Cabbage Boil Recipe

This viral cabbage boil recipe is a diabetic-friendly baked cabbage recipe made with a whole green cabbage, butter, olive oil, chicken bouillon, Cajun seasoning, garlic, and smoked paprika. Designed for anyone craving the buttery, spicy cabbage boil trending on social media, this recipe is ready in about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

If you’ve been looking for the best boiled cabbage recipe with bold Cajun flavors, this baked version delivers all the buttery goodness of the viral trend with one simple diabetes-friendly tweak: reduced-sodium chicken bouillon. Because cabbage is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, it’s an easy comfort food side dish that fits a variety of eating styles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Inspired by the viral cabbage boil recipe everyone is making.
• Naturally low in carbohydrates and diabetes-friendly.
• Rich, buttery Cajun flavor with garlic in every bite.
• Uses simple pantry seasonings.
• Perfect for holidays, BBQs, seafood boils, or weeknight dinners.
• Minimal prep with most of the cooking done in the oven.

Cabbage Boil

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Servings: 6 wedges

Calories: 56

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1 medium green cabbage about 2½–3 pounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 stick ½ cup or 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided into pats
• 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium chicken bouillon powder
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning plus ½ teaspoon more for the second bake
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice optional, for serving
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
• For the Second Bake
• Remaining 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon chicken bouillon powder optional, for extra flavor

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Remove the core from the cabbage, creating a deep well in the center.
2. Brush the cabbage with olive oil so the seasoning sticks evenly. Mix the chicken bouillon, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Old Bay, and black pepper. Rub the mixture all over the cabbage and into the center.
3. Place butter pats into the center of the cabbage and tuck a few between the outer leaves. Wrap tightly in heavy-duty foil.
4. Bake for about 1½ hours.
5. Open the foil carefully and add more butter pats along with another sprinkle of Cajun seasoning and chicken bouillon. Return to the oven for another 25–30 minutes until the cabbage is fork tender.
6. Slice into wedges and spoon the buttery juices over every serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cabbageCalories: 56kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 0.5mgSodium: 242mgPotassium: 59mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.5gVitamin A: 642IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

We tested this recipe using both regular and reduced-sodium chicken bouillon. The reduced-sodium version still delivered the same rich, savory flavor while allowing the Cajun seasoning and garlic to shine. For the most flavorful cabbage, be sure to brush the cabbage with oil before adding the seasoning and don’t skip the second butter addition halfway through baking.

Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutrition information is an estimate calculated using WP Recipe Maker and a nutrition database. Actual values may vary depending on ingredient brands, exact ingredient weights, substitutions, and serving sizes. This information is provided as a courtesy and should not be considered medical or nutritional advice.

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Tips for Best Results

• Brush the cabbage with oil before adding seasonings so they adhere evenly.
• Wrap tightly in heavy-duty foil to trap steam and create tender cabbage.
• Cut a deep core so the butter melts throughout the cabbage.
• Let the cabbage rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
• Spoon the seasoned butter from the foil over each serving.

Variations & Substitutions

• Use regular chicken bouillon if sodium isn’t a concern.
• Make it vegetarian by substituting vegetable bouillon.
• Add crushed red pepper for extra heat.
• Finish with Parmesan cheese for even more savory flavor.
• Try Creole seasoning instead of Cajun seasoning for a slightly different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This cabbage pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp, baked salmon, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower rice for a balanced, diabetes-friendly meal. If you’re serving it for a gathering, pair it with a fresh salad or another low-carb vegetable side dish.