The Viral Cabbage Boil has taken TikTok by storm, and for good reason. This simple recipe transforms an ordinary head of cabbage into a buttery, tender, flavor packed side dish loaded with Cajun seasoning, garlic, paprika, and herbs. Despite the name, this cabbage is actually roasted in the oven until the leaves become soft and caramelized.
If you loved the viral onion boil trend, this recipe is another must try. A whole head of cabbage is coated in olive oil, generously seasoned, stuffed with butter, and roasted until every bite is rich and delicious. It is an easy side dish for family dinners, BBQs, seafood boils, or holiday meals.
You've also probably seen other trending recipes like Crescent Roll Bread Hack, Dirty Cabbage Recipe, Dirty Spaghetti Tiktok Recipe, Cabbage Burger Recipe trending on Tiktok you would like these as well!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Uses simple, inexpensive ingredients.
- Packed with bold Cajun flavor.
- Tender inside with crispy caramelized edges.
- Easy to customize with your favorite seasonings.
- Perfect side dish for seafood, chicken, steak, or pork.
- Naturally gluten free.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
Ingredients Needed for Cabbage Boil
- Fresh green cabbage is the star of this recipe. Choose a firm, heavy head with tightly packed leaves for the best texture.
- Olive oil helps the seasoning stick to the cabbage while encouraging beautiful browning during roasting.
- Butter melts into the cabbage as it cooks, creating rich flavor throughout every layer.
- Cajun seasoning adds the signature spicy flavor that makes this recipe so popular.
- Garlic powder gives the cabbage savory depth without needing fresh garlic.
- Onion powder enhances the overall flavor.
- Smoked paprika adds color and a subtle smoky taste.
- Black pepper adds mild heat.
- Salt enhances all of the seasonings. Depending on your Cajun seasoning, you may only need a small amount.
- Optional garnishes include chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon wedges, or extra melted butter.
How to Make Viral Cabbage Boil
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Remove any damaged outer cabbage leaves. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut out the core while leaving the cabbage intact. Brush the entire cabbage with olive oil.
Mix together the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously over the cabbage, making sure to coat every side.
Place butter into the hollow center where the core was removed.
Set the cabbage in a baking dish and pour the chicken broth around the bottom of the pan.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for about 60 to 75 minutes, depending on the size of the cabbage.
Remove the foil during the last 15 to 20 minutes of cooking to allow the edges to brown and caramelize.
Slice into wedges and spoon the buttery cooking juices over each serving.
Pro Tips for Cabbage Boil
- Use a small to medium cabbage so it cooks evenly.
- Do not skip covering the pan during the first part of baking. The steam helps soften the cabbage.
- For extra crispy edges, broil the cabbage for 2 to 3 minutes after roasting.
- If you enjoy spicy food, add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Fresh garlic cloves can be tucked into the center along with the butter for even more flavor.
- Try adding shredded Parmesan during the last few minutes of baking.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm them in a 350 degree oven until heated through.
Leftover cabbage also tastes great chopped into soups, grain bowls, or scrambled eggs.
Freezing is not recommended because the cabbage becomes very soft after thawing.
Serving Suggestions
This Viral Cabbage Boil pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, smoked sausage, steak, pork chops, baked salmon, shrimp, or crab legs.
Serve it alongside roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, or rice for a complete meal.
It is also a fantastic side dish for seafood boils, cookouts, holiday dinners, and Sunday family meals.
Recipe FAQs
The recipe gets its name from the flavors of a traditional seafood boil. Instead of boiling, the cabbage is roasted in the oven with butter, broth, and bold seasonings.
Green cabbage works best because it has a milder flavor and becomes more tender during roasting. Red cabbage can be used but has a firmer texture.
No. Creole seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, or your favorite all purpose seasoning blend also work well.
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Cabbage Boil
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 1 hr 30 min
- Total Time: 1 hr 40 min
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 1 medium head green cabbage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Remove any damaged outer cabbage leaves. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut out the core while leaving the cabbage intact.
Brush the entire cabbage with olive oil.
Mix together the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously over the cabbage, making sure to coat every side.
Place butter into the hollow center where the core was removed.
Set the cabbage in a baking dish and pour the chicken broth around the bottom of the pan.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for about 60 to 75 minutes, depending on the size of the cabbage.
Remove the foil during the last 15 to 20 minutes of cooking to allow the edges to brown and caramelize.
Slice into wedges and spoon the buttery cooking juices over each serving.
Notes
Use a small to medium cabbage so it cooks evenly.
Do not skip covering the pan during the first part of baking. The steam helps soften the cabbage.
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