One of my favorite winter vegetables is spaghetti squash. While that may seem like a strange choice, hear me out, as it can be incredibly versatile and useful in many recipes. It's also easy to cook, good for you, and makes a great low-carb replacement in many dishes where you'd typically use pasta.
I admit I was skeptical of the squash at first as well. I mean, it looks so meh. But then, I learned how great it tastes and how healthy it is for you. It's full of vitamins and minerals that you need to get you through those cold winter months.
One of my go-to recipes for spaghetti squash involves creating a warm, cheesy gratin. It makes a great dish with a soup or salad side, or it makes a perfect side as well. You can also make this same recipe with shredded zucchini or summer squash.
What is au gratin?
So for so long, I thought that a gratin was relegated specifically to a potato dish. I didn't know that the "gratin" actually refers to the technique of browning a crust. So you can "gratin" lots of things — potatoes, squash, or a breadcrumb, butter, and cheese mixture — I suppose you could get pretty creative here.
Gratins are also typically made in shallow dishes and are cooked in a broiler so that crust can form. It's also usually served right in the dish in which it was baked.
What makes Spaghetti Squash Gratin healthy?
- Spaghetti squash is a low-calorie, low-fat, and low-carb food. It has 1 gram of protein per 1 cup serving, 2 grams of fiber, and 4 grams of sugar. It contains fiber, folate, potassium, calcium, omega-3s and -6s, iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
- Onions contain sulfites which contain necessary amino acids. They also offer fiber and folic acid, which is good for growing healthy new cells. You can eat them raw or cooked and still reap their health benefits.
- Garlic is a great source of antioxidants, and it's also antimicrobial and great for your heart. Some studies have shown that garlic can also help lower cholesterol levels, regulate blood pressure, and regulate your blood sugar.
- Eggs are a great high-quality protein source, especially when you eat the whites. They are inexpensive and so versatile. They also contain vitamins B2, D, B6, and B12. The egg whites are low in fat, but the fat in eggs is nothing to be concerned about if eaten in moderation. Eggs also are a great source of copper, iron, zinc, and selenium.
- Skim milk is a great way to get in all that milk protein and calcium while eating a lower-fat and lower-calorie version than whole milk.
- Basil is widely used for its spicy, herby flavor. But it also is a great source of magnesium and helps to promote good circulation. It also is a great source of multiple vitamins such as A, which has been shown to be healthy for your eyes. It's also used as an anti-inflammatory.
- Hard cheeses such as Parmesan and Gruyere are lower-fat, nuttier-tasting cheeses that add that great cheesy taste you want without a ton of fat and calories. They are also a great protein and calcium source as well.
Is Spaghetti Squash Keto-Friendly?
The short answer is yes, spaghetti squash is a low-carb option, and therefore Keto-friendly. It's a great replacement for other starches that are high in carbs, such as potatoes, pasta, and other grains.
How can I customize Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin?
- Add diced, cooked bacon to the squash mixture before topping with cheese and cooking.
- Switch up the herbs to suit your tastes. Try chives, thyme, rosemary, or oregano to mix up the flavor profile.
- If you want to make it spicy, consider adding some diced, jarred jalapeno slices to the squash mixture. Or, top with salsa or hot sauce.
- Mushrooms work well in this dish too, just be sure to cook them separately and drain off excess water so to keep the gratin from being too soggy.
- You could mix up the squashes you use in your gratin as well. Use all spaghetti or a combo of spaghetti, zucchini, and yellow squash to vary the flavor and textures.
Can I cook the spaghetti squash in the microwave?
If you want to speed things up, consider cooking the spaghetti squash in the microwave. Start by piercing the spaghetti squash all over with a fork. Then place the whole squash on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 10-14 minutes (depending on size) until the squash is tender. Carefully cut in half once it has cooled slightly, being careful of the steam. Remove the seeds and scrape out with a fork.
No matter how you choose to make this gratin, I'm sure you'll love it and grow to be a spaghetti squash convert like I am!
Looking for more spaghetti squash recipes?
- Pesto Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Sausage
- Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
- Baked Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti Squash
- Low Carb Cajun Chicken Pasta