Creamy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin

Looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s low-carb, but still indulgent and packed with flavor? Say hello to Creamy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin—a delicious, cheesy, and creamy dish that’s the perfect blend of comfort food and veggie goodness. If you’ve ever struggled with finding a satisfying, healthy alternative to classic au gratin potatoes, this is your answer. The spaghetti squash provides the perfect texture, and when paired with a creamy cheese sauce, it’s a match made in heaven!

Trust me, even if you’re not a huge fan of squash, you’ll be amazed at how much flavor this dish packs. It’s rich, cheesy, and so satisfying—you’ll find yourself coming back for more! Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a light meal on its own, this Creamy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin is one that’ll definitely impress.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin

Here’s why you need this dish in your life:

Healthy and Low-Carb
Swap out the starchy potatoes for spaghetti squash, and you’ve got a lightened-up version of a classic dish. It’s perfect for anyone following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, but I promise—it tastes just as indulgent as the original.

Rich and Creamy
The creamy cheese sauce is the star of this recipe. Think buttery, garlicky goodness, with a rich texture that perfectly coats every strand of spaghetti squash. It’s like a creamy dream, but with fewer calories than traditional au gratin.

Great for Meal Prep
This dish holds up beautifully, so it’s perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch, store it in the fridge, and reheat it for a quick, satisfying meal throughout the week. It’s just as good the next day!

Vegetarian and Gluten-Free
This is a dish everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary preferences. It’s naturally gluten-free, and if you’re vegetarian, you’re in luck—it’s packed with flavor without any meat.

Easy to Make
The recipe is simple enough to make on a busy weeknight, but impressive enough to serve for special occasions. It’s a guaranteed hit with the whole family, and you don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to pull it off!

Ingredients in Creamy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin

Here’s everything you need to make this dish:

Spaghetti Squash
The base of the dish! When roasted, spaghetti squash naturally pulls apart into long, spaghetti-like strands, which create the perfect texture for this gratin.

Butter
For sautéing and creating that rich, flavorful sauce. Butter adds depth to the dish and helps to create that creamy, indulgent texture.

Garlic
Because what’s a creamy dish without garlic? It adds a savory, aromatic punch to the sauce.

Heavy Cream
The secret to the ultra-creamy sauce. It gives the dish that rich, luxurious texture we all crave in a gratin.

Shredded Gruyère Cheese
Gruyère is the perfect cheese for this dish. It’s melty, smooth, and has that nutty, savory flavor that’s just right for au gratin.

Parmesan Cheese
For a little extra cheesy goodness and a bit of sharpness. It melts beautifully and adds great flavor.

Salt and Pepper
Basic seasonings, but they bring everything together, allowing the creamy sauce to shine and enhance the natural flavor of the squash.

Fresh Thyme
For a little earthy, aromatic pop. Thyme complements the richness of the dish perfectly.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking and bring this dish to life:

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your gratin.

Roast the Spaghetti Squash

Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for about 40-45 minutes, or until the squash is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce

While the squash is roasting, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly.

Add the Cheese

Once the cream has thickened, stir in the shredded Gruyère and Parmesan cheese, and continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add fresh thyme for an extra layer of flavor.

Assemble the Gratin

Once the squash is done roasting, use a fork to scrape the flesh into strands and place them into a greased baking dish. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the squash, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

Bake to Perfection

Top with a little extra shredded cheese for a golden, bubbly finish. Bake the gratin in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.

Serve and Enjoy!

Once your Creamy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, serve it warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 320
Total Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 370mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 13g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin

This Creamy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin pairs wonderfully with:

• Grilled Meat: Serve it as a side dish to grilled chicken, steak, or roasted pork for a satisfying meal.
• Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the gratin.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or broccoli make for a great, colorful side that complements the creamy gratin perfectly.
• Bread: Serve with a warm slice of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Additional Tips

• Meal Prep: You can roast the spaghetti squash in advance, then assemble and bake the gratin when you’re ready to serve it.
• Flavor Variations: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding other cheeses like cheddar or fontina for a different flavor profile. Fresh garlic or shallots also make great additions to the sauce.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can roast the spaghetti squash in advance, make the sauce, and then assemble the gratin. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Q2: Can I substitute the heavy cream?
A2: You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind that it will affect the richness and creaminess of the dish.

Q3: Can I use a different type of squash?
A3: While spaghetti squash is the best choice for this recipe due to its unique texture, you could try using another winter squash like butternut, though the texture and flavor will be different.

Q4: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A4: Yes! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use non-dairy cream and cheese options. Coconut milk would work well as a substitute for the cream.

Q5: How do I know when the spaghetti squash is done roasting?
A5: The squash is done when you can easily scrape the flesh with a fork, and it separates into strands. It should be tender, not hard to the touch.

Q6: Can I freeze this dish?
A6: Yes, you can freeze the gratin before baking. Just assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.

Q7: How can I make this dish spicier?
A7: If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or stir in some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Q8: Can I add meat to this dish?
A8: Absolutely! Cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage would all be delicious additions. Just fold it into the sauce or sprinkle it on top before baking.

Q9: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A9: Gruyère is the ideal cheese for this recipe due to its meltability and flavor, but you can substitute it with fontina, mozzarella, or even cheddar for a different taste.

Q10: How can I make this dish lighter?
A10: You can reduce the fat content by using reduced-fat cream or swapping some of the butter with olive oil. You could also cut back on the cheese for a lighter version.

Conclusion

This Creamy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin is the perfect combination of indulgent comfort food and healthy ingredients. It’s rich, creamy, and cheesy with a subtle sweetness from the squash, making it a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will impress with its flavor and texture. Enjoy!

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