Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges: Sweet, Savory, and Oven-Crisped
🍽️ Introduction: The Sweet and Tangy History of Roasted Cabbage Wedges
The inspiration behind this Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges recipe comes from my love for transforming humble vegetables into star-worthy sides. At Donald Recipes, I aim to give vegetables a flavor-forward makeover—and cabbage is no exception.
Roasting cabbage has roots in both Eastern European 🇵🇱 and Mediterranean 🇬🇷 cuisines, where it’s long been cherished for its affordability and adaptability. However, adding a honey-mustard glaze? That’s a delicious twist that gained traction in North America during the 1980s, coinciding with the boom of Dijon mustard in American pantries.
As this sweet-and-savory glaze trend grew, cabbage became more than just a boiled or pickled side. It found its place among the caramelized, crispy-edged favorites on American dinner tables. This combination balances tangy mustard and natural sweetness, offering a gluten-free, low-carb option that bursts with flavor and nutrients.
🌍 Top 10 Countries That Love This Recipe
Here are the top 10 countries where honey-mustard roasted cabbage is a regular guest on dinner tables:
🇺🇸 United States
🇨🇦 Canada
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
🇩🇪 Germany
🇵🇱 Poland
🇦🇺 Australia
🇮🇱 Israel
🇨🇿 Czech Republic
🇳🇱 Netherlands
🇸🇪 Sweden
Each of these nations brings its own twist, whether using maple syrup in Canada or adding spices in Israel. No matter the location, this recipe has captured hearts with its simple prep, health perks, and crave-worthy flavor.
Looking for a bright and fresh complement to your meal? Try my Asian Cucumber Salad for a crisp contrast to these warm, caramelized cabbage wedges.
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9 Crazy-Good Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges That Taste Like Magic
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet, tangy, and perfectly caramelized, these Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges make the ultimate healthy side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head green cabbage, cut into 8 wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Cabbage
- Remove outer leaves and core.
- Cut cabbage into even 2-inch wedges (see FAQ below).
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Mix the Honey-Mustard Glaze
- Whisk together honey, mustard, vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper.
- Adjust to taste: add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang.
- Brush and Roast
- Generously brush each wedge with the glaze.
- Roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Wedges should be caramelized and tender with crisp edges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
🛒 What You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges starts with a few simple tools and ingredients. You won’t need anything fancy—just a good kitchen knife, a sheet pan, and a handful of pantry staples to bring out the cabbage’s best flavor and texture.
🧰 Essential Tools & Equipment
To prep and roast like a pro, have these on hand:
- Sheet pan or baking dish – For even roasting and caramelization
- Pastry brush – To apply the glaze evenly
- Chef’s knife – For precise cabbage wedges
- Small mixing bowl – To blend your glaze ingredients
- Parchment paper or foil – Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup quick and effortless—perfect for hassle-free cooking.
If you’re a fan of hands-off cooking, this slow cooker beef and potato gratin is another simple recipe that requires minimal tools and maximum comfort food vibes.
🧂 Pantry Essentials & Fresh Ingredients
Here’s your shopping list for the flavor-packed glaze and perfect wedges:
Pantry Items:
- Olive oil or avocado oil (for roasting)
- Dijon mustard (adds depth and tang)
- Honey (or maple syrup for variation)
- Apple cider vinegar (adds acidity and brightness)
- Salt & freshly cracked black pepper
Fresh Produce:
- 1 medium green cabbage (around 2 lbs)
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, thyme, or sesame seeds
If you’re in the mood for more veggie inspiration, try this creamy Korean potato salad that’s loaded with flavor and texture.
📋 Ingredients List
The secret to unforgettable Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges lies in using fresh, quality ingredients that work together to deliver bold flavor and perfect texture. Whether you’re preparing this as a weeknight staple or a holiday favorite, this list will help you build the ultimate version of Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges every time.
