This Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin is a clever twist on comfort food! It combines roasted spaghetti squash with creamy cheese to create a dish that’s both tasty and satisfying.
Don’t worry, you won’t miss the heavy calories in this version! I love serving it as a side dish or a dinner main. It’s such a fun way to sneak in some veggies without losing that cheesy goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti Squash: This is the star of the dish! Look for a firm squash with smooth skin. If spaghetti squash isn’t available, you can use zucchini or other squash varieties that can spiralize, but the texture will differ.
Cottage Cheese or Ricotta: I love cottage cheese for its protein boost, but ricotta works great too! If you’re lactose intolerant, try a dairy-free cream cheese or silken tofu for a similar consistency.
Cheddar Cheese: Reduced-fat sharp cheddar gives a nice sharpness without too many calories. If you prefer a melted, gooey texture, go for regular cheddar, or mix in provolone or mozzarella.
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess and protein! If you don’t have any on hand, plain sour cream could be a good substitute, or even a non-dairy yogurt if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Do I Roast Spaghetti Squash Effectively?
Roasting spaghetti squash can seem tricky, but with these simple steps, you’ll get it right every time!
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to get a nice brown exterior.
- Slice the squash in half carefully and scrape out the seeds using a spoon.
- Drizzling the cut side with olive oil enhances flavor. Don’t skip the seasoning!
- Roasting cut side down helps steam and softens the squash, making it easier to shred later.
- Check if it’s done by ensuring the flesh is tender when pricked with a fork.
Let it cool so you can safely handle and scrape out the strands! This step is essential for getting that spaghetti-like texture.
Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley or chives
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for prep and around 1 hour total, including baking time. You will spend around 45 minutes roasting the squash, plus an additional 15-20 minutes baking it with the cheese mixture. Easy and perfect for a wholesome meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Spaghetti Squash:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Next, carefully slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out all the seeds using a spoon. Drizzle a little olive oil on the inside of each half and sprinkle with salt and pepper for added flavor.
2. Roasting the Squash:
Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup easier. Roast them in the oven for about 40-45 minutes. You want them to be tender enough that you can easily shred the flesh into spaghetti-like strands with a fork.
3. Mixing the Cheese Filling:
Once the squash has cooled for a bit, use a fork to scrape out the strands into a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together the cottage cheese (or ricotta), Greek yogurt, minced garlic, dried thyme, and half of the Parmesan cheese until the mixture is creamy.
4. Combining and Assembling:
Now, gently fold the cheese mixture into the spaghetti squash strands, making sure they’re well combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Transfer this delicious mixture into a greased baking dish.
5. Adding the Cheese Topping:
Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese on top of the mixture in the baking dish.
6. Baking the Au Gratin:
Pop the dish into the oven and bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
7. Ready to Serve:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before digging in. For a fresh touch, you can garnish it with some chopped parsley or chives. Enjoy your healthy, creamy spaghetti squash au gratin!
This delightful recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy comfort food while keeping things nutritious. Perfect for any day of the week!
FAQ for Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While reduced-fat sharp cheddar and Parmesan work great, you can swap them with other cheeses like mozzarella for a gooey texture or gouda for a smoky flavor. Just make sure your choices melt well!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can add a splash of milk to keep it creamy if it seems dry!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the spaghetti squash and cheese mixture a day in advance. Just assemble them in the baking dish and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What Can I Serve with Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad, steamed vegetables, or grilled chicken for added protein. It can also stand alone as a satisfying vegetarian main dish!