Creamy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin is a comforting and delicious twist on a classic casserole. Combining tender spaghetti squash with rich cheeses and a hint of garlic and thyme, this dish bakes up with a golden, cheesy crust that’s perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 3 cups cooked spaghetti squash
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic (freshly minced recommended)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat for creaminess)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even baking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled spaghetti squash with eggs, shredded mozzarella, and Greek yogurt. Mix well until fully combined for a creamy texture.
3. Step 3: Season the mixture with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and dried thyme. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors.
4. Step 4: Transfer the seasoned squash mixture to a lightly greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously on top to create a flavorful crust.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and bubbly.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of cream or swapping half the mozzarella for sharp cheddar.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can be added just before serving for a bright touch.
• Use full-fat Greek yogurt to maintain the creamy texture; low-fat versions may result in a less rich dish.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To keep the crust crispy, reheating in the oven is preferable.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of squash for this recipe?

While spaghetti squash is ideal for its stringy texture, you can substitute with cooked zucchini or yellow squash, though the texture and flavor will differ.

Is it necessary to cook the spaghetti squash before making the casserole?

Yes, cooking the squash beforehand ensures it’s soft and ready to blend well with the other ingredients for a creamy dish.

Creamy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 83 reviews

Enjoy a deliciously creamy and savory Creamy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin, a comforting baked casserole featuring tender spaghetti squash combined with eggs, mozzarella, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan cheese, seasoned with garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper for a flavorful twist on a classic au gratin dish.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Squash Mixture

• 3 cups cooked spaghetti squash
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (Sargento or similar)
• 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp minced fresh garlic
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Topping

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even baking of the casserole.
2. Prepare the Squash Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled spaghetti squash with the eggs, shredded mozzarella, and Greek yogurt. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
3. Season the Mixture: Add minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the squash mixture. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed, enhancing the overall flavor.
4. Transfer to Casserole Dish and Top: Lightly grease a casserole dish, then pour in the seasoned squash mixture and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top to form a delicious crust as it bakes.
5. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the top turns a light golden brown and the casserole is set.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This allows it to set properly and makes it easier to slice and serve. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful casserole warm.

Notes

• Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer, creamier texture.
• Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor; avoid pre-minced garlic if possible.
• This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.
• You can customize the cheese blend by adding Gruyère or cheddar for a different flavor profile.

Keywords: spaghetti squash, au gratin, creamy casserole, baked squash, Greek yogurt, low lactose casserole, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, thyme