It's the perfect option when you want to get your fill of cabbage for the flavor and nutrients without waiting a long time for it to cook.

A simple and tasty caramelized cabbage recipe

This recipe for Charred Caraway Cabbage from Food Network Magazine infuses mild savoy cabbage with caraway seeds for an aromatic, anise flavor. Beyond salt and pepper, you'll need just four ingredients to make this tender side. Also, keeping the root and core intact after slicing the cabbage ensures the pieces stay together and don't burn in the oven. If you're not a fan of savoy cabbage, try substituting it with your preferred variety.

Charred Caraway Cabbage

Ingredients:

• 1 small head savoy cabbage, cut into 8 wedges (keeping root/core intact)

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• ? cup extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)

• 2 tsp. caraway seeds

• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions:

• Active: 15 mins

• Total time: 45 mins

• Yield: 6 to 8 servings

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange cabbage wedges on baking sheet.

2. Combine melted butter and olive oil in bowl; brush on cabbage wedges. Dust with caraway seeds, one teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Sprinkle 2 Tbs. water on baking sheet. Roast until cabbage is very tender and browned around edges, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer to platter, season with salt, and serve.

My taste test

I loved every aspect of this cabbage recipe. Let's start with the flavors: The bitterness of the crispy, charred outer leaves complemented the vegetable's sweet notes. The caraway seeds added nuttiness to the roasted cabbage. Plus, the melted butter and EVOO balanced the flavors nicely. As for preparation, I appreciate that it didn't require lots of cutting or shredding. This allowed me to serve the cabbage in wedges, which were tender enough to pull apart before each bite. Although burnt cabbage wasn't on my 2024 recipe bingo card, this side dish is a definite keeper. Since most veggies taste better when they're caramelized, check out our stories on yogurt-roasted carrots and mayonnaise-baked potatoes for more side dish inspiration!

Keep reading for more ways to prepare your favorite veggies!

How to Pickle Cucumbers: Quick and Easy Fridge Method for Crunchy Results

How to Grill Corn on the Cob: Chef’s Trick for Perfectly Charred, Juicy Kernels

Air-Fryer Carrots: How to Cook a Deliciously Caramelized Batch in Just 12 Minutes