Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Transform the humble spaghetti squash into a creamy, cheesy delight that's perfect as a side dish or a light main course. This casserole combines the unique texture of spaghetti squash with a rich and flavorful cheese mixture, enhanced by nutty Gruyere and a hint of nutmeg. It's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal while satisfying your cheese cravings. Plus, you can turn the leftover seeds into a crunchy snack! Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, this dish is sure to impress and can be customized with your favorite cheeses.
9
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti squash
1 (large, pierced with a knife)
milk
3/4 cup (whole or low-fat)
eggs
2 (beaten)
gruyere cheese
2 tablespoons (grated)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
pepper
1/4 teaspoon
nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon
breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons
parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (grated)
olive oil
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Using a sharp knife, pierce the spaghetti squash several times to allow steam to escape while baking. Place it on a cookie sheet and bake for about 1 hour, or until the squash is tender when poked with a fork.
3
Once baked, remove the squash from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Don’t forget to save the seeds to roast later for a tasty snack!
4
Using a fork, scrape out the flesh of the squash into a large bowl, creating spaghetti-like strands.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and beaten eggs until well combined. Stir in the grated Gruyere cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
6
Pour the milk and egg mixture over the spaghetti squash strands and mix thoroughly until all the squash is well coated.
7
Transfer the mixture into a lightly oiled square baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the squash.
9
Drizzle the olive oil over the breadcrumb topping for added richness.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and crispy.
11
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Squash Casserole!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Squash Casserole?
It is a creamy, cheesy dish that transforms spaghetti squash into a flavorful casserole, suitable as a side or a light main course.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 9 servings.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking the squash?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does it take to bake the whole spaghetti squash?
It takes about 1 hour for the squash to become tender.
Why should I pierce the spaghetti squash before baking?
Piercing the squash several times allows steam to escape while it bakes, preventing it from bursting.
How can I tell if the squash is fully cooked?
The squash is ready when it is tender when poked with a fork.
What should I do with the spaghetti squash seeds?
You can save the seeds and roast them later for a tasty, crunchy snack.
How do I create the spaghetti-like strands?
After the squash is baked and cooled, use a fork to scrape out the flesh into strands.
What kind of cheese is used in the main mixture?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of grated Gruyere cheese.
What type of milk is recommended?
You can use either whole or low-fat milk.
How many eggs are required for the casserole?
The recipe requires 2 beaten eggs.
What spices are used to season the dish?
The seasoning includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg.
What makes up the crispy topping?
The topping is a combination of 3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
How long does the casserole bake in the oven?
The assembled casserole bakes for 30 minutes.
What should the final texture of the topping be?
The top should be lightly browned and crispy.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, it is tagged as a vegetarian dish.
What type of baking dish is best for this recipe?
A lightly oiled square baking dish is recommended.
Can I substitute the Gruyere cheese?
Yes, the dish can be customized with your favorite cheeses.
What is the purpose of the olive oil in the topping?
Drizzling olive oil over the breadcrumb topping adds richness and helps it crisp up.
Is this dish suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, its creamy and cheesy profile makes it a crowd-pleaser for families.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients including the seasonings and oil.
Does this recipe include fiber information?
The raw data provided does not specify fiber counts, but spaghetti squash is naturally high in fiber.
How do I prepare the squash for baking?
Pierce it several times with a sharp knife and place it on a cookie sheet.
What should I do after removing the squash from the oven?
Allow it to cool for a few minutes before cutting it in half and scooping out the seeds.
How do I ensure the squash strands are well coated?
Whisk the milk, eggs, and cheese separately before pouring the mixture over the squash and mixing thoroughly.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as a light main course or a substantial side dish.
What provides the nutty flavor in this casserole?
The Gruyere cheese and a hint of nutmeg provide the nutty flavor profile.
Should I wait before serving the casserole?
It is recommended to allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
Is the spaghetti squash peeled?
No, you bake it whole and then scrape the flesh out from the skin.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include vegetable, squash, cheesy, casserole, baked, side dish, vegetarian, and comfort food.