Cabbage Parmesan Recipe

Introduction

Cabbage Parmesan is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring tender cabbage slices topped with savory marinara, melted mozzarella, and sharp Pecorino Romano. This flavorful vegetarian meal is both comforting and easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons neutral oil, divided
• 1 large head green cabbage
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 4 cloves garlic, grated
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan
• 8 (1/4-inch-thick) slices fresh mozzarella
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1/3 cup of the neutral oil. Cut two ends off the cabbage, then slice it lengthwise into four pieces about 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick. Carefully remove the core from each slice, keeping the layers intact. Arrange the cabbage slices in the skillet and season with kosher salt. Cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown on both sides, about 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer the browned cabbage slices to the prepared baking sheet.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the grated garlic, chopped basil, and remaining 2 tablespoons of neutral oil. Brush this garlic-basil mixture on top of each cabbage slice.
3. Step 3: Spoon 1/4 cup of marinara sauce over each cabbage slice. Sprinkle with grated Pecorino Romano, then top each slice with two pieces of fresh mozzarella.
4. Step 4: Bake the cabbage in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 18 to 20 minutes.
5. Step 5: Arrange the cooked cabbage slices on a platter. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and garnish with additional fresh basil before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a sharp knife to carefully core the cabbage slices without separating the layers for better presentation.
• Substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different cheesy flavor profile.
• Add red pepper flakes to the garlic-basil oil for a mild spicy kick.
• Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up extra marinara and olive oil.

Storage

Store leftover cabbage Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly, about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the cabbage texture firm and the cheese melty.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cabbage for this recipe?

While green cabbage works best due to its mild flavor and sturdy leaves, you can also try savoy or napa cabbage. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly because of differences in texture.

Is this dish suitable for a vegan diet?

This recipe includes cheese, so it’s not vegan as written. However, you can substitute the Pecorino Romano and mozzarella with vegan cheese alternatives to make it completely plant-based.

Cabbage Parmesan Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 106 reviews

Cabbage Parmesan is a delicious and unique twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring caramelized cabbage slices topped with marinara sauce, Pecorino Romano, and fresh mozzarella, then baked until bubbly and golden. This vegetarian-friendly recipe combines the natural sweetness of cooked cabbage with savory cheeses and fresh basil for a comforting, flavorful meal or side dish.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Vegetables and Herbs

• 1 large head green cabbage
• 4 cloves garlic, grated
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving

Oils

• 1/3 cup plus 2 tbsp neutral oil, divided
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Cheeses and Sauces

• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan
• 8 (1/4″-thick) slices fresh mozzarella

Seasonings

• 2 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Cabbage: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Cut off the two ends of the cabbage, then slice the cabbage lengthwise into four slices, each about 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick. Carefully cut out the core from each slice, ensuring the cabbage layers stay intact.
2. Brown Cabbage Slices: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1/3 cup of neutral oil. Arrange the cabbage slices in the skillet and season with the kosher salt. Cook, turning occasionally, until both sides of each cabbage slice are golden brown, about 6 to 7 minutes total. Transfer the browned cabbage slices to the prepared baking sheet.
3. Prepare Garlic Basil Oil and Assemble: In a small bowl, combine the grated garlic, chopped fresh basil, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of neutral oil. Brush this garlic-basil mixture evenly over the top of each cabbage slice. Spoon 1/4 cup marinara sauce onto each slice, sprinkle with finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and then top with two slices of fresh mozzarella.
4. Bake Cabbage Parmesan: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
5. Serve and Garnish: Remove the cabbage from the oven and arrange the slices on a serving platter. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and garnish with additional fresh basil before serving.

Notes

• Ensure the cabbage slices are thick enough to hold their shape during cooking, ideally 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick.
• You can substitute Pecorino Romano with Parmesan if preferred.
• Fresh mozzarella slices should be about 1/4 inch thick for even melting.
• For added flavor, consider using a high-quality marinara sauce or homemade sauce.
• This dish is vegetarian but not vegan as it contains cheese.
• Use neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil for sautéing to avoid overpowering flavors.

Keywords: Cabbage Parmesan, vegetarian Italian, baked cabbage recipe, cheesy cabbage dish, easy dinner recipes, vegetarian main course