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Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin

Delicious Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin: Guilt-Free Comfort Food

Discover how to make Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin, a comforting and healthy dish that transforms an ordinary vegetable into a creamy delight.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 Spaghetti Squash
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
  • 2 cups Whole Milk Heavy cream can be used for a richer sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg Optional.
For the Cheesy Goodness
  • 1 cup Gruyere Cheese Can substitute with Fontina or mozzarella.
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Mild cheddar can be used for less intense flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Can substitute with Pecorino Romano.
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Substitute with regular breadcrumbs if needed.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley Chopped, for garnish.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking dish
  • Medium saucepan
  • fork

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, brush the insides with melted butter, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  2. Place the spaghetti squash halves cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 45-60 minutes until tender.
  3. Once cool enough to handle, use a fork to shred the squash flesh into strands. Set aside in a large bowl.
  4. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the remaining butter, add the diced onion, and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
  5. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring continuously for about 1-2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the whole milk until smooth.
  6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring frequently until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Fold in Gruyere and sharp cheddar cheese.
  7. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the shredded spaghetti squash and mix until evenly coated. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
  8. In a small bowl, mix the reserved cheeses with panko breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the squash mixture.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  10. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 12gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.

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