If you have been searching for a dish that is both comforting and bursting with rich flavors, then you are going to fall head over heels for the Marry Me Melting Cabbage Recipe. This vegetarian marvel takes tender cabbage wedges and bathes them in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce that feels indulgent without being overwhelming. Every bite melts in your mouth, making it perfect for cozy dinners or impressive dinners with friends. The way the savory sauce clings to the cabbage is pure magic, and trust me, you will want to savor every last drop with a rustic piece of crusty bread or over your favorite grain. This recipe transforms humble cabbage into a dish so irresistibly delicious you just might find yourself wanting to propose immediately after tasting it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four large wedges of cooked cabbage in a white frying pan with black edges. Each cabbage wedge has a white core base with layers of light green and pale yellow leaves that are browned and slightly charred on the flat, cut side, showing a crispy texture. The wedges are placed evenly around the pan, which rests on a white marbled surface, and a beige cloth is partially visible on the lower right side. The inside of the pan shows some brown, cooked residue from the cabbage. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To create the magic behind the Marry Me Melting Cabbage Recipe, all you need are simple, wholesome ingredients that work harmoniously to build layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays an essential role, from the freshness of green cabbage providing a tender bite, to the tangy sun-dried tomatoes delivering a punch of umami, and the creamy accents that bring everything together in silky perfection.

1 small head green cabbage (2¼ pounds): The star of the show, offering tender, slightly sweet layers perfect for soaking up sauce.
3 tablespoons oil from sun-dried tomato jar: This infused oil adds deep tomato flavor and richness to the dish.
½ cup coarsely chopped drained julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Provides intense, tangy bursts that complement the cream.
2¼ cups no-salt-added vegetable broth: Keeps the sauce light and balances the richness.
¼ cup heavy cream: Adds smoothness and indulgence to the sauce texture.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds depth.
1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning: Brings earthy, herbaceous notes.
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper: A gentle kick to keep the flavor lively.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with warming aromatic goodness.
¼ cup reduced-fat cream cheese, cubed and softened: Enhances creaminess while keeping it light.
½ teaspoon salt, divided: Elevates and balances all the flavors.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to give sauce the perfect consistency.
2 teaspoons water: Helps dissolve cornstarch evenly into the sauce.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus 1 tablespoon, divided: Adds umami richness and a lovely golden topping when baked.
¼ teaspoon ground pepper: To season and brighten flavors.
Chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional): For a pop of freshness and color.

How to Make Marry Me Melting Cabbage Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Wedges

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Carefully slice the cabbage in half through the root, then cut each half into four thick wedges about 2 inches wide, keeping the core intact so the wedges hold their shape. This step is crucial because those thick wedges will soak up all that exquisite sauce later on without falling apart.

Step 2: Brown the Cabbage

Heat one tablespoon of the sun-dried tomato oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add four cabbage wedges and cook until they’re deeply browned on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. This browning adds a smoky depth and caramelized sweetness that brings out the natural flavors of the cabbage. Transfer the browned wedges to a baking sheet, then repeat the process with the remaining oil and wedges. Don’t clean the skillet after this step because the flavorful browned bits will enrich the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Into the same skillet, add the sun-dried tomatoes, vegetable broth, heavy cream, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, minced garlic, softened cream cheese, a quarter teaspoon of salt, and the remaining tablespoon of oil. Whisk this mixture constantly over medium heat until it boils and everything is well combined. This sauce is the heart and soul of the dish, melding tangy sun-dried tomatoes with creamy, savory elements. You’ll want it thick enough to coat those cabbage wedges perfectly.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce and Add Cheese

Mix together cornstarch and water until smooth, then whisk it into the simmering sauce. This step transforms the sauce into a luscious coat that clings to every cabbage layer. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and silky smooth—this addition brings a gorgeous umami richness that you won’t be able to resist.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Season the cabbage wedges with pepper and the remaining salt, then nestle them gently back into the skillet with the sauce, arranging them in a single layer, even if they slightly overlap. Pop the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, turning the wedges halfway through, until the cabbage is tender and the sauce is beautifully thickened. Just before serving, sprinkle the final tablespoon of Parmesan over the top to form a golden, savory crust.

How to Serve Marry Me Melting Cabbage Recipe

A white pan filled with six large wedge-shaped layers of cabbage, each showing a mix of light green outer leaves and soft white inner leaves, all grilled to have dark brown char marks mainly in the middle. The wedges sit in a shallow pool of thick, warm orange sauce that spreads evenly across the base of the pan. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a beige and white striped cloth partially visible on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A finishing touch of freshly chopped basil adds a fresh, herbaceous fragrance and vibrant green color that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce and golden Parmesan. You could also add a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for an extra layer of flavor complexity.

Side Dishes

This Marry Me Melting Cabbage Recipe is so hearty and flavorful that it stands out on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with crusty whole-grain bread to mop up the luscious sauce. For a more substantial meal, try serving it over fluffy brown rice or al dente whole-wheat pasta—each option offering wholesome texture and extra fiber.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the cabbage wedges on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra sauce for drizzling, and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan at the table. Alternatively, chop leftover baked cabbage and mix it into a warm grain bowl with roasted vegetables and a drizzle of lemon vinaigrette for a lunch that’s both comforting and vibrant the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Marry Me Melting Cabbage is just as delightful eaten the next day! Store your cabbage wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As the flavors meld overnight, the sauce becomes even more luscious and the cabbage absorbs more seasoning.

Freezing

Although the fresh texture of cabbage changes after freezing, you can freeze this dish if needed. Place cooled wedges and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. To retain as much flavor as possible, freeze it soon after cooking.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts stirring in between until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the cream sauce silky without breaking.

FAQs

Is the Marry Me Melting Cabbage Recipe vegan?

This recipe is vegetarian but not vegan due to the use of heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. However, you can easily substitute plant-based alternatives to make it vegan while still enjoying similar creamy richness.

Can I use a different type of cabbage?

Green cabbage is preferred for its tender leaves and subtle sweetness, but Napa cabbage or Savoy cabbage can also work. Just adjust cooking times as needed because these varieties may have different textures.

How spicy is this recipe?

The crushed red pepper adds only a gentle hint of heat that livens up the sauce without overpowering it. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your taste or omit it completely for a milder flavor.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the sun-dried tomato cream sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. Bring it back to a gentle simmer before adding the browned cabbage and baking to meld the flavors perfectly.

What wine pairs well with Marry Me Melting Cabbage Recipe?

A crisp, unoaked white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements this dish beautifully, balancing the creamy tomato flavors and the slight sweetness of the cabbage without overwhelming the palate.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Marry Me Melting Cabbage Recipe that makes it more than just a meal—it’s a delightful experience that invites you to slow down and savor every bite. The way tender cabbage meets a dreamy sun-dried tomato cream sauce is simply unforgettable. I hope you give this recipe a try soon, because trust me, it’s one that’s destined to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen too!