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Baked spaghetti squash au gratin topped with cheese and herbs in a dish.

Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin

This healthy and delicious spaghetti squash au gratin offers a lighter take on a classic comfort food. Tender spaghetti squash strands are baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce until golden and bubbly, making for a satisfying side or main dish.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 medium Spaghetti Squash
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 cups Milk
  • 1 cup Gruyere Cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
  • 1/8 tsp Nutmeg ground
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
Topping
  • 1/4 cup Panko Breadcrumbs

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Large Bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Chef's Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

Prepare the Spaghetti Squash
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), halve the squash, scoop out seeds, brush with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper; roast cut-side down for 30-40 minutes until tender.
  2. Once cool enough to handle, use a fork to scrape out the spaghetti-like strands into a large bowl.
Make the Cheese Sauce
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour, cooking for 1 minute until a paste forms.
  2. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth, then bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in Gruyere, cheddar, parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Assemble and Bake
  1. Add the cooked spaghetti squash strands to the cheese sauce and mix well, then transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Notes

For an extra crispy topping, mix the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling over the au gratin. You can also add cooked chicken or ham for a more substantial meal.