Cabbage Crush: 10 Unexpected Cabbage Recipes Foodies Are Obsessed With

A new contender has emerged from the humble depths of the produce aisle to claim its rightful place in the spotlight. Get ready to fall in love with cabbage.

Yes, you read that right. Cabbage, the often-overlooked, sometimes-maligned, and always-affordable cruciferous vegetable, is having a major moment. And it’s not just your grandmother’s boiled cabbage we’re talking about. We’re talking about a full-blown cabbage crush, a culinary renaissance that is transforming this humble vegetable into a trendy, versatile, and surprisingly delicious star of the modern kitchen.

From crispy, crave-able cabbage steaks to savory, soul-warming cabbage roll casserole, Pinterest foodies are obsessed with finding new and unexpected ways to cook with cabbage. And it’s easy to see why. Cabbage is not only incredibly versatile, but it’s also packed with nutrients, low in calories, and incredibly budget-friendly. It’s the perfect ingredient for a time when we are all looking for ways to eat well without breaking the bank.

Here is your ultimate guide to the cabbage crush. Let’s talk about reasons this humble vegetable is suddenly so popular, and we will share 10 of the most creative, delicious, and unexpected cabbage recipes that are taking Pinterest by storm. So, get ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about cabbage. It’s time to join the cabbage crush.

The Cabbage Renaissance – Why This Humble Vegetable is Suddenly So Cool

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a moment to appreciate the cabbage itself. For too long, this versatile vegetable has been relegated to the sidelines, a supporting player in slaws and soups. But no more. The cabbage is finally getting the recognition it deserves, and it’s all thanks to a perfect storm of culinary trends and cultural shifts.

The Rise of the “It” Vegetable

In recent years, we’ve seen a number of humble vegetables rise to “it” vegetable status. First, there was kale, then came cauliflower, and now it’s cabbage’s turn. This trend is driven by a number of factors, including a growing interest in plant-based eating, a desire for more affordable and sustainable food options, and a renewed appreciation for the simple, wholesome goodness of fresh produce.

The Power of Pinterest

Pinterest has played a major role in the cabbage renaissance. The platform’s visual nature is the perfect showcase for the beautiful and creative cabbage dishes that foodies are dreaming up. From vibrant, colorful slaws to golden, crispy cabbage steaks, Pinterest is a treasure trove of cabbage inspiration.

The Comfort Food Factor

In a world that can often feel chaotic and uncertain, there is a deep and abiding need for comfort food. And while cabbage may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of comfort food, many of the most popular cabbage recipes are incredibly cozy and satisfying. Think of a warm and hearty cabbage roll casserole, a savory and soulful cabbage soup, or a plate of tender, melt-in-your-mouth braised cabbage.

The Recipes – 10 Unexpected Cabbage Recipes to Try Now

Ready to join the cabbage crush? Here are 10 of the most creative, delicious, and unexpected cabbage recipes that Pinterest foodies are obsessed with right now.

1. Crispy Cabbage Steaks with Balsamic Glaze

Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 large head green cabbage
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Remove any wilted outer leaves from the cabbage. Cut the cabbage into 1-inch thick rounds. You should get about 4-5 “steaks.”
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the cabbage steaks on the prepared baking sheet. Brush both sides of each steak with the olive oil mixture.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cabbage is tender and the edges are crispy and golden brown.
6. Remove from the oven and drizzle with the balsamic glaze. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

2. Caramelized Cabbage and Miso Butter Noodles

Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces noodles (such as ramen, udon, or spaghetti)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons white miso paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. While the noodles are cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and caramelized.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, and sesame oil.
5. Add the cooked noodles and the miso mixture to the skillet with the cabbage. Toss to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes more, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions and serve immediately.

3. Spicy Braised Cabbage with Bacon

Yields: 6 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large head green cabbage, cored and chopped
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
2. Add the onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
3. Add the cabbage to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until it begins to wilt.
4. Stir in the chicken or vegetable broth, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
6. Stir in the cooked bacon and serve warm.

4. Cabbage Roll Casserole

Yields: 8 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 1 large head green cabbage, cored and chopped
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked rice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. In a large bowl, toss the chopped cabbage with a pinch of salt.
6. Spread half of the cabbage in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with half of the beef and tomato mixture. Repeat the layers.
7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
8. Uncover the baking dish, sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese, and bake for 15 minutes more, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

5. Melting Spanakopita Cabbage

Yields: 6 servings Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 large head green cabbage
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• ½ cup chopped fresh dill
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage, creating a hollow space in the center. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the spinach, feta cheese, dill, parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Carefully stuff the spinach and feta mixture into the hollowed-out cabbage.
6. Wrap the entire head of cabbage in foil and place it on a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
8. Let the cabbage cool for a few minutes before slicing into wedges and serving.

6. Roasted Cabbage Salad with Rosemary-Garlic Vinaigrette

Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 small head green cabbage, cut into 1-inch wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
• ½ cup toasted walnuts, chopped
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss the cabbage wedges with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Arrange the cabbage in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Roast for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cabbage is tender and lightly browned.
4. While the cabbage is roasting, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and rosemary in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Arrange the roasted cabbage on a platter. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and sprinkle with the toasted walnuts and Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.

7. Garlicky Cabbage Soup

Yields: 8 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large head green cabbage, cored and chopped
• 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
3. Add the cabbage to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until it begins to wilt.
4. Stir in the broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is very tender.
6. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

8. Kimchi Mac and Cheese

Yields: 6 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1 cup chopped kimchi, plus more for garnish
• 2 tablespoons kimchi juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Toasted breadcrumbs (for topping, optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. While the macaroni is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook, whisking constantly, for 2-3 minutes, until it has thickened.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and Gruyere cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Stir in the chopped kimchi and kimchi juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
7. Serve immediately, topped with more chopped kimchi and toasted breadcrumbs, if desired.

9. Grilled Cabbage with Lemon and Herbs

Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 large head green cabbage, cut into 1-inch wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the cabbage wedges with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the cabbage for 5-7 minutes per side, or until tender and lightly charred.
4. While the cabbage is grilling, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup of olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, and chives in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Arrange the grilled cabbage on a platter and drizzle with the lemon-herb dressing. Serve immediately.

10. Cabbage and Black Bean Tacos

Yields: 8 tacos Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
• Your favorite taco toppings (such as avocado, cilantro, salsa, and sour cream)

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the black beans, cabbage, chili powder, and cumin. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until the cabbage is tender-crisp.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve the cabbage and black bean mixture in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings.

A Cabbage for Every Occasion

As you can see, there is so much more to cabbage than just coleslaw. From crispy, crave-able cabbage steaks to savory, soul-warming cabbage roll casserole, there is a cabbage recipe for every occasion and every palate.

So, the next time you see a head of cabbage at the grocery store, don’t just walk on by. Pick it up, take it home, and get ready to fall in love with this humble, versatile, and surprisingly delicious vegetable. It’s time to join the cabbage crush.