If you’re looking for a way to turn humble cabbage into something spectacular, these Crispy Parmesan Cabbage Fritters with Roasted Garlic Dip are about to become your new obsession. Golden, cheesy, and perfectly crunchy on the outside with a tender center, these fritters transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy appetizer or side dish. The creamy roasted garlic dip is the perfect complement—rich, smooth, and full of deep flavor. I first made these while trying to use up leftover cabbage, and they turned out so good I’ve been making them ever since. Whether you serve them as a snack, side dish, or vegetarian main, they deliver crispy, cheesy goodness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cabbage fritters are wonderfully simple yet incredibly flavorful. They’re crisp, cheesy, and satisfying without being heavy. The Parmesan adds saltiness and a nutty depth, while the cabbage gives a mild sweetness and great texture. Paired with a luscious roasted garlic dip, this dish offers the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess. Plus, they’re quick to make, budget-friendly, and a creative way to sneak more vegetables into your meals.
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Crispy Parmesan Cabbage Fritters with Roasted Garlic Dip: A Golden Bite of Savory Perfection
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 10 fritters
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden, crispy cabbage fritters packed with Parmesan cheese and herbs, served with a creamy roasted garlic dip — a savory snack or side dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Ingredients
- 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- For the roasted garlic dip:
- 1 head garlic
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top of the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30–35 minutes until soft. Let cool, then squeeze out the cloves into a bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix roasted garlic, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well and chill until ready to serve.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, Parmesan, flour, eggs, green onions, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, baking powder, and parsley. Mix until well combined.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Scoop about 1/4 cup of the cabbage mixture per fritter and flatten slightly in the pan. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve warm with roasted garlic dip.
Notes
- Use a mix of green and purple cabbage for a colorful presentation.
- Air-fryer method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Add a bit of shredded zucchini or carrot for extra texture.
- These fritters pair wonderfully with grilled meats or as a vegetarian main course.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: European
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Green Cabbage – Finely shredded cabbage forms the base of the fritters, providing natural sweetness and crisp texture.
Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and help create that golden, cohesive fritter.
All-Purpose Flour – Adds structure and helps the fritters hold their shape while frying.
Grated Parmesan Cheese – Brings salty, nutty flavor and helps achieve a crisp, cheesy crust.
Garlic Powder – Adds savory depth that complements both the cabbage and the dip.
Green Onions – Offer freshness and a mild onion bite that balances the richness of the cheese.
Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
Olive Oil – For pan-frying the fritters to golden perfection.
For the Roasted Garlic Dip:
Garlic Bulb – Roasting it transforms the flavor into something buttery and mellow.
Mayonnaise – Provides a creamy base for the dip.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – Adds tanginess and balances the richness.
Lemon Juice – A splash of brightness that cuts through the creamy dip.
Salt and Pepper – For balanced seasoning.
Directions
For the Fritters
- Prepare the cabbage: Finely shred the cabbage and place it in a large bowl. Sprinkle lightly with salt and let it sit for 10 minutes to release moisture. Squeeze out excess liquid using your hands or a clean towel.
- Make the batter: Add eggs, flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper to the cabbage. Stir until well combined and the mixture holds together.
- Cook the fritters: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Scoop about ¼ cup of the mixture for each fritter, flatten slightly, and cook 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
For the Roasted Garlic Dip
- Roast the garlic: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top of the garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35–40 minutes, until soft and golden.
- Prepare the dip: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into a bowl and mash into a paste. Stir in mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serve
Arrange the warm fritters on a plate and serve alongside the roasted garlic dip. Garnish with extra Parmesan or chopped herbs if desired.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6 people and takes about 45 minutes total—20 minutes for prep and 25 minutes for cooking. It’s ideal for appetizers, light lunches, or side dishes that need a crispy touch.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. The dip can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Variations and Customizations
Cheesy Upgrade – Mix mozzarella or cheddar with Parmesan for extra gooeyness.
Spicy Kick – Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the batter.
Herb Lover’s Fritters – Stir in fresh dill, parsley, or basil for an aromatic boost.
Bacon and Cabbage Fritters – Fold in crisp bacon bits for a smoky, savory twist.
Gluten-Free Version – Substitute flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose mix.
Lemon Herb Dip – Add lemon zest and chopped parsley to the dip for brightness.
FAQs
Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness.
Can I use red cabbage?
Yes, though it will change the color slightly and add a bit more crunch.
Can I make the fritters ahead of time?
Yes, shape them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Can I freeze the fritters?
Yes, freeze cooked fritters on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?
Absolutely—it saves time and works perfectly for this recipe.
How can I make them extra crispy?
Drain the cabbage well and cook the fritters over medium-high heat until deep golden brown.
What oil works best for frying?
Olive oil or avocado oil are great choices for their flavor and high smoke point.
Can I use pre-roasted garlic in the dip?
Yes, just adjust the amount to taste since pre-roasted garlic can vary in intensity.
Is the dip optional?
Technically, yes—but it truly elevates the dish with its creamy, garlicky richness.
Can I serve these as a main dish?
Yes, serve with a simple salad or roasted potatoes for a complete vegetarian meal.
Conclusion
Crispy Parmesan Cabbage Fritters with Roasted Garlic Dip turn an everyday vegetable into something extraordinary—crispy, flavorful, and irresistibly cheesy. Paired with the smooth, aromatic dip, this dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, side, or light meal, these fritters are proof that simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavors when treated with care.
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