Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Roasted Cabbage Wedges

These have become a regular rotation in our household because nothing beats bacon-wrapped roasted cabbage wedges finished with a dusting of Parmesan.

What Do Roasted Cabbage Wedges Taste Like?

I used to be indifferent about cabbage until I tried it roasted this way. Thinly cooked cabbage develops a mild, slightly sweet flavor and tender texture, which pairs beautifully with the savory, smoky notes of bacon. When the bacon renders, its fat helps caramelize the cabbage edges while infusing each wedge with rich flavor. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan at the end adds a salty, nutty finish that rounds out the dish.

These wedges are satisfying and simple — a great side for weeknight meals, and equally at home on a low carb or keto menu. Serve them with a knife and fork; the cabbage will be soft inside with a pleasantly crisp exterior where the bacon wraps around it.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Roasted Cabbage Wedges

The technique is straightforward. Start with a small to medium cabbage and slice it into wedges. Wrap each wedge with thick-cut bacon so the strips overlap and stay in place during roasting. Season lightly, roast until the cabbage is tender and the bacon is cooked through, then grate Parmesan over top while hot.

Wrap each wedge with bacon, secure with toothpicks if needed, and arrange the wedges on a baking sheet with space between them so the air circulates and the bacon crisps evenly. Roast until the cabbage is soft and the bacon is cooked to your preference. Finish with grated Parmesan and a grind of black pepper.

Best Ways to Cook Cabbage

Cabbage is versatile: it can be sautéed, braised, steamed, or roasted. Roasting concentrates its flavor and creates pleasing textures — tender leaves inside and caramelized edges outside. Wrapping wedges in bacon not only seasons the cabbage but also protects it from drying out and encourages even cooking. For best results, use thick-cut bacon so it crisps without overcooking the cabbage.

Tips for the Perfect Roasted Cabbage Wedges

1. Secure the bacon with toothpicks. Insert a toothpick to hold one end of the bacon while you wrap the other end around the wedge, and use a second toothpick where necessary so the bacon stays wrapped during roasting.
2. Cut the cabbage into reasonable portions. Halving and then quartering a half head gives eight wedges that roast evenly and are easy to serve.
3. Sprinkle Parmesan on while the wedges are hot. Grated cheese adheres better to the warm bacon and melts slightly into the cabbage for extra flavor.
4. Optional: sprinkle a little garlic powder or smoked paprika for an additional aromatic layer. Adjust seasoning to taste — salt sparingly at first because bacon and Parmesan are naturally salty.
5. Arrange wedges with space around them on the baking sheet so hot air can circulate and the bacon crisps properly.

Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Roasted Cabbage Wedges

Ingredients

• 1/2 small or medium cabbage, quartered (yielding about 8 wedges)
• 8 slices thick-cut smoky bacon
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional), divided among the wedges

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sprinkle the bacon lightly with Parmesan—this helps the cheese stick to the bacon rather than fall off the cabbage. Add garlic powder if using.
3. Wrap two strips of bacon around each cabbage wedge, placing the Parmesan-sprinkled side of the bacon toward the cabbage. Secure with toothpicks where needed.
4. Place wedges on a large baking sheet with space between each wedge to allow air flow.
5. Bake 35–40 minutes, or until the cabbage is soft and the bacon is cooked through and slightly crisp.
6. Remove from the oven, grate a little additional Parmesan over the hot wedges if desired, remove toothpicks, and serve warm.

Notes

Cooking time can vary slightly based on wedge size and oven. If you prefer very crisp bacon, you can start the oven a bit hotter or finish the wedges under a broiler for a minute or two — watch closely to avoid burning. Toothpicks are helpful to keep bacon in place but remember to remove them before eating.

Nutrition (approximate per serving)

Calories: 119 kcal; Carbohydrates: 3 g; Protein: 4 g; Fat: 9 g; Fiber: 1 g. Nutrition figures are estimates and will vary by brands and portion sizes.

These bacon-wrapped roasted cabbage wedges are an easy, flavorful side that turns a humble vegetable into a crowd-pleasing dish. They pair well with roasted meats, grilled proteins, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.