Cabbage is one of those vegetables that often gets overlooked, quietly sitting in the produce aisle while flashier greens steal the spotlight. Yet when treated right, cabbage transforms into something deeply satisfying—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. One of the most surprising ways to showcase it is by roasting it into hearty wedges, allowing the natural sweetness to shine while the edges caramelize beautifully.
This recipe for Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Onion Dijon Sauce proves that humble ingredients can create an impressive dish with minimal effort. The first time I served roasted cabbage this way, it quickly became the most talked-about item on the table. Guests who claimed they “weren’t cabbage fans” went back for seconds—and thirds. The magic lies in the contrast: warm, crispy cabbage paired with a cool, tangy onion Dijon sauce that adds brightness and depth.
Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner, a holiday spread, or looking for a new plant-forward side dish, this recipe delivers elegance without complexity. It’s simple, versatile, and surprisingly addictive.
Recipe Overview
Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Onion Dijon Sauce is a rustic yet refined side dish featuring oven-roasted cabbage wedges seasoned with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Once roasted to golden perfection, the wedges are drizzled with a creamy, tangy sauce made from sour cream, Dijon mustard, onion, and lemon juice. The result is a dish that balances crisp textures, savory depth, and refreshing acidity—perfect alongside meats, grains, or as a vegetarian centerpiece.
Ingredients & Instructions
This recipe relies on everyday ingredients, but careful preparation ensures maximum flavor and texture.
Ingredients
For the Roasted Cabbage:
- 1 medium green cabbage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Onion Dijon Sauce:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh herbs (parsley or chives), for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is key to achieving crisp, caramelized edges on the cabbage while keeping the inside tender.
2. Prepare the Cabbage
Remove any loose or damaged outer leaves from the cabbage. Cut the cabbage in half through the core, then slice each half into wedges, about 1½ to 2 inches thick. Keep the core intact on each wedge—this helps hold the layers together during roasting and flipping.
Tip: Try to keep the wedges similar in size so they roast evenly.
3. Season the Cabbage
Place the cabbage wedges on a large baking sheet, preferably lined with parchment paper. Drizzle evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Gently toss or brush the wedges to ensure all sides are coated.
Arrange the wedges cut-side down, leaving space between them. Crowding the pan will cause steaming instead of roasting.
4. Roast Until Golden
Roast the cabbage in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, flipping the wedges halfway through. The edges should be deeply golden and slightly crisp, while the centers should be fork-tender.
If you prefer extra crispiness, roast for an additional 5 minutes at the end.
5. Prepare the Onion Dijon Sauce
While the cabbage roasts, prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, combine:
- Sour cream
- Dijon mustard
- Finely chopped onion
- Lemon juice
Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add a pinch of salt or a little extra lemon juice for brightness.
Tip: For a smoother sauce, you can grate the onion instead of chopping it.
6. Assemble and Serve
Once the cabbage is roasted, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a minute. Arrange the wedges on a serving platter, drizzle generously with the onion Dijon sauce, and finish with freshly chopped parsley or chives.
Serve warm for the best texture and flavor contrast.
Cooking Tips & Variations
This dish is highly adaptable and works beautifully with small tweaks.
1. Make It Dairy-Free
Swap sour cream for a plant-based alternative or thick coconut yogurt. Choose an unsweetened variety to maintain balance.
2. Boost the Flavor
- Add smoked paprika or cumin to the cabbage seasoning for extra depth.
- Stir a small clove of grated garlic into the sauce for sharper flavor.
3. Try Different Mustards
Dijon provides a classic tang, but whole-grain mustard adds texture, while honey mustard creates a sweeter contrast.
4. Add Crunch
Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs, crushed nuts, or seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin seeds) over the finished dish for extra texture.
5. Make It a Main Dish
Turn this side into a light main by serving it over quinoa or lentils, or topping it with roasted chickpeas for added protein.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftover cabbage and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat cabbage in the oven at 375°F to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the texture.
- Sauce: Serve cold or at room temperature; stir before using.
Serving Ideas
This dish pairs well with:
- Roasted chicken or grilled fish
- Beef or lamb dishes
- Grain bowls and vegetarian platters
- Holiday spreads as a lighter alternative to heavy sides
It also works surprisingly well as a topping for flatbreads or tucked into wraps.
Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Onion Dijon Sauce is proof that simple ingredients can deliver bold, memorable flavor. With crispy edges, tender centers, and a creamy sauce that ties everything together, this dish elevates cabbage from basic to brilliant. It’s easy enough for everyday meals yet impressive enough for entertaining.
If you’re looking for a side dish that’s flavorful, affordable, and versatile, this recipe deserves a permanent place in your rotation. Once you try cabbage this way, it’s hard to go back.
FAQs
1. Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Yes. Red cabbage works well, though it may need a few extra minutes to become tender and will have a slightly earthier flavor.
2. Can I prepare this in advance?
You can roast the cabbage ahead of time and reheat it in the oven before serving. The sauce can be made up to two days in advance.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
4. How do I prevent the cabbage from burning?
Flip the wedges halfway through roasting and keep an eye on smaller pieces, which may brown faster.
5. What herbs work best for garnish?
Parsley and chives are ideal, but dill or green onions also complement the sauce nicely.
Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Onion Dijon Sauce is a crispy, flavorful side dish made with simple ingredients. Easy, healthy, and perfect for any meal.