🥬 Core Ingredients for Roasting Success
To make delicious Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges, gather the following:
- 1 medium green cabbage, cut into 8 sturdy wedges—ideal for holding their shape while roasting, grilling, or braising
A dense, firm cabbage works best for roasting—holding shape while soaking up the glaze. - 2 tablespoons olive oil
Essential for crisping and caramelization during the roasting process. - 2 tablespoons honey
Brings sweetness and allows the edges of your Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges to turn golden and sticky. - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Provides the bold, tangy element that makes Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges irresistible. - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Adds brightness and helps balance the sweetness in these Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges. - ½ teaspoon sea salt
Crucial for flavor enhancement and water release during roasting. - ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Introduces a peppery edge that complements the sweet and tangy glaze.
For more side dish ideas that go great with Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges, check out these stuffed pepper casseroles on Donald Recipes.
🌿 Optional Garnishes to Enhance Flavor
Once your Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges are done roasting, elevate them with one or more of these garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or thyme: Adds a pop of vibrant color and a fragrant, herbaceous touch to brighten the dish.
- Toasted sesame seeds for nutty crunch
- Crumbled feta for salty creaminess
This versatile base recipe can be adapted by swapping honey for maple syrup, or by adding minced garlic or chili flakes to spice up your Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Honey-Mustard Glaze
These Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges are as easy to prepare as they are delicious. In just 40 minutes, you can transform a basic head of cabbage into crispy-edged, caramelized wedges bursting with sweet and tangy flavor.
🔪 Step 1: Prep the Cabbage
Gently peel off the outer cabbage leaves and trim the stem end for a clean base. Cut the cabbage straight down through the core, dividing it in half, then slice each half into 4 uniform wedges. You should end up with 8 firm wedges, each about 2 inches thick—ideal for even roasting.
Arrange the cabbage wedges evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they don’t overlap. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy after roasting your Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges.
🥣 Step 2: Mix the Glaze
In a small mixing bowl, combine:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Whisk until smooth. This glaze is the flavor foundation for your Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges. Customize to your liking—add a touch more honey for extra sweetness or increase the mustard for a bolder kick.
Looking for a bold pairing idea? These grilled chicken bites with garlic sauce make the perfect protein to serve alongside.
🧽 Step 3: Brush and Roast
Using a pastry brush, generously coat each cabbage wedge with the honey-mustard glaze. Carefully flip each cabbage wedge and evenly coat the other side with the remaining honey-mustard glaze to achieve a thorough, flavorful finish. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.
Your Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges are perfectly done when the edges turn golden and crisp, and the centers become soft and easily pierced with a fork.
⏱️ Prep & Cook Time + Nutrition Score (per serving)
If you’re in the mood for a speedy yet satisfying dish, these Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges absolutely deliver. From beginning to end, all it takes is 40 minutes and a handful of pantry essentials to roast these wedges to golden, crispy perfection.
🕒 Fast and Flavorful Cooking Schedule
Here’s how much time you’ll need to prepare your Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
That’s it—no long marinating, no complicated steps. Just slice, glaze, roast, and enjoy. While your wedges are in the oven, you’ll have just enough time to prep a main like these smash burger tacos for a hearty, balanced dinner.
🍽️ Nutrition Score (Per Serving)
These Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges are more than just tasty—they’re also incredibly healthy. Here’s the breakdown for one serving (based on 4 servings total):
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 5 tbsp
- Saturated Fat: 1 tbsp
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Carbohydrates: 12 tbsp
- Dietary Fiber: 3 tbsp
- Sugars: 8 tbsp
- Protein: 2 tbsp
Thanks to their high fiber and low sugar-to-carb ratio, these wedges are a great fit for low-carb, gluten-free, and vegetarian diets. Pair them with other light sides like the Asian cucumber salad for a refreshing and complete plate.
🍽️ Serving & Storage
Once your Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges are hot and caramelized from the oven, it’s time to think about how to present and preserve them. Whether you’re serving these wedges at a dinner party or saving leftovers for weekday meals, this section has you covered.
🌟 How to Serve Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges
These wedges shine as a side dish, but they can also steal the spotlight when paired with the right accompaniments. Here’s how to enjoy them:
- Serve Warm – Right out of the oven, these Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges are crisp, tender, and bursting with flavor.
