Baked Zucchini and Cauliflower with Garlic and Cheese

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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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.

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