Spaghetti Squash Gratin Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with a new comfort classic: Spaghetti Squash Gratin. This dish takes all the coziness of a traditional gratin and gives it a wholesome twist, swapping out heavy potatoes for sweet, tender strands of spaghetti squash. Each bite is creamy, cheesy, and gently perfumed with garlic and thyme—perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a standout side at your next gathering. With minimal fuss and just a handful of simple ingredients, Spaghetti Squash Gratin is proof that delicious, impressive food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Spaghetti Squash Gratin lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient serves a special purpose: flavor, texture, color, or that irresistible gooey-cheesy pull. Here’s the lineup you’ll want to assemble for this swoon-worthy dish.
- Spaghetti Squash: The star of the show—when roasted and shredded, it creates those magical, pasta-like strands that soak up all the creamy goodness.
- Eggs: Act as a binder, giving the gratin its light, custardy structure that holds together beautifully when sliced.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Brings melty, stretchy richness that makes every forkful decadent.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Adds a lovely tang and creaminess, making the gratin extra moist without the heaviness of cream.
- Minced Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth—there’s just enough to make your kitchen smell amazing.
- Dried Thyme: A touch of this earthy herb perfectly balances the sweetness of the squash.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning everything just right—taste as you go!
- Pepper: A hint of heat to round out the flavors—freshly cracked if you have it.
- Parmesan Cheese: The final flourish, browning beautifully on top for a golden, cheesy crust.
How to Make Spaghetti Squash Gratin
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat ensures that your Spaghetti Squash Gratin bakes up with a bubbly, golden top and perfectly heated center—no soggy middles here!
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine your cooked, cooled spaghetti squash with eggs, shredded mozzarella, and Greek yogurt. Mix thoroughly to make sure all the squash strands are nicely coated—this is where the magic starts, as these ingredients come together to form that classic gratin base but with a lighter twist.
Step 3: Season and Assemble
Sprinkle your mixture with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and dried thyme. Mix again, tasting to ensure every forkful will be flavorful. Transfer everything to a lightly greased casserole dish, leveling the top for even baking. Finish by scattering grated Parmesan across the surface, which will transform into a glorious crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Spaghetti Squash Gratin for about 30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully browned and you see those enticing, bubbling edges. Once out of the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes—this makes it easier to slice and allows the flavors to settle into creamy, cheesy perfection.
How to Serve Spaghetti Squash Gratin
Garnishes
Take your gratin to the next level with finishing touches! Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the bubbly, golden top for a fresh pop of color and a subtle oniony note. For a more rustic feel, add a dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving—because there’s no such thing as too much cheese with Spaghetti Squash Gratin.
Side Dishes
Spaghetti Squash Gratin is wonderfully versatile. Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette for a light meal, or serve it alongside roast chicken or grilled salmon for a cozy, well-rounded dinner. Crusty bread is always welcome to help scoop up every last bit of cheesy goodness!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’d like to wow your guests, try baking individual portions in small ramekins or hollowed-out squash shells for a fun, visually stunning presentation. You could even add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a drizzle of truffle oil just before serving to make your Spaghetti Squash Gratin truly unforgettable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Spaghetti Squash Gratin stores beautifully. Simply cover the casserole with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits!
Freezing
To freeze, let your gratin cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze individual portions or the entire casserole. It will keep well for up to 2 months—perfect for impromptu comfort food cravings!
Reheating
Warm leftovers on a covered baking sheet in a 350-degree oven until heated through (about 15 minutes for slices; 25–30 for a whole casserole). For maximum crispiness, remove the cover for the last few minutes so that signature cheesy top gets bubbly again.
FAQs
Can I make Spaghetti Squash Gratin ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the gratin up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate it. Just bake as directed when you’re ready to serve, adding an extra 5 minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
What’s the best way to cook the spaghetti squash for this gratin?
Slice the squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and bake cut-side down at 400 degrees for about 40 minutes. Once cool, use a fork to pull the flesh into those lovely noodle-like strands—it’s easier (and tastier) than boiling!
Can I add other veggies or protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even cooked chicken or bacon blend seamlessly into the gratin. Think of this as a flavorful base you can remix according to what’s in your fridge.
Is Spaghetti Squash Gratin gluten free?
Yes—this recipe is naturally gluten free, making it a crowd-pleaser for nearly any table. Just double check your cheeses and seasonings if you’re especially sensitive.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, sour cream or even ricotta will work nicely. Each brings a slightly different tang and creaminess, all delicious in their own way!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a unique holiday side or an easy way to mix up weeknight dinners, Spaghetti Squash Gratin is the recipe to try. It’s cozy, gratifying, and endlessly adaptable—just the kind of dish you’ll want to share. Give it a whirl, and get ready for lots of happy, cheesy smiles at your table!
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Spaghetti Squash Gratin Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spaghetti Squash Gratin recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish, combining the unique flavor of spaghetti squash with creamy cheeses and savory seasonings. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Spaghetti Squash:
- 3 cups cooked and separated Spaghetti Squash
Egg Mixture:
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
Seasonings:
- 2 tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 tsp dried Thyme
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Finishing Touch:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and thyme. Mix thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti squash, eggs, mozzarella cheese, and Greek yogurt. Mix well.
Top the mixture with grated Parmesan cheese.
Allow the gratin to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- Feel free to add extra herbs or spices for more flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Spaghetti Squash Gratin, Baked Spaghetti Squash, Cheesy Squash Casserole
