Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin Recipe

Introduction

This Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food, offering a lighter and nutritious alternative. With creamy Greek yogurt and sharp cheddar cheese, it makes a comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 medium spaghetti squash
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
2. Step 2: Brush the cut sides of the squash with olive oil, place them face-down on a baking sheet, and roast for 35–40 minutes until tender.
3. Step 3: While the squash roasts, heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the diced onion in olive oil for about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Allow the roasted squash to cool slightly, then shred the flesh into strands using a fork.
5. Step 5: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded squash, sautéed onions and garlic, Greek yogurt, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
7. Step 7: Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until the dish is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, try mixing in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the squash mixture before baking.
• To make this dish vegetarian, ensure the cheese is made without animal rennet.
• Substitute plain Greek yogurt with sour cream for a richer taste.
• For a gluten-free version, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the crispy top, or microwave on medium power but the topping may soften.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just add the topping cheese and bake before serving.

What if I don’t have spaghetti squash?

You can substitute with butternut squash or even cooked zucchini noodles, but cooking times and texture will vary.

Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin Recipe

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4.9 from 131 reviews

This Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin is a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic cheesy casserole. Featuring roasted spaghetti squash combined with sautéed onions and garlic, tangy Greek yogurt, and sharp cheddar cheese, this dish offers a creamy, flavorful, yet low-carb alternative perfect for a comforting meal. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a wholesome option for family dinners or entertaining guests.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Spaghetti Squash

• 1 medium spaghetti squash
• 1 tbsp olive oil (divided)

Vegetables and Aromatics

• ½ cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Seasoning

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided: 1 cup for mixture, ½ cup for topping)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Squash: Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Using a sharp knife, halve the spaghetti squash lengthwise and carefully scoop out the seeds to create clean cavities.
2. Roast Squash: Brush the cut sides of the squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 35–40 minutes until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: While the squash roasts, heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes or until translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Shred Squash: When the squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to shred the flesh into spaghetti-like strands, transferring it to a large mixing bowl.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed onions and garlic, plain Greek yogurt, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper to the shredded squash. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all the flavors evenly.
6. Assemble and Bake: Grease a casserole dish lightly and transfer the squash mixture into it. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

Notes

• You can substitute sharp cheddar cheese with a lower-fat cheese options to reduce fat content.
• For extra flavor, add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the onion and garlic sauté.
• Make sure not to overcook the squash during roasting to maintain its tender texture without becoming mushy.
• This dish can be prepared a day in advance and baked just before serving.
• Using plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein while keeping the dish healthy.

Keywords: Spaghetti squash, au gratin, healthy casserole, baked squash, Greek yogurt, cheddar cheese, low carb, vegetarian