How Many Calories are in Roasted Cabbage?

November 3, 2025 •

3 min read

A single cup of raw green cabbage contains just 17.5 calories, but that number changes once you roast it. The total calories in roasted cabbage depend significantly on the amount and type of oil used during preparation, making a simple calorie count inaccurate.

Quick Summary

Understand how many calories are in roasted cabbage by factoring in preparation methods and added ingredients like oil. This guide explains the nutritional impact and provides tips for a healthier dish.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The number of calories in roasted cabbage is highly dependent on added fat sources, not the cabbage itself.
Raw vs. Roasted: Raw cabbage is extremely low in calories, and the roasted version's calorie count increases primarily due to the oil used for cooking.
Control Fat Intake: To keep calories low, use a non-stick cooking spray or measure oil sparingly. A single tablespoon of olive oil adds over 100 calories.
Nutrient-Dense Dish: Roasting concentrates the vegetable's nutrients, providing a great source of fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants for a filling and healthy meal.
Flavorful & Versatile: Roasted cabbage can be seasoned in many ways to add flavor without excess calories, making it a flexible and delicious side dish.
Aids Weight Management: The high fiber and water content in cabbage promote satiety, helping to reduce overall calorie intake and support weight loss efforts.

The Calorie Breakdown: Raw vs. Roasted Cabbage

Raw cabbage is inherently low in calories, with one cup of shredded green cabbage containing approximately 17.5 calories. Roasting cabbage significantly alters its calorie count primarily due to the addition of fats and oils during cooking. As cabbage loses water content when roasted, its natural flavors and nutrients become more concentrated. While the vegetable itself remains low in calories, the final dish's calorie total is largely dictated by the amount and type of oil or other ingredients used.

Factors That Influence Calorie Count

The calorie content of roasted cabbage is primarily influenced by the cooking oil used. Popular oils such as olive or avocado oil add over 100 calories per tablespoon, distributed across the number of servings. Other additions like cheese, butter, or bacon also increase calories, protein, and fat. Portion size is also key; the total calories of the dish, including added ingredients, must be divided by the number of servings to get an accurate per-serving calorie count.

Roasted Cabbage Calorie Comparison Table

The following table provides approximate per-serving calorie ranges for roasted cabbage based on different preparation methods:


Preparation Method	Per Serving (approximate)	Additional Ingredients	Calorie Range
Basic Roasted Cabbage Steaks	80-110 kcal	Minimal oil or cooking spray, basic seasonings	Low
Parmesan Roasted Cabbage Wedges	120-140 kcal	Moderate oil, parmesan cheese	Medium
Cabbage Roasted with Bacon	150-200+ kcal	Oil, bacon fat, crumbled bacon	High
Roasted Cabbage with Balsamic Glaze	100-120 kcal	Moderate oil, balsamic vinegar/glaze	Medium-Low
Air-Fried Cabbage (minimal oil)	50-70 kcal	Cooking spray, seasonings	Very Low

The Health Benefits of Roasted Cabbage

Despite potential added calories from oil, roasted cabbage is a nutritious choice. It is a good source of dietary fiber, supporting digestion and aiding weight management by promoting fullness. It also provides vitamins C (an antioxidant) and K, folate, potassium, and antioxidants like anthocyanins and glucosinolates with potential anti-inflammatory properties.

Tips for Keeping Your Roasted Cabbage Low-Calorie

To prepare a low-calorie roasted cabbage dish, control the added fat:

Use cooking spray instead of oil for minimal calories.
Carefully measure oil if used to manage the amount.
Enhance flavor with calorie-free seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, or a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
Consider portion control based on the total calories of the prepared dish.
Experiment with various spices like curry powder or chili flakes for flavor without high-calorie additions.

How to Roast Cabbage to Perfection

Roasting cabbage is simple:

Preparation: Remove outer leaves and cut cabbage into 1-inch rounds or wedges, keeping the core intact.
Seasoning: Place on a baking sheet, lightly coat with oil or cooking spray, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Roasting: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flip, and roast for another 15-20 minutes until tender and golden.
Serving: Enjoy immediately, possibly with lemon juice or parsley.

Conclusion: Savoring Roasted Cabbage Your Way

Determining the calories in roasted cabbage depends on the specific recipe and added fats. By controlling the amount of oil used, you can create a low-calorie dish similar to raw cabbage in calorie count but with a richer flavor. Alternatively, using more oil or additions results in a more calorie-dense, yet still nutritious, meal. Roasted cabbage is a versatile and healthy vegetable. For further nutritional information on vegetables, consult resources like the USDA's FoodData Central. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html

Frequently Asked Questions

Roasting cabbage itself does not add calories. However, almost all roasted cabbage recipes include fat, typically oil, butter, or animal fats, which is where the extra calories come from.

A serving of roasted cabbage is calorie-dense compared to raw because water is cooked off and oil is added. The raw vegetable is about 17.5 calories per cup, while roasted versions vary from 80 to over 150 calories per serving depending on ingredients.

To minimize calories, use a non-stick cooking spray instead of oil, or use a minimal amount of oil brushed on. Flavor with calorie-free seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Roasted cabbage is rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. It promotes healthy digestion, supports the immune system, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Yes, roasted cabbage can be an excellent food for weight loss. It is low in calories, high in fiber, and filling, which helps reduce overall calorie intake, especially when prepared with minimal fat.

A common serving size is a 'steak' (a 1-inch thick round) or wedge, which is a substantial portion that can be very filling. The calorie count for a serving can range from 80-140+ depending on the recipe.

Both red and green cabbage are very healthy. Red cabbage contains higher levels of antioxidants called anthocyanins, which give it its color and additional health benefits. Nutritional differences are minimal, and both are great choices.