Description
Creamy Spaghetti Squash au Gratin is a delicious and comforting low-carb side dish featuring roasted spaghetti squash mixed with sautéed onions, garlic, sour cream, Parmesan, and Gruyère cheese, baked to golden bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 2½–3 pounds)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Dairy & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or cheddar cheese, divided
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place the halves cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 35–40 minutes until the flesh is tender. Allow to cool slightly, then use a fork to scrape out the squash strands into a large bowl.
- Sauté Aromatics: While the squash roasts, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Mix Ingredients: To the bowl with the spaghetti squash strands, add the sautéed onion and garlic, sour cream, grated Parmesan, half of the shredded Gruyère or cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme if using. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish and transfer the squash mixture into it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end if desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley if using, then serve warm as a comforting side dish or light main.
Notes
- This dish is a great low-carb, gluten-free side and works well as a vegetarian main course.
- For added protein, stir in cooked bacon pieces or shredded rotisserie chicken before baking.
- To get a crispier top, use the broil function carefully and watch closely to prevent burning.
- Use either Gruyère or cheddar cheese based on your preference; both melt beautifully.
