This Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin is a fun twist on the classic! It features creamy cheese and perfectly baked spaghetti squash that makes for a comforting dish without the guilt.
It’s hard to believe something so yummy can be good for you! I love serving it with a side salad for a light meal. Plus, who can resist that cheesy goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti Squash: This is the star of the dish! It has a mild flavor and gives a great texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can also use zucchini as a substitute, though the consistency will be different.
Cottage Cheese or Ricotta: I love using low-fat cottage cheese for extra protein, but part-skim ricotta gives a creamier texture. If you’re dairy-free, try using a plant-based ricotta made from almonds or cashews.
Cheese: Reduced-fat sharp cheddar is perfect for flavor without the extra calories. If you’re not a fan of cheddar, go for mozzarella or Monterey Jack as alternatives. Parmesan is key for that nice, crunchy topping!
Breadcrumbs: Whole wheat breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch. If you don’t have any, you can use crushed crackers or even skip the topping altogether for a lighter version!
How Can I Get My Spaghetti Squash Just Right?
Getting the spaghetti squash cooked properly is essential for this recipe. A good roast brings out its natural sweetness and texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Cut the squash in half carefully, as it’s tough! A sharp knife helps.
- Scoop out the seeds with a spoon to get a clean base for filling.
- Roast it cut-side down to retain moisture and cook evenly. Keep an eye on it; if it’s fork-tender, it’s ready!
Let it cool slightly before scraping out the strands, which will be soft and delicious.
Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 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 part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs or panko (optional for topping)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This delicious Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin will take about 15 minutes to prep and approximately 1 hour to cook. So, set aside about 1 hour and 15 minutes for some delightful cooking time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare 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 with a spoon. This will create a nice bowl for your delicious filling!
2. Roast the Squash:
Drizzle the insides of the squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the squash cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the oven for about 40-45 minutes until the flesh feels tender when poked with a fork.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
While the squash is roasting, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it turns translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Prepare the Filling:
Once the spaghetti squash has cooled a bit, use a fork to scrape out the tender strands into a large mixing bowl. Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) now. To the bowl, add the sautéed onions and garlic, cottage cheese (or ricotta), Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar, Parmesan cheese, thyme, rosemary, as well as some salt and pepper. Mix everything gently until well combined.
5. Assemble and Bake:
Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking dish to hold all that goodness in. If you’d like, sprinkle the top with whole wheat breadcrumbs or panko for a crunchy topping. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly, making your kitchen smell amazing!
6. Serve with Love:
Once done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness before serving. Enjoy your nutritious and delicious Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin!
FAQ for Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin
Can I Use a Different Type of Squash?
While spaghetti squash is ideal for this dish due to its texture, you could use butternut squash as a substitute. Just keep in mind, the flavor and cooking time will vary slightly. Roast until tender before following the rest of the recipe.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can roast the spaghetti squash and prepare the filling a day ahead. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine and bake as instructed. It’ll save you time on a busy day!
What If I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt?
No problem! If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can substitute it with sour cream or plain yogurt. Each option will give a slightly different taste but will still keep the dish creamy and delicious.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If the dish seems dry after reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to revive the creaminess.
