7 Delicious Ways To Cook Cabbage That Will Impress Your Dinner Guests

Cabbage is often overlooked, but it's one of the most versatile vegetables you can cook. It’s affordable, hearty, and can be prepared in so many different ways. Whether you roast it, sauté it, or turn it into something special, you can surprise your dinner guests with a tasty cabbage dish.

Here are seven simple, delicious ways to make it shine at your table.

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

homemade-vegan-cabbage-steaks-2025-01-16-16-07-55-utc
bhofack2/Envato Elements
bhofack2/Envato Elements

Thick slices of cabbage brushed with olive oil and roasted until golden become tender on the inside and crisp on the edges.

Add a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and garlic powder for a tasty finish. It's a simple dish that looks elegant and pairs well with roasted meats or grains.

ADVERTISEMENT

Cabbage Slaw

ADVERTISEMENT
a-young-woman-in-a-gray-apron-mixes-a-salad-of-chi-2025-10-16-10-07-45-utc
PedaltotheStock/Envato Elements
PedaltotheStock/Envato Elements
ADVERTISEMENT

A fresh cabbage slaw will brighten any meal. Toss shredded cabbage with vinegar, olive oil, or a creamy dressing for crunch and color.

ADVERTISEMENT

Cabbage slaw makes for a fresh and crunchy side dish to any meal.

ADVERTISEMENT

Braised Cabbage

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-462968590
Deb Lindsey for the Washington Post
Deb Lindsey for the Washington Post
ADVERTISEMENT

Slowly braising cabbage in broth with a little vinegar or wine brings out a tender texture and deep flavor.

ADVERTISEMENT

It pairs beautifully with sausage, pork, or roasted chicken. The slow cooking process softens its bite and turns it into a warm, inviting dish.

ADVERTISEMENT

Grilled Cabbage Wedges

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-1223640587
Richard Bord/Getty Images
Richard Bord/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Grilling cabbage gives it a smoky, charred flavor that feels perfect for outdoor gatherings.

ADVERTISEMENT

Brush wedges with oil and season with salt before placing them on the grill. Serve with a drizzle of lemon juice or dressing for the perfect finish.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sautéed with Garlic and Butter

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-1200685015
Tom McCorkle for The Washington Post via Getty Images; food styling by Carolyn Robb for The Washington Post via Getty Images
Tom McCorkle for The Washington Post via Getty Images; food styling by Carolyn Robb for The Washington Post via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Cabbage sautéed in butter with a touch of garlic transforms into something sweet and savory.

ADVERTISEMENT

The edges caramelize slightly, adding depth of flavor. It's a comforting side dish that takes only minutes to make but tastes like it took much longer.

ADVERTISEMENT

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ukrainian-vegetable-dietary-cabbage-rolls-in-leaf-2025-10-15-05-13-37-utc
Chatham172/Envato Elements
Chatham172/Envato Elements
ADVERTISEMENT

Cabbage leaves make the perfect wrapper for rice, herbs, and meat. Simmered in tomato sauce, they become perfectly tender.

ADVERTISEMENT

This dish is ideal for serving guests who appreciate homemade comfort food.

ADVERTISEMENT

Cabbage Gratin

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
french-lean-gratin-with-cabbage-vegetable-gratin-v-2025-10-14-23-25-25-utc
Chatham172/Envato Elements
Chatham172/Envato Elements
ADVERTISEMENT

For a comforting and elegant twist, bake cabbage with cream, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The result is rich, warm, and golden on top.

ADVERTISEMENT

It turns a humble vegetable into something restaurant-worthy, perfect for serving alongside roasted meats or seafood.

ADVERTISEMENT

A Versatile Centerpiece

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
aerial-view-of-hands-with-knife-cutting-chinese-ca-2025-02-10-08-09-06-utc
Rawpixel/Envato Elements
Rawpixel/Envato Elements
ADVERTISEMENT

Cabbage is far more than a side salad ingredient. With a few simple techniques, it can become a flavorful, versatile centerpiece for your table.

ADVERTISEMENT

From roasted to braised, these dishes show how creative and satisfying cabbage can be. With the right touch, your dinner guests will certainly be impressed.