- Finish with Crumbled Cheese – Try feta, blue cheese, or goat cheese for a rich, creamy contrast that elevates each bite.
- Add a Crunch Factor – Toasted sesame seeds, crushed walnuts, or sunflower seeds offer great texture.
- Make It a Full Plate – Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or wholesome grains like quinoa or wild rice for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
For the ultimate comfort food pairing, dish up these wedges alongside Mississippi mud potatoes for a hearty, family-style dinner everyone will love.
❄️ Storage Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), here’s how to keep your Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges fresh and delicious:
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days to preserve their taste and crispness.
- Warm them up in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes to bring back their crispy edges and tender centers.
- Avoid freezing – While technically possible, freezing can alter the cabbage’s texture and make it soggy when reheated.
Pro tip: repurpose leftover wedges in wraps or chopped into warm grain bowls for a delicious twist.
🔁 Recipe Variations
One of the best things about Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges is how versatile they are. With just a few tweaks to the glaze or toppings, you can take this dish in countless flavor directions—sweet, spicy, savory, or even cheesy.
🍯 Maple-Dijon Cabbage
Swap honey for pure maple syrup to bring a deeper, more earthy sweetness to your Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges. The maple version pairs especially well with roasted root vegetables or hearty meats.
Looking for more cozy, fall-inspired recipes? These pancake casserole recipes are another great use of maple-forward flavors.
🌶️ Spicy Kick
For those who love heat, add any of the following to your honey-mustard glaze:
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- A drizzle of sriracha
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
These spicy additions transform your Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges into a bold, vibrant dish that pairs well with cooling sides like this blueberry cloud jello salad.
🧄 Garlic-Lovers’ Twist
Garlic fans, rejoice! Simply add 2 minced garlic cloves to the honey-mustard glaze before brushing it onto the cabbage. The result? An aromatic depth that elevates every bite of your Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges.
You can also roast the garlic beforehand for a mellow, sweet flavor, or go raw for a punchier bite. Either way, garlic adds irresistible complexity.
Whether you’re after sweet, spicy, or savory, these tweaks allow you to personalize your Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges to match any meal or mood.
❓ FAQs
🧂 Why do you put vinegar in cabbage?
Vinegar is essential in this recipe for two big reasons: it balances the sweetness of the honey and mustard, and it helps tenderize the cabbage as it roasts. In Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges, apple cider vinegar cuts through richness and prevents the glaze from tasting overly sweet.
🥬 What cabbage is best for roasting?
For the best Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges, use green cabbage. It’s dense enough to hold its wedge shape through roasting and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the honey-mustard glaze. Savoy cabbage is a great alternative if you want a softer texture and more intricate leaf patterns.
🔪 How do I cut cabbage into 2-inch wedges?
Start by slicing the cabbage head in half through the core. Then, cut each half into 4 equal wedges, making 8 in total. Keep the core intact to ensure the wedges hold their shape during roasting—this is key for Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges that don’t fall apart.
🍽️ How does this differ from BBC Good Food’s method?
BBC Good Food often suggests roasting cabbage simply with olive oil and seasonings. What makes Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges stand out is the glaze—the combination of honey, mustard, vinegar, and oil that caramelizes during roasting and adds layers of flavor. It’s a major upgrade in both taste and texture.
📝 Conclusion: A Sweet-Tangy Transformation for Your Table
Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges are a delicious example of how simple ingredients can create standout results. From crispy caramelized edges to the sweet and tangy depth of the glaze, this side dish is anything but basic. It’s healthy, easy to prepare, and incredibly versatile—perfect for everything from holiday spreads to weekday dinners.
Not only do these Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges cater to low-carb, gluten-free, and vegetarian diets, but they also bring an unexpected elegance to your vegetable rotation. Whether paired with garlic butter chicken bites and parmesan linguine or served alongside a fresh simple and quick chakalaka, this dish is bound to become a go-to favorite.
Bookmark this recipe, share it with friends, and try the delicious variations included. I promise—once you’ve tasted these Honey-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Wedges, you’ll come back to them again and again.