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Baked gratin spaghetti squash topped with melted cheese and herbs

Irresistible Gratin Spaghetti Squash

A hearty and healthy alternative to traditional gratins, this dish brings together the flavors of spaghetti squash, cheese, and garlic for a comfort food experience sure to please any crowd.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish, Vegetarian
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Squash
  • 1 medium-sized spaghetti squash
  • to taste olive oil (for drizzling)
  • to taste salt and pepper
For the Gratin Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with Greek yogurt and almond milk for a lighter version.
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste fresh parsley (for garnish)
For Toppings
  • to taste extra shredded cheese (for topping)
  • to taste breadcrumbs (optional for added crunch)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle olive oil on the inside of each half, seasoning with salt and pepper. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roasting
  1. Roast the squash in the oven for about 35-40 minutes or until the skin is tender.
Making the Gratin Sauce
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  2. Gradually stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, along with Italian seasoning, until smooth and creamy.
Combining and Baking
  1. Once the squash is cool, use a fork to scrape the inside and create spaghetti-like strands. Transfer these strands to a large bowl.
  2. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the spaghetti strands and mix gently. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
  3. Sprinkle additional shredded cheese and optional breadcrumbs on top, then bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serving
  1. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your gratin spaghetti squash immediately!

Notes

Select a spaghetti squash with a smooth shell that feels heavy. Proper roasting ensures the right texture. You can add sautéed vegetables for extra flavor. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated as needed.