This Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin is a tasty twist on a classic dish. With creamy cheese and a hint of garlic, it’s both comforting and good for you!
Don’t worry if you’re not a fancy chef; just roast that squash, mix in the goodies, and bake. It’s a cozy dinner that even kids will enjoy. Who knew healthy could taste this good? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti Squash: This is the star of the dish! Look for a squash that’s firm and has a uniform color. If you can’t find spaghetti squash, you can use zucchini, though it has a different texture.
Milk: I recommend low-fat milk for creaminess without too many calories. Unsweetened almond milk works great, too. If you’re not worried about dairy, regular whole milk or even cream can be used for a richer flavor.
Cheese: Part-skim mozzarella is lighter but still melty. You can swap it for provolone or even cheddar if you prefer. For the Parmesan, nutritional yeast is a good dairy-free alternative if you want to keep it vegan.
Flour: Whole wheat flour adds nutrition, but if you’re gluten-free, try almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose mix.
How Do You Roast Spaghetti Squash Perfectly?
Roasting spaghetti squash is key to getting that perfect texture. Follow these simple steps:
- Make sure to cut the squash lengthwise to create two halves.
- Scoop out the seeds with a spoon. This will help it cook evenly.
- Set it cut side down on a lined baking sheet. This prevents it from drying out and helps it cook faster.
- Roast for about 40 minutes. Check if it’s tender by poking with a fork. If you can easily shred it, it’s done!
Taking these steps will ensure your squash is flavorful and ready for that cheesy goodness!
Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 3 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-fat milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
- 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 cup grated part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take approximately 10 minutes for preparation and about 1 hour for cooking. You’ll spend about 40 minutes roasting the squash, and an additional 20 minutes preparing the cheese sauce and baking it all together. A perfect blend of ease and flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, take your spaghetti squash and carefully cut it in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. It’s like cleaning out a pumpkin but much healthier!
2. Roast the Squash:
Once your squash is halved and cleaned, place the halves cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. This will help it roast evenly and not stick. Roast in the oven for about 40 minutes, until it’s tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
While the squash is roasting, prepare the cheese sauce. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute. Next, stir in the flour and continue to cook for another minute while whisking continuously. This creates a roux.
4. Add Milk and Cheeses:
Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until the sauce thickens, which should take about 5 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Combine and Bake:
When the squash is roasted, use a fork to shred the flesh into spaghetti-like strands. Transfer these strands to a baking dish. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the spaghetti squash and gently mix to combine everything.
6. Final Touches:
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top for a lovely golden crust. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked to perfection, garnish your Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin with fresh parsley or chopped chives. It’s ready to serve, and trust me, it’ll be a hit!
Enjoy your healthy, comforting dish! 😊
FAQ for Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can roast the spaghetti squash and prepare the cheese sauce a day in advance. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, combine them and bake as directed! This will save you time on busy days.
What If I Don’t Have Spaghetti Squash?
No worries! If you can’t find spaghetti squash, you can use zucchini or even butternut squash. Just remember that the texture and flavor will be slightly different, but it will still taste delicious!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or oven until heated through. If it seems dry, add a splash of milk to refresh the creaminess.
Can I Use Different Cheeses?
Sure thing! While part-skim mozzarella and Parmesan are great choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the dish’s texture and taste will vary slightly!
