01 -
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat. While waiting, grab a big baking tray and either coat it lightly with oil or cover it with parchment. The liner keeps your tray clean and stops sticking.
02 -
Peel off any damaged or wilting outer leaves from the cabbage head. Place the cabbage on your cutting board, core-side down to make it sturdy, and slice it into thick rounds about ¾ inch each. Aim for 4-6 solid slices with the core still attached to hold them together.
03 -
In a little mixing bowl, stir together the butter (or oil), garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Blend until it's smooth and fragrant—it smells amazing already!
04 -
Lay the cabbage slices flat on your tray. Slather each piece with the seasoning mix using a pastry brush. If you don’t have a brush handy, just spoon it over and spread it out gently with the back of the spoon.
05 -
Pop the tray into the hot oven and let the cabbage cook for 25-30 minutes total. At about the 15-minute mark, flip the slices carefully to get both sides golden brown. You'll know they’re done when the edges crisp up and turn deeply golden, while the middle softens and caramelizes a bit.
06 -
Take the tray out of the oven and give the cabbage a couple of minutes to cool. Sprinkle some Parmesan, parsley, or chili flakes on top if you like. Serve while warm, and enjoy it as a fantastic side or a hearty veggie meal on its own!