This Healthy Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin is a fun twist on classic comfort food! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavors, all while being lighter on calories.
I love how the spaghetti squash takes on the cheesy goodness, making it a great guilt-free treat. Serve it as a side dish, and watch it disappear fast—just don’t forget to save some for yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti Squash: This is the star ingredient! If you can’t find it, you might swap in zucchini or cauliflower, but the texture will differ. Roasted cauliflower can give a similar bite, while zucchini will have a softer texture.
Onion and Garlic: I love using yellow onions for their sweetness. If you prefer, shallots are a mild option, or skip them altogether for a lighter flavor. Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder works too—about 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
Cheese: I recommend reduced-fat cheddar for sharpness, but feel free to use mozzarella or any cheese you prefer. If you’re dairy-free, try a vegan cheese option that melts well, or even nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition, but you could use frozen spinach (just make sure to thaw and drain it first). Other greens like kale or Swiss chard can also work well.
How Do I Roast Spaghetti Squash Perfectly?
Roasting the spaghetti squash brings out its natural sweetness and gives the best texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds gently.
- Place halves cut-side down on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 40-45 minutes. Check if tender with a fork—it should shred easily.
- Let it cool a bit, so you can handle it comfortably before scraping out the strands!
Taking the time to roast properly guarantees you a delicious and satisfying result! Enjoy cooking! 🍽️
Healthy Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or extra olive oil for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 1 hour for preparation and cooking combined. You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping the vegetables and cheese mixture, plus around 40-45 minutes roasting the spaghetti squash. Then, it’s just 20-25 minutes in the oven once everything is combined. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roasting the Spaghetti Squash:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast them in the oven for about 40-45 minutes or until the flesh is tender and can easily be shredded with a fork.
2. Preparing the Filling:
While the squash is roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, stir in the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2 minutes. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat.
3. Combining the Ingredients:
After the squash has roasted and cooled slightly, use a fork to scrape the flesh into strands and transfer the strands to a large mixing bowl. Add the sautéed onion, garlic, and spinach mixture to the bowl. Next, mix in the cottage cheese (or ricotta), Greek yogurt, half of the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, basil, salt, and pepper, making sure everything is well combined.
4. Baking the Au Gratin:
Lightly grease a medium baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil. Transfer the spaghetti squash mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
5. Serving:
Once out of the oven, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. This Healthy Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin makes for a comforting side or a wholesome light main dish. Enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite!
FAQ for Healthy Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin
Can I Use a Different Type of Squash?
While spaghetti squash is ideal for this recipe due to its unique texture, you can substitute it with zucchini or even butternut squash. Just keep in mind that cooking times and textures will vary!
Is There a Way to Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegan by substituting the cottage cheese with silken tofu or a cashew cream, using dairy-free yogurt, and replacing the cheeses with your favorite vegan cheese alternatives. It will still be creamy and delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You might want to add a splash of almond milk to keep it creamy!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the spaghetti squash and filling up to a day in advance. Just assemble everything in the baking dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you’re ready, bake it from cold, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if needed.
