If you’re in search of a delicious and satisfying dish that delights the senses without loading you up on carbs, look no further than Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin. This creamy, cheesy casserole is an excellent alternative to traditional potato gratins, providing that comforting, hearty feeling without the heaviness. The very essence of comfort food is captured in this recipe, filled with vibrant, roasted spaghetti squash, a rich homemade cheese sauce, and a topping that’s crispy and golden. It’s perfect for family dinners or as a side dish during the holidays, making it not only delectable but versatile.
Making Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin is straightforward, even for those who might be intimidated by the idea of creating a gratin. This recipe simplifies the process, promising incredible results with minimal fuss. You’ll adore how the roasted squash develops its natural sweetness and how it contrasts with the savory cheese sauce. Whether you’re maintaining a low-carb lifestyle, gluten-free diet, or simply looking for a flavorful vegetarian option, this dish makes an impression with its sheer comfort and delicious flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin
This creamy casserole really shines, and here’s why:
- Healthier Alternative: This dish offers all the comfort of a traditional gratin but is significantly lower in carbs and calories.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and minimal prep time make this dish accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite proteins or vegetables to personalize this comforting dish.
- Impressive Presentation: The golden, bubbly top makes it an attractive dish for gatherings and dinner parties.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of Gruyere, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses creates a rich flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you start cooking your Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin, let’s get your kitchen organized for success. Ensure you have the essentials on hand: a sharp knife for cutting the spaghetti squash, a sturdy baking sheet for roasting, a large saucepan for the cheese sauce, and a large mixing bowl for combining the ingredients. You’ll also need a whisk for smoothing the sauce, as well as a 9×13-inch baking dish to hold all the deliciousness. Don’t forget to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before starting! Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process, allowing you to create this wonderful dish with ease.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create your Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin:
- 1 large spaghetti squash (about 3–4 pounds)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed pork rinds for keto)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Spaghetti Squash
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds using a spoon. This step is crucial as it helps to make space for the rich flavors later on. Brush the cut sides of the squash with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and season generously with salt and pepper. Place the squash cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 2: Create the Cheese Sauce
Roast the squash for 45–60 minutes or until fork-tender. While it roasts, you can begin preparing the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add in the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes until translucent, enhancing the flavors in the dish. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Stir in the flour, cooking for an additional two minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until you have a smooth mixture. Continue to stir and simmer for about 5–7 minutes until your sauce thickens beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now, stir in the salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Remove the saucepan from heat and mix in the grated cheeses—3/4 cup each of Gruyere and cheddar, along with 1/4 cup of Parmesan—until everything is melted and well-combined. Once the spaghetti squash is roasted and slightly cooled, use a fork to shred the flesh into strands. Gently fold the shredded squash into the cheese sauce, ensuring that every strand is coated with that creamy goodness.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. In a small bowl, mix the remaining cheeses and panko breadcrumbs. This mixture will create that perfect crispy topping when baked. Sprinkle the cheese-breadcrumb mixture generously over the casserole. Finally, bake for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Be patient and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley before plating to add a pop of color.
Variations
Taking your Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin to new heights is easy with a few variation ideas:
- Protein: Add cooked bacon, diced ham, or rotisserie chicken for a more filling dish.
- Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spices: For some kick, try adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce to spice things up.
Cooking Notes
Here are some helpful cooking notes to keep in mind:
- Always use quality cheese—it’s worth it for the flavor!
- Be cautious not to over-roast the squash, as this could result in a mushy texture.
- You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance; simply store it in the fridge and bake when ready to serve.
- For an entirely gluten-free option, swap out the all-purpose flour with almond flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serving your Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin can be as simple or elaborate as you like:
- Serve it as a side dish alongside roasted chicken or grilled meats for a satisfying meal.
- Pair it with a light, refreshing salad for a complete vegetarian dinner.
Tips
To ensure a delightful cooking experience, consider the following tips:
- Shred the spaghetti squash strands as uniformly as possible for even cooking and absorption of flavors.
- Don’t be shy with your seasonings—this dish deserves a robust flavor!
- Feel free to mix and match your cheeses based on your preferences; mozzarella or fontina will work beautifully as well.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 18g
- Sodium: 600mg
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
What can I replace the spaghetti squash with?
If spaghetti squash isn’t available, you can use other squash varieties or vegetables like zucchini, but the texture may vary.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this dish can be frozen! Just ensure it’s fully cooled before sealing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties! Cheddar, mozzarella, or even goat cheese could provide a unique flavor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin is not just a dish; it’s a delightful culinary experience that captures the essence of comfort food while providing a healthier twist on traditional recipes. The combination of tender squash, rich cheese sauce, and a golden, crispy topping means this dish will surely become a favorite in your household. We encourage you to try this recipe, play around with different variations, and share it with friends and family. Don’t forget to drop a comment below if you decide to make your own rendition, and happy cooking!
Print
Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin is a creamy, cheesy casserole, a healthier alternative to traditional gratins.
Ingredients
- 1 large spaghetti squash (about 3–4 pounds)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed pork rinds for keto)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Brush the cut sides with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roast the squash for 45–60 minutes until fork-tender. In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, add onion, and sauté for 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another minute. Stir in flour, cooking for two minutes. Gradually add milk until smooth, and simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat, mix in 3/4 cup each of Gruyere and cheddar, and 1/4 cup Parmesan until melted. Shred the roasted squash with a fork and fold into the cheese sauce.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Mix remaining cheeses and panko breadcrumbs, then sprinkle over the casserole. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 18 g