Creamy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin is a comforting and healthier twist on a classic casserole. With a blend of mozzarella, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan, it’s rich and cheesy without being heavy. Perfect as a side dish or light main, it’s a delicious way to enjoy spaghetti squash.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked spaghetti squash (pulled apart)
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt (to preference)
• Pepper (to preference)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even baking of the casserole.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled spaghetti squash with the eggs, shredded mozzarella, and Greek yogurt. Mix well until fully blended for a creamy texture.
3. Step 3: Season the mixture with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and dried thyme. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors.
4. Step 4: Pour the seasoned squash mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top to create a flavorful crust.
5. Step 5: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the top turns lightly browned and bubbly.
6. Step 6: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to set. Slice and serve warm to enjoy its rich, creamy goodness.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil before baking.
• You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or Gruyère for a different cheese profile.
• Try mixing in cooked mushrooms or spinach for added texture and nutrients.
• Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer taste or low-fat for a lighter dish.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through to preserve the creamy texture and crisp top.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic?

Yes, fresh garlic finely minced works perfectly and will provide a brighter flavor. Use about 1-2 cloves, finely chopped, to replace the 2 tablespoons of minced garlic.

Is spaghetti squash the only squash I can use for this recipe?

Spaghetti squash is ideal because of its stringy texture that mimics pasta, but you can experiment with other squash varieties. Just note that the texture and moisture content may vary, which could affect the final dish.

Creamy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 108 reviews

This Creamy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin is a comforting and healthy twist on the classic au gratin casserole. Featuring tender spaghetti squash combined with creamy Greek yogurt, eggs, mozzarella, and a flavorful blend of garlic and thyme, this dish is topped with parmesan for a golden, cheesy crust. It’s perfect as a low-carb side or a light vegetarian main dish, baked to perfection for a rich and creamy texture.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked spaghetti squash (pulled apart)
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt, to preference
• Black pepper, to preference
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures the oven reaches the correct temperature to bake the casserole evenly.
2. Prepare the Squash Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled spaghetti squash with the eggs, shredded mozzarella, and plain Greek yogurt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated to create a creamy base.
3. Season the Mixture: Add minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the squash mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings, giving the dish a rich flavor profile.
4. Transfer to Casserole Dish and Top: Lightly grease a casserole dish and pour in the seasoned squash mixture, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously on top to form a flavorful crust during baking.
5. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp. This process melds the flavors and creates a lovely crust.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Resting allows the casserole to set, making it easier to slice. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this comforting dish.

Notes

• For best results, ensure the spaghetti squash is fully cooked and cooled before mixing to prevent excess moisture.
• You can substitute mozzarella with another melty cheese like fontina or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
• Adjust garlic and thyme quantities to suit your personal taste preferences.
• The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: spaghetti squash au gratin, creamy spaghetti squash casserole, baked spaghetti squash, vegetarian casserole, low-carb casserole