Name: Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Garlic and Red Pepper Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Olive oil spray; 1 large green cabbage (2 pounds before trimming); 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

If you’re looking to add a simple but flavorful veggie side to your dinner, you’ve got to try this Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Garlic and Red Pepper Recipe. Crispy edges and tender insides make these wedges an easy yet impressive addition to any meal.

The image shows three large slices of grilled cabbage placed side by side on a white round plate. Each cabbage slice has many thin layers that are light yellow with parts showing brown grill marks, especially on the edges and ridges. The charred lines give a slightly crispy and darkened texture to some parts of the cabbage leaves. The plate rests on a colorful cloth with green, red, and beige plaid patterns. The overall look of the grilled cabbage is tender with some crispy browned areas on top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Garlic and Red Pepper Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Garlic and Red Pepper Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Garlic and Red Pepper Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I roasted cabbage wedges instead of boiling or steaming them — that caramelized garlic flavor combined with just a hint of spicy red pepper completely won me over. It’s become a staple side dish in my kitchen that’s both healthy and incredibly tasty.

Bold Roasting Flavor: The oven brings out deep, savory flavors and satisfying crispiness you won’t get with other cooking methods.
Minimal Ingredients: Just a few pantry staples give the cabbage a punch of garlic and a touch of heat without overwhelming it.
Healthy & Light: Roasting with olive oil spray keeps it light yet flavorful, a perfect balance for a veggie side.
Easy to Make: You can prep it in about 10 minutes and then let the oven do all the work for 30 minutes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

For this recipe, I always choose a firm, dense green cabbage that's about 2 pounds before trimming—the kind that holds together beautifully when sliced into wedges. The seasoning is simple but carefully selected to let the cabbage’s natural sweetness and texture shine through.

Flat lay of a large green cabbage cut into wedges with the core intact, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl filled with pale beige garlic powder, a small white bowl holding bright red crushed red pepper flakes, and a small white bowl with golden olive oil, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil spray: Lightly coats the cabbage so it crisps up nicely without excess oil.
Green cabbage: Its sturdy leaves roast well, developing tender insides and golden edges.
Diamond Crystal kosher salt: Provides perfect seasoning without overpowering the cabbage’s subtle flavor.
Garlic powder: Adds a fragrant, savory note that pairs beautifully with roasted cabbage.
Red pepper flakes: Inject a bit of heat, which you can adjust or omit depending on your spice preference.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Garlic and Red Pepper Recipe is how easy it is to customize! Whether you want to turn up the heat or add a twist of fresh herbs, you can make this dish truly your own.

Variation: I sometimes sprinkle a little smoked paprika along with the red pepper flakes for a subtle smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the roasted cabbage.
Seasonal Twist: Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right after roasting brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing contrast.
Dietary Adaptation: For a touch of crunch, try finishing with toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for a delightful texture contrast while keeping it vegetarian and wholesome.
Mild Version: If you prefer less spice, simply omit the red pepper flakes or reduce them to a quarter teaspoon without sacrificing flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Garlic and Red Pepper Recipe

There are six wedges of pale green cabbage on a metal tray lined with shiny silver foil. Each wedge shows layers of tightly packed leaves with a white to light green core at the center, topped with small dark red chili flakes sprinkled evenly. The tray with cabbage wedges sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil — this helps with easy cleanup and keeps your cabbage from sticking. Be generous with your olive oil spray over the foil so those cabbage wedges slide right off without fuss. This step makes the roasting process smooth and textures perfect!

Step 2: Trim and Cut the Cabbage

Remove any damaged or wilted outer leaves from your large green cabbage (about 2 pounds before trimming). Cut the cabbage in half, then slice each half into wedges. The key here is to keep the core intact; it acts like glue, holding the wedges together while they roast, preventing them from falling apart in the oven.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry the Wedges

Rinse the cabbage wedges under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Pat them dry carefully with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is important because too much water can steam the cabbage instead of roasting it, preventing that golden-brown crispiness we’re aiming for.

Step 4: Season Generously

Arrange the cabbage wedges in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they have enough breathing space to roast evenly. Spray them generously with olive oil spray, then sprinkle with 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. These seasonings bring out the natural flavor of the cabbage and add a nice spicy kick.

Step 5: Roast to Golden Perfection

Pop the baking sheet into your 400°F oven and roast for about 30 minutes. You’re looking for wedges that are fork-tender inside with edges that are golden brown and slightly crispy. If you want them extra crispy, you can roast a few minutes longer, just keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 6: Serve Immediately and Enjoy

Once your cabbage wedges are roasted to perfection, serve them immediately. They shine as a healthy, flavorful side dish that complements everything from roasted meats to vegetarian mains. Enjoy the warm, garlicky, slightly spicy goodness!

Top Tip

These tips can make all the difference in getting perfectly roasted cabbage wedges every time, with that gorgeous golden crust and tender inside.

Keep the Core Intact: I’ve found that leaving the core inside each wedge is key—it holds everything together during roasting so your cabbage doesn’t fall apart.
Don’t Skip Drying: After rinsing, patting the wedges dry with paper towels really helps achieve a crispy, caramelized exterior rather than steaming them in the oven.
Use Olive Oil Spray Generously: Spraying both the foil and the cabbage wedges ensures even coverage without overloading with oil, making roasting cleaner and healthier.
Watch Your Roast Time: I’ve learned it’s better to pull the wedges out right as they get golden brown—roasting longer can burn the edges, which you want to avoid.

How to Serve Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Garlic and Red Pepper Recipe

On a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath, there are two trimmed grilled cabbage wedges on the left side. The cabbage layers show a mix of light green and golden brown with char marks and black pepper sprinkled on top. On the right side, there are seven browned meatballs arranged close together, each with a slightly textured surface and some green herb bits visible. Above the meatballs is a small clear glass bowl filled with bright red tomato sauce that has a thick texture. Small sprinkles of red pepper flakes and dried green herbs are scattered around the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Try sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. A light drizzle of lemon juice adds brightness that beautifully balances the savory, garlicky notes. For an extra touch, some shaved Parmesan or crumbled feta pairs wonderfully with the slight heat from the red pepper flakes.

Side Dishes

This roasted cabbage makes a fantastic side for roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even hearty vegetarian dishes like mushroom risotto or lentil stew. It’s versatile enough to complement comfort foods while adding a healthy, flavorful vegetable twist to your plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover roasted cabbage wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this healthy side for several meals.

Freezing

While you can freeze roasted cabbage, it may lose some crispness upon thawing due to its high water content. If you choose to freeze, wrap wedges tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful roasted edge.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cabbage for this recipe?

Yes! While green cabbage is classic and roasts beautifully, you can try red cabbage or Napa cabbage. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the density of the cabbage.

How spicy is the roasted cabbage with red pepper flakes?

The ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes gives a gentle spicy kick without overwhelming the dish. You can adjust this amount up or down to suit your spice preference, or omit entirely if you want it milder.

Can I add fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

You certainly can, but fresh garlic can burn in the oven and become bitter. To avoid this, toss the wedges with fresh minced garlic after roasting or add it halfway through the cooking time.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Absolutely! This Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Garlic and Red Pepper Recipe is vegetarian and vegan-friendly, using only plant-based ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Garlic and Red Pepper Recipe has become one of my favorite easy vegetable sides because it’s simple, healthy, and full of bold flavors. I hope you’ll find the same joy in roasting your cabbage wedges until they’re perfectly golden brown and tender. It’s a humble dish that never fails to impress — and it fits perfectly on any dinner table, from weeknight meals to special occasions.