Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these baked garlic parmesan cabbage steaks are a delightful twist on your usual veggie side. Inspired by the classic Midwest comfort foods, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a dish that's both satisfying and nutritious. You might want to make this because it's a great way to introduce the family to cabbage in a new, exciting form. Plus, who can resist the combination of garlic and parmesan? Serve them up with a homemade lemon butter sauce for a fresh, zesty finish.

These cabbage steaks pair wonderfully with roasted chicken or grilled pork chops. Consider serving them alongside mashed potatoes or a light salad to make a well-rounded meal. They can also stand alone as a vegetarian main dish, perhaps complemented by a hearty lentil soup or a grain salad for a meatless dinner option.

Servings: 4 servings

1 large head of cabbage
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cut the cabbage into 1-inch thick slices, creating 'steaks'.

In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.

Brush the garlic oil mixture generously over both sides of each cabbage steak and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Sprinkle the parmesan cheese over each cabbage steak and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and the edges are crispy.

While the cabbage steaks are baking, prepare the lemon butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.

Stir in the lemon juice and zest, whisking until smooth. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Once the cabbage steaks are done, drizzle them with the lemon butter sauce and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

For a smoky twist, try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the garlic oil mixture before brushing the cabbage. For those who enjoy a tangier taste, add a dash of balsamic vinegar. If you're cooking for picky eaters, consider swapping out parmesan for shredded mozzarella, which tends to have a milder flavor. Additionally, you could add some cooked bacon bits on top for a bit of extra savory goodness.

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