Cabbage Parmesan Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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