Spaghetti Squash Casserole Delight
This Spaghetti Squash Casserole Delight is a deliciously satisfying alternative to traditional hash brown casseroles. Packed with flavor and low in carbs and fat, this dish combines roasted spaghetti squash with a creamy mixture of fat-free condensed soup, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, delivering a guilt-free indulgence for breakfast or brunch. It's easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep, making it a great option for healthy eating without compromising taste. Share this delightful dish with family and friends and enjoy a flavorful start to your day!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
medium spaghetti squash
1 (washed and pierced 4-5 times with a sharp knife)
yellow onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
fat-free condensed cream of celery soup
1 (10 ounce) can (none required)
fat-free cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded, divided into 1/4 cup and 3/4 cup)
nonfat sour cream
8 ounces (none required)
margarine
1/4 cup (melted (real butter works best))
garlic powder
1-2 teaspoons (none required)
salt
to taste (none required)
pepper
to taste (none required)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash the spaghetti squash and pierce the rind 4-5 times with a sharp knife. Place it in an oven-proof pan and bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the squash is soft. Alternatively, you can microwave the pierced squash on a paper towel-lined plate for 10-12 minutes.
2
Once baked, remove the squash from the oven and let it cool until it's manageable. Slice the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Using a fork, rake the flesh to create spaghetti-like strands, and transfer them to a buttered casserole dish.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the fat-free condensed cream of celery soup, nonfat sour cream, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, and 1/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well blended.
4
Add the cooked squash strands to the casserole dish, drizzle with melted margarine, and season with salt and pepper to your preference. Mix gently to combine.
5
Spread the soup mixture evenly over the squash and stir well. Top with the remaining 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
6
Return the casserole to the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spaghetti Squash Casserole Delight?
It is a low-carb and low-fat alternative to traditional hash brown casseroles, using roasted spaghetti squash in a creamy cheese sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the primary dietary benefits of this dish?
This casserole is low in carbohydrates, low in fat, and suitable for a vegetarian diet.
How do I prepare the spaghetti squash for the casserole?
Wash the squash, pierce the rind 4-5 times with a knife, and bake at 375°F for 1 to 1.5 hours or microwave for 10-12 minutes.
Can I use a microwave to cook the squash?
Yes, you can microwave the pierced squash on a paper towel-lined plate for 10-12 minutes until soft.
How do I create the spaghetti-like strands?
After cooking and cooling slightly, slice the squash in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and rake the flesh with a fork.
What type of soup is required for this recipe?
One 10-ounce can of fat-free condensed cream of celery soup is required.
What type of cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded fat-free cheddar cheese, divided for mixing and topping.
Can I substitute margarine with butter?
Yes, the recipe notes that while it calls for 1/4 cup of melted margarine, real butter works best for flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is described as a great option for meal prep and healthy eating.
What temperature is used for the final bake?
The final casserole should be baked at 350°F (175°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake in the oven?
Bake the assembled casserole for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
What ingredients are in the creamy mixture?
The mixture consists of cream of celery soup, nonfat sour cream, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, and 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese.
How much sour cream is needed?
You will need 8 ounces of nonfat sour cream.
How much onion is used in the dish?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of finely chopped yellow onion.
What seasonings are used?
The dish is seasoned with 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder, plus salt and pepper to taste.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should transfer the squash strands into a buttered casserole dish.
Should I remove the seeds from the squash?
Yes, scoop out the seeds after slicing the cooked squash in half before raking the flesh.
When do I add the remaining cheese?
The remaining 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese is spread over the top of the casserole before the final bake.
Can this be served for breakfast?
Yes, it is described as a flavorful start to the day and perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Is the garlic fresh or powdered?
This specific recipe uses 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder.
How do I know when the squash is done cooking?
The squash is done when the rind is soft enough to be easily pierced and the flesh can be raked into strands.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, it is categorized under comfort food and breakfast bake tags.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 total ingredients including seasonings.
What is the first step of the instructions?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare the spaghetti squash by washing and piercing it.
How much garlic powder should I use?
The recipe recommends using 1 to 2 teaspoons of garlic powder.
What should I do after the final bake?
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set.
Is the soup used as-is or diluted?
The condensed soup is mixed directly with the other creamy ingredients without being diluted with water or milk.
Can I add extra salt?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to your personal preference before the final mixing.
Does this recipe contain any meat?
No, this is a vegetarian dish as it contains no meat products.