Baked Zucchini and Cauliflower with Garlic and Cheese
A comforting side dish featuring tender zucchini and cauliflower baked with garlic and melted cheese, perfect for a low-carb meal. This american-inspired keto (low-carb) ready in about 40 minutes pairs unsalted butter, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium, diced into 1/2-inch cubes zucchini
- 1 small head, cut into small florets cauliflower
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 2 medium zucchinis, diced into 1/2-inch cubes, with 1 small head cauliflower, cut into small florets, in a large bowl.
- Step 2: Melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat, add 4 garlic cloves, minced, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then pour over the vegetables and toss to coat.
- Step 3: Transfer the vegetable mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then bake for 25 minutes until golden and tender.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Zucchini and Cauliflower with Garlic and Cheese take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Zucchini and Cauliflower with Garlic and Cheese?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Zucchini and Cauliflower with Garlic and Cheese?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Zucchini and Cauliflower with Garlic and Cheese for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Baked Zucchini and Cauliflower with Garlic and Cheese low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★★
Perfect keto recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.