This Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin is a fun twist on the classic dish! It features tender spaghetti squash mixed with creamy cheese and topped with a crunchy golden layer. Yum!
I love making this dish because it feels cozy but is light on calories. Plus, who doesn’t love a cheesy topping? It’s perfect for impressing friends without heavy guilt! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti Squash: This is the star of the dish! Look for squash that feels heavy for its size with a firm skin. If you can’t find spaghetti squash, zucchini or even cauliflower can be good alternatives, though the texture will differ.
Cottage Cheese or Ricotta: Both add creaminess. I tend to use cottage cheese for its lighter texture, but ricotta brings a richer taste. If you prefer dairy-free, consider using tofu blended with a bit of almond milk!
Cheeses: Reduced-fat mozzarella keeps it lighter, while Parmesan adds depth. If you’d like a stronger flavor, opt for aged cheeses. Nutritional yeast is a great substitute if you’re going vegan.
Breadcrumbs: Whole wheat breadcrumbs give a nice crunch. If you’re gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead. Skipping the breadcrumbs altogether can also work if you want to keep it lighter!
How Do I Roast the Spaghetti Squash Perfectly?
Roasting spaghetti squash is key for achieving that tender texture. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking.
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Placing it cut-side down helps it steam and cook evenly.
- Roast for 35-45 minutes, depending on the size. You want it fork-tender—test it by poking with a fork.
- Let it cool a bit before scraping out the flesh so you avoid burns!
By following these steps, you’ll have beautifully cooked squash for your au gratin! Enjoy cooking!
Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Topping (Optional):
- 1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs or panko
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 55-60 minutes total (including roasting the squash). You’ll need about 35-45 minutes for roasting the spaghetti squash, and then about 15 minutes for mixing and baking. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spaghetti Squash:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds—don’t worry, you want to keep it clean inside! Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast it in the oven for 35-45 minutes until the flesh is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
While the squash is roasting, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes until the onions are translucent and everything is smelling delicious. Once done, remove them from the heat and set aside.
3. Mix Everything Together:
When the squash is roasted and cool enough to handle, use a fork to scrape out the flesh into strands. Transfer these strands into a mixing bowl. Now, add the sautéed garlic and onion, your choice of cottage cheese or ricotta, Greek yogurt, half of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, dried thyme (or Italian seasoning), and season with salt and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined!
4. Assemble the Dish:
Transfer the spaghetti squash mixture into a lightly greased baking dish. This will make cleanup easier! Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the breadcrumbs evenly on top for that crunchy texture.
5. Bake and Serve:
Put the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top is golden brown. Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. If you want, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor!
Enjoy your healthy and flavorful Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin! This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Type of Squash?
Absolutely! While spaghetti squash is the star of this dish, you can substitute it with other types like zucchini or even butternut squash. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will vary, but they can still work wonderfully!
How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
If you’re looking to make this recipe dairy-free, simply swap the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative like blended silken tofu or dairy-free yogurt. For the cheeses, nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
What Should I Do With Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Add a splash of water to keep it from drying out!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can roast the spaghetti squash and prepare the filling a day in advance. Store both separately in the fridge and assemble right before baking. This makes it a perfect dish for meal prep or a busy weeknight dinner!
