Parmesan Crusted Sheet Pan Cabbage: A Crispy, Cheesy Delight!
Are you looking for a simple, flavorful, and healthy side dish that will elevate your weeknight meals? Look no further than this Parmesan Crusted Sheet Pan Cabbage! This recipe transforms humble cabbage into a crispy, cheesy masterpiece that even cabbage skeptics will adore. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and only one sheet pan for easy cleanup. Get ready to experience the delightful combination of tender cabbage, crispy edges, and the irresistible umami of Parmesan cheese.
Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Crusted Cabbage
* **Simple and Easy:** This recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Cabbage is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making this a healthy and satisfying side dish.
* **Deliciously Flavorful:** The combination of roasted cabbage, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a touch of olive oil creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Crispy and Cheesy:** The Parmesan cheese creates a beautiful, crispy crust that adds a delightful texture to the tender cabbage.
* **Versatile:** This cabbage can be served as a side dish with a variety of main courses, or even enjoyed as a light lunch or snack.
* **Easy Cleanup:** Since everything is cooked on one sheet pan, cleanup is a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **1 medium head of cabbage (green or red),** cored and sliced into wedges
* **2-3 tablespoons olive oil**
* **1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese** (freshly grated is best for optimal flavor and texture)
* **2-3 cloves garlic, minced**
* **1/2 teaspoon garlic powder** (optional, but enhances the garlic flavor)
* **1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes** (optional, for a touch of heat)
* **Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste**
* **Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)**
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large baking sheet/sheet pan**
* **Large bowl**
* **Sharp knife**
* **Cutting board**
* **Garlic press (optional)**
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Parmesan Crusted Sheet Pan Cabbage:
**Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage**
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. While not strictly necessary, parchment paper helps prevent the cabbage from sticking and makes cleaning the pan much simpler. You can also lightly grease the baking sheet with olive oil spray.
2. Rinse the head of cabbage under cold water. Remove any outer leaves that are wilted or damaged.
3. Place the cabbage on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the cabbage in half through the core. Then, cut each half into wedges, approximately 1-inch thick. The size of the wedges can be adjusted to your preference. Thicker wedges will take a bit longer to cook, while thinner wedges will cook more quickly and become crispier.
4. Place the cabbage wedges in a large bowl.
**Step 2: Season the Cabbage**
1. Drizzle the cabbage wedges with olive oil. Ensure that all the wedges are evenly coated with the oil. The olive oil helps the cabbage to roast properly and develop a nice caramelized flavor.
2. Add the minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder (if using), red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the bowl.
3. Toss the cabbage wedges thoroughly until they are evenly coated with the Parmesan cheese and seasonings. Make sure the Parmesan cheese is distributed well among the wedges so that each piece gets a good coating. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy, cheesy crust.
**Step 3: Arrange on the Baking Sheet**
1. Arrange the seasoned cabbage wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will cause the cabbage to steam instead of roast. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
2. Ensure that the cabbage wedges are not touching each other. This will allow the hot air to circulate around each wedge, promoting even cooking and browning.
**Step 4: Bake the Cabbage**
1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the Parmesan cheese is melted and golden brown. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the cabbage wedges and your oven. Keep an eye on the cabbage and adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. Halfway through the baking time (around 10-12 minutes), you can flip the cabbage wedges for even browning on both sides. This step is optional but recommended for the best results.
**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**
1. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cabbage cool slightly before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped, for a pop of color and freshness.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!
Tips for Perfect Parmesan Crusted Cabbage
* **Use Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese:** Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting and browning properly. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt beautifully and create a delicious, crispy crust.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the baking sheet will cause the cabbage to steam instead of roast. This will result in soggy cabbage instead of crispy, caramelized cabbage. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
* **Adjust Seasonings to Your Liking:** Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your personal preferences. If you like more heat, add more red pepper flakes. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, add more garlic.
* **Experiment with Different Cheeses:** While Parmesan cheese is the classic choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** You can add other vegetables to the sheet pan along with the cabbage, such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or carrots. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Use a High Oven Temperature:** A higher oven temperature helps to create that crispy, caramelized exterior that makes this dish so delicious.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Brown It:** Don’t be afraid to let the Parmesan cheese get nice and brown. This is where the flavor comes from!
* **Optional additions:** Consider adding a sprinkle of balsamic vinegar after cooking for a tangy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Parmesan Crusted Sheet Pan Cabbage is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Roasted Chicken or Turkey:** This cabbage is a perfect accompaniment to roasted poultry.
* **Grilled Steak or Salmon:** The cheesy, crispy cabbage complements the richness of grilled meats.
* **Pork Chops:** The savory flavors of the cabbage enhance the taste of pork chops.
* **Vegetarian Mains:** Serve it alongside vegetarian dishes like lentil loaf, tofu scramble, or roasted vegetables.
* **As a Light Meal:** Enjoy it on its own as a light lunch or snack.
Variations
* **Spicy Parmesan Crusted Cabbage:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
* **Lemon Parmesan Crusted Cabbage:** Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after baking for a bright and tangy flavor.
* **Balsamic Parmesan Crusted Cabbage:** Drizzle with balsamic glaze after baking for a sweet and tangy flavor.
* **Everything Bagel Seasoning:** Substitute some of the salt and pepper with everything bagel seasoning for a unique flavor profile.
* **Smoked Paprika:** A dash of smoked paprika adds a smoky depth of flavor.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the cabbage wedges and toss them with the seasonings ahead of time. Store the seasoned cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply arrange the cabbage on a baking sheet and bake as directed.
Storage Instructions
Leftover Parmesan Crusted Sheet Pan Cabbage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. Keep in mind that the cabbage may lose some of its crispness upon reheating.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* **Serving Size:** 1 cup
* **Calories:** 150-200
* **Fat:** 10-15g
* **Saturated Fat:** 5-8g
* **Cholesterol:** 20-30mg
* **Sodium:** 200-300mg
* **Carbohydrates:** 8-12g
* **Fiber:** 3-5g
* **Sugar:** 3-5g
* **Protein:** 5-8g
*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
Conclusion
This Parmesan Crusted Sheet Pan Cabbage is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make side dish that will quickly become a family favorite. With its crispy edges, cheesy flavor, and simple preparation, it’s the perfect way to elevate any meal. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a culinary delight!
Enjoy your culinary creation!