Herbed Spaghetti Squash Bake with Cheesy Topping
Transform your garden-fresh spaghetti squash into a hearty and delicious casserole that the whole family will love! This dish perfectly balances the light, mild flavor of spaghetti squash with a medley of seasoned vegetables and creamy cheeses. The herby tomato mixture is the star of the show, complemented by the nutty crunch of breadcrumbs and the rich, melty mozzarella and Parmesan crust. Ideal for weeknight dinners or as a delightful side for special occasions, this casserole is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters—my kids always come back for seconds! Plus, it’s simple to prepare, making it a fuss-free staple for your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti squash
1 medium (cut in half and seeds removed)
water
1 cup (for steaming)
butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
fresh mushrooms
1/2 lb (sliced (optional))
fresh tomatoes
2 (chopped)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (to season)
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (to season)
dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon (to season)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
cottage cheese
1 cup (for creaminess)
shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (for melting)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
dry breadcrumbs
1 cup (for topping)
grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place the squash halves, cut side down, in a large baking dish. Pour in 1 cup of water and cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
3
Bake the squash for 20-30 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
4
While the squash is baking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced mushrooms (if using), and the dried herbs (basil, oregano, thyme). Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
5
Next, add the chopped fresh tomatoes to the skillet and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
6
Once the squash has cooled slightly, carefully scoop out the flesh with a fork, separating it into spaghetti-like strands.
7
In a large mixing bowl, combine the spaghetti squash strands with the sautéed tomato mixture, cottage cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
8
Transfer the mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of breadcrumbs and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
9
Bake the casserole uncovered for 40 minutes, or until it is heated through and the top is golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
20g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Herbed Spaghetti Squash Bake?
It is a hearty casserole that combines tender spaghetti squash with a medley of seasoned vegetables, creamy cheeses, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping.
How many calories are in a serving of this squash bake?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This dish provides 12g of protein per serving.
How many grams of fat are in the Herbed Spaghetti Squash Bake?
There are 12g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains 20g of carbohydrates.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How do I prepare the spaghetti squash for baking?
Slice the squash in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and place them cut side down in a dish with 1 cup of water.
How long does it take to bake the squash initially?
The squash needs to bake for 20-30 minutes until the flesh is tender.
Should I cover the squash while it bakes?
Yes, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
What vegetables are used in the sautéed mixture?
The mixture includes onion, garlic, fresh tomatoes, and optional mushrooms.
Which dried herbs are required for this recipe?
You will need dried basil, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
Are mushrooms mandatory for this recipe?
No, fresh mushrooms are an optional ingredient.
What types of cheese are used in the filling?
The filling uses cottage cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese.
What is the topping made of?
The topping is a mixture of dry breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
How do I create the spaghetti-like strands from the squash?
Once the squash has cooled slightly, scoop out the flesh with a fork to separate it into strands.
What size casserole dish is recommended?
A greased 2-quart casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
How long does the final casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole uncovered for 40 minutes.
How do I know when the casserole is finished baking?
It is done when it is heated through and the top is golden brown.
Is this recipe considered family-friendly?
Yes, it is described as a dish that even picky eaters and kids enjoy.
What fresh herb is added to the squash mixture?
1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley is added to the mixture.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
How many tomatoes should I use?
The recipe requires 2 chopped fresh tomatoes.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the recipe instructions are for immediate baking, the steps are simple enough for easy meal prep.
What is the purpose of the water in the squash baking dish?
The water helps steam the squash while it bakes to ensure it becomes tender.
Should the casserole be covered during the final 40-minute bake?
No, bake the casserole uncovered to allow the top to become golden brown.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
Does this recipe contain salt and pepper?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
How much cottage cheese is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of cottage cheese for creaminess.
How much mozzarella is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Is there a specific way to cool the dish?
It is recommended to let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.