Buttery Cajun Cabbage Boil

Buttery Cajun Cabbage Boil
(Viral whole-cabbage recipe – serves 4–6)

Ingredients

• 1 large head green cabbage
• ½ Tbsp olive oil
• 6 Tbsp butter, divided
• 2 tsp garlic powder, divided
• 2 tsp smoked paprika, divided
• 2 tsp regular paprika, divided
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, divided
• 2 tsp Old Bay seasoning, divided
• 1 tsp chicken bouillon (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon, divided
• Salt & black pepper to taste

Optional add-ins (for full boil vibe):
Sliced smoked sausage, cooked shrimp, or bacon bits (add after baking or stuff inside).

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 385°F (196°C).
2. Remove the outer leaves and core the cabbage (cut a deep pocket in the bottom). Make 5–6 cuts about 2 inches deep from the core, going about ¼ of the way down so the seasonings can soak in.
3. Drizzle the cabbage with olive oil and rub it all over.
   Season generously with 1 tsp each of garlic powder, smoked paprika, paprika, Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, and chicken bouillon. Squeeze half the lemon juice over it and rub everything in well (get it into the cuts).
4. Place 3 Tbsp cold butter into the cored center.
   Wrap the cabbage tightly in two layers of heavy-duty foil. Place on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 1 hour.
6. Meanwhile, melt the remaining 3 Tbsp butter. Whisk in the remaining 1 tsp of each seasoning + the rest of the lemon juice. Set aside.
7. After 1 hour, carefully open the foil and spoon 1–2 Tbsp of the seasoned butter mixture over the cabbage. Re-wrap tightly and bake for 1 more hour (total 2 hours).
8. Remove from oven and let rest 5–10 minutes. Unwrap, season with salt & pepper, and pour the remaining butter sauce over the top or serve it on the side for dipping.

Serving Tips

• Pull the leaves apart — they should be meltingly tender and buttery.
• For a full “boil” experience, serve with sausage, shrimp, or corn.
• Leftover butter sauce is perfect for dipping.

This is the exact style that went viral — simple, buttery, and packed with Cajun flavor. Enjoy!