If you’ve never had cabbage melt in your mouth like butter, prepare to fall in love. This Marry Me Melting Cabbage is the kind of dish that turns skeptics into cabbage fanatics with just one bite. Roasted low and slow in a flavorful broth until it’s golden and fork-tender, the cabbage develops an irresistible caramelized edge and buttery center. It soaks up every bit of the rich, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce it simmers in, leaving you wondering why you haven’t made this sooner.

This recipe works perfectly as a hearty side dish or a cozy vegetarian main. Its simplicity is part of its magic: a few pantry ingredients, a single head of cabbage, and a little oven time is all it takes. The result? Layers of flavor with minimal fuss. It’s comfort food with a fresh twist and deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Melting Cabbage

This recipe is everything you want from a weeknight dish or a standout potluck side. It’s affordable, easy to prep, and practically cooks itself. The name “Marry Me” isn’t just for fun—this cabbage is so flavorful and luscious it could inspire proposals.

What makes it extra special is the roasting process, which gives the cabbage crispy golden edges and buttery-soft layers. The sauce—a blend of broth, garlic, Dijon, and vinegar—adds depth without overpowering the natural sweetness of the cabbage.

What Kind of Cabbage Works Best for Roasting?

Green cabbage is the classic choice here. Its sturdy leaves hold up beautifully in the oven and become tender without falling apart. Look for a medium-sized head that’s firm and heavy for its size. Savoy cabbage could be an option, but it has a more delicate structure that won’t yield quite the same melt-in-your-mouth finish.

Ingredients for the Marry Me Melting Cabbage

When you’re working with humble ingredients like cabbage, each one matters. The following components bring out the richness and depth of this dish.

Green cabbage is the star of the show. Its hearty structure is ideal for roasting and delivers the perfect tender bite.

Olive oil helps the cabbage caramelize and adds a light richness that balances the tang in the sauce.

Garlic cloves bring a gentle warmth and deep aroma that infuses every layer of the cabbage.

Vegetable or chicken broth acts as the base for the braising liquid, soaking into the cabbage and building flavor.

Dijon mustard adds a punchy sharpness that complements the natural sweetness of the cabbage.

Apple cider vinegar brightens everything up, cutting through the richness with a tangy kick.

Salt and black pepper to season and enhance every bite.

Red pepper flakes are optional, but a pinch can add a welcome heat.

How To Make the Marry Me Melting Cabbage

Step 1: Prep the Cabbage

Remove any outer wilted leaves from the cabbage and slice it into thick rounds, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Lay them flat in a single layer in a large baking dish or sheet pan.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and broth. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 3: Roast Low and Slow

Pour the sauce over the cabbage slices and cover the pan tightly with foil. Roast in a 350°F oven for 40 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue roasting for another 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are golden and the cabbage is melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Step 4: Serve Warm

Carefully spoon sauce from the pan over the cabbage before serving. It’s delicious straight from the oven but also holds up well for meal prep.

How to Serve and Store Your Marry Me Melting Cabbage

This dish comfortably feeds 4 to 6 people as a side or 2 to 3 as a main course. The leftovers are just as dreamy—possibly even better. Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat, place slices in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven helps revive that roasted texture.