Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional burgers, using cabbage leaves as a low-carb substitute for buns. These flavorful burgers are packed with protein and can be customized with your favorite toppings and sauces!

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Burgers:

• 1 medium head of cabbage (about 1 lb)
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
• 1/4 cup onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

For Toppings (optional):

• Cheese slices
• Lettuce
• Tomato slices
• Pickles
• Mustard or ketchup

Timing

Making Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Cabbage

1. Remove Leaves: Carefully remove 8-10 large leaves from the cabbage head. Trim the thick stem at the base of each leaf to make them more pliable.
2. Blanch Leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Blanch the cabbage leaves for 2-3 minutes until softened. Remove and place in ice water to cool, then drain and pat dry.

Step 3: Make the Burger Mixture

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until well combined.

Step 4: Form the Burgers

1. Shape Patties: Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions and shape them into patties.
2. Wrap in Cabbage Leaves: Place each patty inside a cabbage leaf, folding the sides over to enclose the filling. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.

Step 5: Bake the Burgers

1. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the cabbage-wrapped burgers seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.

Step 6: Serve

1. Add Toppings: If using cheese, add a slice during the last 5 minutes of baking to melt.
2. Enjoy: Serve warm with your favorite toppings and sauces!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers (per burger, based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Burger
Calories	180
Protein	20g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	5g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	1g

Tips for Customization

• Different Meats: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor.
• Spices and Herbs: Add herbs like parsley, basil, or spices like cumin for extra flavor in the meat mixture.
• Sauce Variations: Experiment with different sauces like BBQ, hot sauce, or aioli for added flavor.

Conclusion

Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers are a nutritious and tasty alternative to traditional burgers, offering a unique twist on a classic favorite. They are easy to make, customizable, and perfect for a healthy meal!