Cabbage steaks with crispy pancetta and Parmesan recipe

Name: Cabbage steaks with crispy pancetta and Parmesan
Yield: Serves 4 (as a side)
Ingredients: 1 large white cabbage; 2 tbsp olive oil; 65g smoked pancetta cubes; 1 large garlic clove, finely chopped; 2 tsp roughly chopped fresh thyme leaves, plus a handful whole leaves; 4 tbsp white wine; 3 tbsp grated Parmesan

Roasting white cabbage completely transforms this familiar winter veg into a sweet, caramelised side dish. With a crispy pancetta and Parmesan topping, this recipe will ensure even 'cabbage-haters' will love it. What's more, this dish is rich in vitamin C and folate and counts as one of your 5-a-day.

See method

Serves 4 (as a side)
5 mins to prepare and 35 mins to cook
188 calories / serving

Gluten-free
Healthy

Shop your ingredients

Tesco White Cabbage Each
Aldi Price Match
1 large white cabbage
£0.89
£0.89/each
Tesco Olive Oil 250Ml
2 tbsp olive oil
£3.10
£12.40/litre
Tesco Smoked Pancetta 2 X 65G
65g smoked pancetta cubes
£1.95
£15.00/kg
Tesco Large Garlic
1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
£0.50
£0.50/each
Tesco Fresh Cut Thyme 20G
Aldi Price Match
2 tsp roughly chopped fresh thyme leaves, plus a handful whole leaves
£0.50
£25.00/kg
Caparelli Pinot Grigio 187Ml
Any 4 for 3 Clubcard Price - Cheapest Product Free - Selected Premix Cans
Offer valid for delivery from 02/10/2026 until 28/02/2027
4 tbsp white wine
£2.30
£12.30/litre
Creamfields Grated Grana Padano 100G
3 tbsp grated Parmesan
£1.65
£16.50/kg

Method

Preheat the oven to gas 6, 200°C, fan 180°C. Cut 4 thick slices (about 1-1½cm) from the middle of the cabbage. Leave the core attached to hold the steaks together. Line a baking sheet with foil and brush with half the oil. Add the steaks and brush with the remaining oil. Season and roast for 30 mins, carefully flipping halfway.
Meanwhile, heat a nonstick frying pan over a high heat. Dry-fry the pancetta until just crisp, then add the garlic, chopped thyme and white wine. Cook for 1 min or until the wine has reduced and become syrupy.
Remove the steaks from the oven, spoon over the pancetta mix, then sprinkle over the Parmesan and whole thyme leaves. Return to the oven for 5 mins until tender.

Tip: Make the most of white cabbage while it's in season in the spring. It has a distinctive peppery bite and is perfect for adding bite to many recipes.
Tip: If eating raw, discard the outer leaves, cut into quarters , then shred finely, discarding the core. Add to coleslaws or pile into tacos with a spicy filling, or toss with lemon juice and olive oil for a crunchy salad. To cook, try stir-frying with a dash of vinegar and pinch of sugar for a sweet-and-sour side.