Spaghetti Squash Cheesy Delight Casserole
Indulge in a satisfying low-carb twist on a classic comfort food with this Spaghetti Squash Cheesy Delight Casserole. Made with tender strands of spaghetti squash, this dish replaces traditional hash browns, while the creamy blend of condensed mushroom and garlic soup, sour cream, and melty cheddar cheese brings a rich flavor to every bite. With a hint of garlic and a golden, crunchy top layer, this casserole is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Plus, it's easy to prepare with the option of microwaving the squash to save time, making it a delightful choice without the guilt.
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spaghetti squash
1 (medium, washed and pierced)
Yellow onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
Condensed cream of mushroom & garlic soup
10 ounces (canned)
Shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (divided into 1/4 cup and 3/4 cup)
Sour cream
8 ounces
Butter
1/4 cup (melted)
Garlic powder
1-2 teaspoons
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Wash the spaghetti squash and pierce its rind 4-5 times with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape. Place it in an oven-proof pan.
3
Bake the spaghetti squash in the preheated oven for about 1 to 1.5 hours, until soft. Alternatively, for a quicker option, place the pierced squash on a paper towel-lined plate and microwave on high for 10-12 minutes.
4
Once the squash is cool enough to handle, carefully slice it lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Use a fork to pull the flesh into strands and transfer them to a greased casserole dish.
5
In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom & garlic soup, sour cream, finely chopped yellow onion, garlic powder, and 1/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until smooth.
6
In the casserole dish, gently toss the spaghetti squash strands with the melted butter and season with salt and pepper to taste. (Note: Use less salt if you prefer, as the cheese can be salty.)
7
Pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over the spaghetti squash, stirring gently to combine.
8
Top the casserole with the remaining 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly.
9
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and beautifully browned on top.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
8.3g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
1.7g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spaghetti Squash Cheesy Delight Casserole?
It is a low-carb comfort food dish that uses spaghetti squash as a replacement for traditional hash browns in a cheesy, creamy casserole.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a low-carb twist on classic comfort food with only 8.3g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is the Spaghetti Squash Cheesy Delight Casserole vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as vegetarian.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 250 calories per serving.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include spaghetti squash, yellow onion, condensed cream of mushroom and garlic soup, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and butter.
How do I prepare the spaghetti squash for the casserole?
You must wash and pierce the rind 4-5 times, then either bake it for 1-1.5 hours at 375°F or microwave it for 10-12 minutes until soft.
Can I microwave the squash instead of baking it?
Yes, you can microwave the pierced squash on a paper towel-lined plate on high for 10-12 minutes for a quicker option.
How much fat is in this dish?
This casserole contains 15g of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
Each serving provides 12.5g of protein.
How much fiber is in the Spaghetti Squash Casserole?
There is 1.7g of fiber per serving.
What type of soup is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of canned condensed cream of mushroom and garlic soup.
How much cheddar cheese do I need?
You need 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, which is divided into 1/4 cup for the mixture and 3/4 cup for the topping.
What temperature should the final casserole be baked at?
The final casserole should be baked at 350°F (175°C).
How long does the casserole take to bake in the final step?
It takes about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and browned on top.
How do I create the 'spaghetti' strands?
Once the squash is cooked and cooled, slice it lengthwise, remove the seeds, and use a fork to pull the flesh into strands.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe recommends 1/2 cup of finely chopped yellow onion.
How much sour cream is required?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of sour cream.
Do I need to add butter to the squash?
Yes, 1/4 cup of melted butter is tossed with the spaghetti squash strands before adding the creamy mixture.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The seasonings include 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder, along with salt and pepper to taste.
Is there a tip for managing the saltiness?
Yes, you may want to use less salt than usual since the cheese and condensed soup can already be quite salty.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include low carb, vegetable casserole, comfort food, healthy eating, spaghetti squash, cheesy, vegetarian, family recipe, easy dinner, and baked dishes.
Should I grease the casserole dish?
Yes, the recipe specifies transferring the squash strands to a greased casserole dish.
Can I use a different type of squash?
This specific recipe is designed for spaghetti squash to achieve the unique strand texture that mimics hash browns.
What size spaghetti squash should I buy?
The recipe suggests using one medium-sized spaghetti squash.
Why do I need to pierce the squash before cooking?
Piercing the rind allows steam to escape during the cooking process to prevent it from bursting.
Is this recipe considered an easy dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy dinner' and is noted for being simple to prepare, especially if using the microwave option.
What is the consistency of the casserole?
It has a creamy consistency due to the soup and sour cream, with a golden, crunchy top layer of melted cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as being perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Can I prepare the squash in advance?
Yes, you can cook and strand the squash ahead of time to make the assembly process even faster.