These cheesy cabbage steaks are proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. With bold Mediterranean flavors like briny olives, juicy tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and a melty duo of mozzarella and feta, this dish brings serious taste and comfort. Roasting the cabbage creates tender layers with crispy edges that soak up every savory bite. Whether you’re going low-carb, trying to get more veggies in your meals, or just looking to spice up your weeknight dinners, this creative take on “pizza” will hit the spot. Simple to make, beautifully colorful, and bursting with flavor it’s a dish worth repeating.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 medium green cabbage, cut into 1-inch thick slices
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon oregano
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
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1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
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1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
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1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
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Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Arrange cabbage steaks on the baking sheet. Drizzle both sides with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
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Roast in the oven for 20 minutes. Flip cabbage steaks and roast for an additional 10 minutes until edges are golden and crispy.
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Remove from the oven and top each steak with mozzarella, feta, cherry tomatoes, olives, and red onion.
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Return to oven for 5-7 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and melted.
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Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, basil, and optional red pepper flakes.
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Serve warm as a savory vegetarian main or side.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 4
Mediterranean-Style Cheesy Cabbage Steaks Pizza: A Wholesome Low-Carb Delight
In a culinary world often dominated by doughy pizza crusts and indulgent toppings, the Cheesy Cabbage Steaks Pizza (Mediterranean Style) emerges as a refreshing and healthy alternative. This recipe flips the script on what pizza can be substituting a thick cabbage “steak” for traditional dough while preserving all the Mediterranean flavors we love. It’s cheesy, vibrant, customizable, and surprisingly filling, making it a perfect addition to any weeknight dinner rotation.
Let’s dive into why this cabbage-based recipe is turning heads in kitchens around the world and why it deserves a spot in yours.
A Creative Spin on Traditional Pizza
At its core, this recipe reimagines pizza in a nutritious and satisfying way. While conventional pizza uses a carb-heavy crust, this Mediterranean version uses thick slices of cabbage as the base. Once roasted, cabbage softens and sweetens while its edges turn golden and crisp offering a delightful texture that rivals any flatbread.
But what really elevates this dish are the toppings: a mouthwatering blend of mozzarella and feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and fragrant herbs. These Mediterranean ingredients are not only bursting with flavor, but they also pack a nutritional punch.
Why Cabbage?
Cabbage may not be the first vegetable that comes to mind when you think “pizza,” but it’s long overdue for the spotlight. Here’s why cabbage is the perfect base for this dish:
1. Nutritional Value
Cabbage is low in calories yet rich in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants like anthocyanins (especially in red cabbage). It’s also known to support digestion, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity.
2. Texture and Versatility
When roasted, cabbage transforms from a crunchy vegetable into a tender, almost buttery base with crispy caramelized edges. Its layered structure holds up well to toppings, making it a surprisingly sturdy “crust.”
3. Low-Carb and Keto Friendly
For those following keto or low-carb lifestyles, cabbage is a fantastic alternative to flour-based pizza crusts. It’s filling without the heaviness and helps reduce the overall glycemic load of your meal.
Mediterranean Flavors: A Perfect Pairing
This dish borrows heavily from the Mediterranean Diet, one of the world’s healthiest and most widely recommended eating patterns. Here’s why the flavors and ingredients work so well together:
– Mozzarella and Feta Cheese
Mozzarella adds that gooey, melty texture while feta brings a salty tanginess that cuts through the richness. The combination creates a luxurious cheese topping that complements the humble cabbage base.
– Cherry Tomatoes
These tiny bursts of juicy sweetness add color, moisture, and a hit of natural acidity that brightens the entire dish.
– Kalamata Olives
Briny and bold, olives are a Mediterranean staple that enhances the dish with umami and depth.
– Red Onions and Fresh Herbs
Red onion slices roast beautifully and mellow in the oven, while chopped parsley and basil finish the dish with a pop of freshness and earthy aroma.
How to Serve Mediterranean Cabbage Steaks
These cheesy cabbage steaks are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:
Main Course
Serve with a light green salad or a chickpea side dish for a complete vegetarian meal.
Low-Carb Side
Use it as a flavorful side to accompany grilled meats, chicken skewers, or fish.
Brunch Idea
Top with a poached egg or serve alongside a shakshuka for a Mediterranean-inspired brunch plate.
Meal Prep Hero
They reheat well and can be packed for lunch the next day just store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Recipe Variations to Explore
The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility. Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize based on your taste or pantry stock.
Add Protein
Top your cabbage steaks with cooked ground lamb, grilled chicken, or canned tuna for a protein-packed version.
Switch the Seasoning
Try Italian seasoning for a more herbaceous finish or add smoked paprika and cumin for a Spanish-inspired flair.
Go Vegan
Use dairy-free cheese and skip the feta to make it 100% plant-based. Vegan pesto drizzled on top is another delicious option.
Extra Veggies
Mushrooms, roasted peppers, artichokes, or even capers can be added to enrich both flavor and nutrition.
Tips for Perfect Cabbage Steaks
Cooking cabbage steaks to perfection takes just a bit of finesse. Here are some tips to help you nail it every time:
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Use a sharp knife: This ensures clean, even cuts that hold their shape while roasting.
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Don’t skimp on the oil: Olive oil helps caramelize the cabbage and prevents it from drying out.
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Roast, then top: Always roast the cabbage first and then add cheese and toppings to avoid soggy results.
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Watch for doneness: The edges should be crispy and golden, and the center tender test with a fork.
The Health Factor: More Than Just a Trend
This dish isn’t just Instagram-worthy it also aligns with multiple health-conscious lifestyles. Whether you’re following vegetarian, Mediterranean, gluten-free, keto, or clean eating protocols, this cabbage pizza fits right in.
Here’s why health-minded foodies love it:
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Rich in fiber: Supports digestion and helps regulate blood sugar.
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Naturally gluten-free: Ideal for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
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Heart-healthy ingredients: Olive oil, leafy greens, and antioxidant-rich toppings are all great for cardiovascular wellness.
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Low in refined carbs: Reduces inflammation and helps manage weight.
Conclusion:
The Mediterranean-Style Cheesy Cabbage Steaks Pizza is more than a recipe it’s a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can create something unexpectedly delicious. It shows that comfort food doesn’t have to mean compromise, and that vegetables can take center stage in the most satisfying ways.
Perfect for weeknights, easy to customize, and packed with flavor, this dish is one you’ll come back to again and again. It may not look like your typical pizza, but one bite and you’ll see it delivers all the joy, with none of the guilt.