Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin Recipe
This Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin is a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional au gratin dishes, featuring tender roasted spaghetti squash combined with sautéed onions, garlic, creamy Greek yogurt, and sharp cheddar cheese. It is baked to golden perfection, offering a comforting and flavorful vegetable side dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Others
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: spices like paprika or dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Halve the spaghetti squash lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Brush the cut sides with olive oil and place them cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 35–40 minutes until the squash is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: While the squash roasts, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and sauté the diced onions until soft, approximately 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Shred the Squash: Once the roasted spaghetti squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to shred the flesh into noodle-like strands.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded squash, sautéed onions and garlic, Greek yogurt, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and any optional spices you desire such as paprika or dried thyme. Mix thoroughly to integrate all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top. Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until the dish is hot and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
Notes
- Make sure the spaghetti squash is fully tender before shredding for the best texture.
- You can customize the spices according to your preference to add different flavor profiles.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt and cheddar cheese with vegan alternatives.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats or as a hearty vegetarian main course.
Keywords: spaghetti squash, au gratin, healthy, low-carb, Greek yogurt, cheddar cheese, roasted vegetables, vegetarian side dish
