Description
Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin is a creamy, cheesy, low-carb comfort food made with roasted squash, a rich homemade cheese sauce, and a golden crispy topping. It’s a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional potato gratins.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large spaghetti squash (about 3–4 pounds)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed pork rinds for keto)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds.
- Brush cut sides with 2 tablespoons melted butter, season with salt and pepper.
- Place cut-side down on parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 45–60 minutes until fork-tender.
- Let squash cool, then shred flesh into strands with a fork and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
- Sauté onion until translucent (5–7 minutes), then add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes, forming a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth; simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat.
- Add 3/4 cup Gruyere, 3/4 cup cheddar, and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Stir until melted.
- Combine shredded squash with cheese sauce and mix gently.
- Transfer to greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix remaining cheeses and breadcrumbs; sprinkle over top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until top is golden and bubbly.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use quality cheese for best flavor.
- Do not over-roast the squash to avoid a mushy texture.
- Make ahead: assemble up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready.
- Add red pepper flakes for spice.
- Gluten-free option: use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Add protein like bacon, ham, or chicken for a heartier dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1/6 of dish)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg