Description
This comforting spaghetti squash au gratin easy casserole transforms humble spaghetti squash into a luxurious, bubbling dish that is both cheesy and nutritious. It's perfect for family gatherings or as a vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
Scale
2 Medium spaghetti squash
1 ½ cups Heavy cream
2 cups Grated Gruyère cheese, divided
½ cup Grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons Butter
3 Garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon Fresh thyme
1 teaspoon Salt
½ teaspoon Black pepper
¼ teaspoon Nutmeg
½ cup Panko breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut each spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out all the seeds and stringy bits. Brush the cut sides with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 35-40 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork
- Step 2: Let the squash cool slightly. Using a fork, scrape the flesh to create spaghetti-like strands. Transfer all the strands to a large bowl
- Step 3: Reduce oven temperature to 375°F. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for one minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, then add thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 cup of Gruyère and all the Parmesan. Whisk until smooth and melted
- Step 4: Pour the cheese sauce over the spaghetti squash strands. Toss everything together thoroughly
- Step 5: Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish generously. Transfer the squash mixture into the prepared dish. Spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Gruyère across the top. If using breadcrumbs, scatter them over the cheese now
- Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and bubbly. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
You can customize the cheese used in the recipe based on availability.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 285 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg