Description
Indulge in a wholesome and flavorful dish with this Baked Spaghetti Squash and Cheese recipe. A delightful blend of tender spaghetti squash, rich cheeses, and aromatic seasonings, baked to perfection for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Spaghetti Squash:
- 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 3–4 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
For Topping and Garnish:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare Squash: Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast cut-side down for 35–40 minutes. Scrape out the strands.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, gradually add milk, then stir in cheeses, garlic powder, paprika, and mustard. Fold in squash.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs if desired, and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Enhance with cooked bacon or sautéed onions.
- Variation: Use Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese.
- Make it gluten-free with cornstarch and omit breadcrumbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
