Cabbage Boil

Why You’ll Love Cabbage Boil Recipe

• It’s inexpensive and uses simple, readily available ingredients.

• The baking process infuses deep flavor into the cabbage, making it tender and satisfying.

• You can customise the seasonings to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

• It’s easy to prepare, mostly hands‑off once the cabbage is wrapped and in the oven.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 head cabbage

• ½ tablespoon olive oil

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, divided

• 2 teaspoons paprika, divided

• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided

• 2 teaspoons Old Bay® seasoning, divided

• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon

• 1 lemon, juiced, divided

• 6 tablespoons butter, divided

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 385 °F (196 °C).

2. Remove the core from the cabbage and make six 2‑inch cuts down from the core about ¼ of the way down. Coat the cabbage with the olive oil.

3. Season the cabbage with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, smoked paprika, paprika, Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, and chicken bouillon. Squeeze half the lemon over the cabbage and rub the spices into it until it’s completely coated.

4. Place 3 tablespoons of butter in the center of the cabbage, then wrap it tightly using two sheets of foil. Place the wrapped cabbage on a baking sheet.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.

6. Meanwhile, melt the remaining butter and whisk in the remaining 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, smoked paprika, paprika, Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, and the remaining lemon juice. Set this butter mixture aside.

7. After 1 hour, remove the cabbage from the oven and spoon 1‑2 tablespoons of the butter mixture over it. Re‑wrap the cabbage in the same foil and bake for another hour.

8. Remove from the oven and allow the cabbage to cool for 5‑10 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve with the remaining butter mixture for dipping if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours
Cool time: 5 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• Swap out the Cajun seasoning for smoked chili powder if you prefer a different spice profile.

• Use vegan butter or olive‑oil based spread instead of butter for a dairy‑free version.

• Add slices of smoked sausage or bacon into the foil wrap to turn this into a more substantial main dish.

• After baking, drizzle with a little honey or maple syrup for a sweet‑and‑spicy twist.

• Serve with a side of rice (as suggested) or mashed potatoes for a more complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

• To store: Cool the cabbage completely, wrap tightly, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

• To reheat: Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Unwrap the cabbage, place it on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and heat for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for 1‑2 minutes, though oven reheating preserves texture best.

• Leftovers can also be chopped and sautéed in a skillet with a little oil or butter for a quick side dish.

FAQs

What type of cabbage should I use?

You’ll want a sturdy green or “regular” cabbage with a solid head so it holds together during the baking process.

Can I cut the cabbage into wedges instead of baking it whole?

Yes — you can cut the head into wedges, season and wrap each wedge, or bake them uncovered for a crispy edge. Just reduce the baking time accordingly.

How spicy is this recipe?

It has a moderate spicy kick from the Cajun seasoning and paprika, but you can adjust the amount up or down depending on your preference.

Can I cook this on the stovetop or grill instead of the oven?

While the recipe is designed for oven baking, you could adapt by grilling the foil‑wrapped cabbage over medium heat until tender (about 45–60 minutes), turning occasionally.

Is this dish gluten‑free?

Yes — if you ensure that your bouillon and seasonings are gluten‑free, this recipe is naturally gluten‑free.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the cabbage (core, cut, oil & rub with spices) ahead of time and refrigerate it wrapped for a few hours before baking. Bake when you’re ready to serve.

How do I know when the cabbage is done?

It’s ready when a knife or fork easily pierces deep into the leaves and the head feels very tender when gently squeezed.

Can I add other vegetables to the baking foil?

Yes — you could tuck in halved carrots, potatoes, or onions around the cabbage head inside the foil. Just ensure they are sized to finish in the same time or consider precooking them a bit.

What should I serve with this cabbage dish?

This pairs well with rice (as suggested), mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or even a side salad for balance and texture contrast.

Can I reuse the leftover butter‑seasoning mixture?

Yes — the butter mixture works well drizzled over the cabbage when serving, or you could reserve it for dipping sliced pieces later.

Conclusion

This cabbage boil is a flavorful, comforting dish that takes a humble vegetable and elevates it with spices and butter. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying side or a vegetarian main with a twist, this recipe delivers. Easy to adapt and prep‑ahead friendly, it’s a great go‑to for a cozy meal. Give it a try and enjoy the rich, slow‑baked deliciousness of tender seasoned cabbage.

Cabbage Boil

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• Author: Mia
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This simple cabbage boil recipe combines cabbage, potatoes, sausage, and onions in a flavorful one-pot meal that’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for a quick dinner.

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Ingredients

• 1 medium head green cabbage, cut into wedges
• 4 large red potatoes, quartered
• 1 (16 ounce) package smoked sausage, cut into chunks
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Place cabbage, potatoes, sausage, and onion into a large pot or Dutch oven.
2. Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil over high heat.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
5. Serve hot, with broth ladled over the top if desired.

Notes

• For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth or add a bay leaf during cooking.
• You can substitute turkey or kielbasa sausage for a lighter version.
• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the broth.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 13g
• Cholesterol: 40mg