This Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin is a fun twist on a classic dish! It uses spaghetti squash instead of pasta, mixed with creamy cheese for a delightful, cheesy flavor, all while being good for you.
The best part? You get all the cheesy goodness with fewer carbs! I love to top it with a bit of crunchy bread crumbs for extra texture—who can resist that delicious bite? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti Squash: The star of the dish! It mimics pasta but is way healthier. If you can’t find it, zucchini can be a good alternative; just spiralize it and adjust cooking times.
Cottage Cheese or Ricotta Cheese: Both add creaminess. I lean towards cottage cheese for fewer calories, but ricotta gives a richer taste. For a dairy-free option, try silken tofu blended until smooth.
Cheeses: Part-skim mozzarella keeps it light, while Parmesan gives depth. If you’re vegan, look for plant-based cheeses or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Greek Yogurt: This ingredient adds creaminess and protein. If you want a dairy-free option, use cashew cream or a non-dairy yogurt alternative.
How Do I Get My Spaghetti Squash Just Right?
Roasting is the key to a perfectly tender spaghetti squash. Here’s how:
- Cut it in half carefully—best to use a sturdy knife. Remove the seeds with a spoon.
- Roast it cut-side down to let the steam help soften it evenly. Keep an eye on it; you want it fork-tender!
- Let it cool slightly before shredding with a fork. This way, you’ll get those lovely spaghetti strands without burning your fingers!
Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping (Optional):
- 1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs or panko
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Do You Need?
This Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and around 40-50 minutes to cook, including roasting the squash. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish—and it’s so worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Spaghetti Squash:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for about 35-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork. This will give you those lovely “spaghetti” strands!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
While the squash is roasting, grab a skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat and set it aside.
3. Mix It All Together:
Once the squash has cooled enough to handle, use a fork to shred the flesh into spaghetti-like strands and transfer them into a large mixing bowl. Now, add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to the bowl. Stir in the cottage cheese (or ricotta), Greek yogurt, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, dried thyme or Italian seasoning, and sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until well combined!
4. Prepare for Baking:
Now it’s time to transfer the mixture into a lightly greased baking dish (about 8×8 inches works well). If you love a little crunch on top, sprinkle the whole wheat breadcrumbs or panko evenly over the mixture for a delightful crust.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the dish into the oven and let it bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and freshness. Now scoop it out and enjoy your healthy, hearty Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin as a comforting main dish or a side—delicious!
Bon Appétit! Enjoy your nutritious creation!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Spaghetti Squash?
Absolutely! If you have pre-cooked spaghetti squash or leftovers, simply mix it with the other ingredients and skip the roasting step. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, as you’ll only need to heat everything through until bubbly.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, plain regular yogurt works well too. For a non-dairy option, consider using unsweetened almond milk yogurt or cashew cream for a similar creamy texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven—just add a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy when reheating!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make this dish vegan, substitute the cheese with plant-based versions, use vegan yogurt, and skip the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option, or opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs. It will still be delicious!
