Golden Zucchini Cheese Cauliflower

Featured in Meatless meals that satisfy.

Turn a simple cauliflower into a show-stopping dish by roasting it until golden and enhancing it with a rich zucchini cheese sauce. It's packed with flavor, texture, and elegance, ideal for holiday dinners or a special meal.

alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Tue, 27 May 2025 10:15:17 GMT
Golden cauliflower draped in creamy cheese sauce with herbs sprinkled on top, served on a white plate. Pin it
Golden cauliflower draped in creamy cheese sauce with herbs sprinkled on top, served on a white plate. | tasteofsavor.com

Here's a stunning way to enjoy roast cauliflower all topped off with a smooth cheesy zucchini sauce. It’s eye-catching, totally tasty, and easy enough for a weekday family meal or a fun get-together with friends. Eating healthy has never looked this good.

Why You'll Love This Dish

This isn't your run-of-the-mill cauliflower plate. That crunchy, browned outside with the silky cheesy sauce (built on sneaky zucchini) is next-level good. Fancy enough for parties but chill enough for a Monday. Even your pickiest people might ask for seconds. Plus, the hidden veggies pack a healthy punch.

Stuff You'll Need

  • Main Attraction: Grab a whole head of cauliflower and trim it up.
  • Tasty Oil: Splash extra virgin olive oil for that amazing roast.
  • Staple Seasoning: Give it a shake of salt and a grind of pepper.
  • Cheesy Sauce Helpers: Four medium zucchinis, peeled and shredded up.
  • Boost Flavor: Half an onion, finely grated.
  • Smooth Mix-In: Half a cup of veggie broth.
  • Cheese Galore: One cup of your favorite cheese, shredded.
  • Fancy Touch: Half cup of parmesan and maybe a little extra to sprinkle after baking.
Roasted cauliflower stacked on a plate with a rich creamy herb topping, finished with fresh greens. Pin it
Roasted cauliflower stacked on a plate with a rich creamy herb topping, finished with fresh greens. | tasteofsavor.com

Time To Cook

Finish It Off
Spoon your awesome cheesy sauce onto the hot cauliflower, toss that extra parmesan up top, and enjoy while it’s still steamy.
Add the Cheese
Bring the creamy zucchini mix back to the pan, stir in the cheeses until everything’s gooey and blended together.
Blend Everything
Toss the cooked onion and zucchini into your blender or use a stick blender, add the broth, and blend until it’s super smooth.
Prep The Mixture
Saute grated onion and zucchini over medium until it dries up and softens, about 10 minutes.
Roast The Veggie
Turn the oven up to 400°F. Coat cauliflower with oil and season well. Roast until golden all over, about 40 minutes.

Switch It Up

Going plant-based? Use your fave vegan cheese or swap in nutritional yeast. Want a kick? Toss in some chili flakes. Herbs like rosemary or thyme will make it pop too. Try roasting in florets for easier eating or mix up the cheeses to keep it interesting.

Get The Best Out Of It

Don’t skimp on oil or seasoning for great color on your cauliflower. Keep the oven good and hot for that crispy outside. Add veggie broth a bit at a time to your sauce until it feels just right. Dish it up straight away so you get that perfect mix of crispy and creamy.

Roasted cauliflower served with a smooth cheese sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Pin it
Roasted cauliflower served with a smooth cheese sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. | tasteofsavor.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the benefit of roasting cauliflower whole?

It looks stunning, caramelizes beautifully on the outside, and keeps the inside super tender.

→ Why mix zucchini into cheese sauce?

Zucchini adds a smooth texture, packs in extra nutrients, and lightens the sauce by using less cheese.

→ Can I cut cauliflower instead of leaving it whole?

Sure, smaller pieces cook faster but don’t give the same bold presentation.

→ Why remove the zucchini skin?

It helps the sauce look smooth and creamy without little green specks.

→ Is this dish good for prepping ahead?

Absolutely! Make the sauce in advance and warm it up later. Roast the cauliflower fresh for the best flavor.

Zucchini Cheese Cauliflower

Golden roasted cauliflower paired with a creamy zucchini-infused cheese sauce. A tasty and fancy vegetable side.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Vegetarian

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Contemporary European

Yield: 6 Servings (1 head of cauliflower)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup (125ml) vegetable broth.
02 Dash of salt and pepper.
03 1/2 cup (50g) parmesan, grated, plus extra to top.
04 4 zucchinis.
05 1 cup (100g) shredded cheese.
06 A whole cauliflower.
07 Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
08 Half an onion, shredded.

Instructions

Step 01

Set oven at 200°C. Pull off leaves. Put it in a dish for baking. Sprinkle with oil and season lightly with salt. Roast for about 40 minutes until edges are darkened.

Step 02

Shred zucchinis after peeling. Warm oil in a pan. Saute onion and zucchini for 10 minutes. Let liquid cook away. Blend with a bit of broth and put back in pan. Melt both kinds of cheese by whisking in. Add more broth if needed.

Step 03

Put the cauliflower on a serving plate. Pour the sauce on top. Finish with more parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

  1. Looks great when served.
  2. You can prep the sauce earlier.
  3. Peeling zucchinis keeps the color light.
  4. Add broth bit by bit for desired sauce thickness.

Tools You'll Need

  • Grater for shredding.
  • Dish for baking.
  • A saucepan.
  • A sturdy whisk.
  • Blender for smooth sauce.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (parmesan, cheese).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 245
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
  • Protein: 15 g