Baked Spaghetti Squash with Cheese

5 stars
4.71 (12)
Baked Spaghetti Squash with Cheese
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
55 mins
Total Time:
75mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on December 01, 2023

This Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin recipe is a delicious twist on traditional pasta dishes. The spaghetti squash is baked until tender and then topped with a creamy cheese sauce. It's a perfect side dish or main course for any occasion. The dish is easy to prepare and can be made in just under an hour. Serve this cheesy and flavorful dish to impress your family and friends!

Ingredients

  • 1 large spaghetti squash
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and pulp.
  3. Brush the inside of the squash halves with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  4. Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily separates into strands with a fork.
  5. While the squash is roasting, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  6. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
  7. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
  8. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  9. Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
  10. Remove the cooked squash from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
  11. Using a fork, scrape the flesh of the squash to create spaghetti-like strands.
  12. Place the spaghetti squash strands in a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over the top, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
  13. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  14. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
  15. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve hot.

Interesting Facts

  • Spaghetti squash is a nutritious alternative to pasta, as it is low in calories and carbohydrates.
  • The strands of spaghetti squash resemble angel hair pasta when cooked and separated with a fork.
  • Au gratin is a French cooking term that refers to dishes baked with a crispy, golden-brown crust of cheese or breadcrumbs.