🥬🥓 High-Protein Southern Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Garlic Bacon Butter

🥄 Ingredients (2–3 servings)
For the cabbage steaks:
1 medium green cabbage
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Garlic Bacon Butter:
4 slices of cooked bacon, chopped (~60–80g)
2 tbsp unsalted butter (or ghee)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese (optional, adds protein)
1 tsp fresh thyme or parsley (optional for garnish)
👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat oven
   Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare cabbage
   Remove outer leaves and core the cabbage.
   Slice cabbage into 1–1.5 inch thick rounds (“steaks”).
   Brush both sides lightly with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Roast cabbage
   Place cabbage steaks on the prepared baking sheet.
   Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until edges are browned and slightly crispy.
4. Make garlic bacon butter
   In a small skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
   Add garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
   Stir in chopped bacon and cheese (if using) until slightly melted and combined.
5. Assemble and serve
   Drizzle garlic bacon butter over roasted cabbage steaks.
   Garnish with fresh herbs and extra cracked black pepper.
   Serve hot as a side or main for a high-protein vegetable dish.
   💪 Protein Estimate (per serving)
   Bacon (2 slices per serving): ~12g protein
   Parmesan/cheese (1 tbsp per serving): ~3–4g protein
   Total protein per serving: ~15–16g