Deliciously cheesy spaghetti squash casserole makes a wonderful side dish and is filling enough to serve as a meatless main course.
I love spaghetti squash. The first time I microwaved it, then raked a fork back and forth and saw the beautiful pasta-like strands, I was hooked. It's delicious, affordable, and fun to eat!
This spaghetti squash casserole is one of my favorite recipes to make with this tasty root vegetable. It's cheesy, delicious, and so easy to make! I started out making it whenever I had leftover cooked spaghetti squash. But it is so good, so tasty and filling, that now I make it whenever I get the chance.
The ingredients you'll need
You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this tasty casserole. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:
Spaghetti squash: I use a fairly large 3-lb. squash in this recipe.
Egg: I use large eggs in most of my recipes, this one included.
Sour cream: I tried once to use Greek yogurt instead and was underwhelmed. I think sour cream is better.
Minced garlic: Mince it yourself, or use the stuff that comes in a jar. Both work. Garlic powder (1 teaspoon) works too.
Kosher salt and black pepper: If using fine salt, you should reduce the amount you use, or the dish could end up too salty.
Dried thyme: Make sure it's fresh! A stale spice can easily ruin a dish.
Shredded sharp cheddar: Another cheese that works great in this casserole is Gruyere.
How to make spaghetti squash casserole
It's so easy! Scroll down to the recipe card for the detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps:
1. Cook the squash. I cook it in the microwave. You can also bake the spaghetti squash.
2. Scoop out the pulp and seeds, and rake a fork back and forth to remove strands of the flesh into a bowl.
3. Whisk together the remaining ingredients except for the cheese.
4. Add the squash strands and the cheese and mix until uniform.
5. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake until browned, about 40 minutes at 400°F.
Reviews of this recipe
You can use this basic recipe and add all kinds of yummy things to it! Debbie, a reader of this blog, recently emailed me. She said:
I made your cheesy spaghetti squash casserole and it was delicious. I hate to get Allrecipes on you... but I added chicken, spinach, and mushrooms because I needed something really hearty to take to work. The base - your recipe - is excellent. I will use it again and again!
I love Debbie's suggestions! And I can also see myself adding cooked ground beef to the mixture before baking it.
Like all casserole recipes, this one is flexible and forgiving. So go ahead and experiment with your own additions.
How to serve it
This tasty spaghetti squash casserole makes a wonderful side dish, but is also substantial and filling enough to serve as a meatless main dish.
I do usually serve it as a side dish. And since I bake it in a 400°F oven, I like to serve it with a main dish that I can cook in the same oven, such as pork meatballs or baked chicken thighs.
What about leftovers?
Leftovers keep well in the fridge, in a sealed container, for up to 4 days. Reheat them gently, in the microwave on 50% power.
More tasty casserole recipes
I really like casseroles and make them often. This cheesy broccoli casserole is delicious. And a main-dish casserole that my entire family loves is this easy chicken casserole.
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Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Casserole
INGREDIENTS
- Olive oil cooking spray
- 1 3 lb. spaghetti squash, or 2 ½ cups (450 grams) cooked spaghetti squash
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly spray a 1.5-quart baking dish with olive oil cooking spray.
- If you need to cook the spaghetti squash: Pierce the spaghetti squash in a few spots with a sharp knife. Microwave 6 minutes; turn to the other side and microwave 6 more minutes, until soft to the touch. Let stand for 5 minutes to finish cooking. Using a sharp knife, cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Allow to cool 5 minutes, until easier to handle. Scoop out the pulp and seeds from the center, then rake a fork back and forth to remove strands of the flesh onto a bowl. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, lightly whisk the egg. Add the sour cream, kosher salt, black pepper, dried thyme and minced garlic. Whisk until smooth.
- Mix in the cooked spaghetti squash and the shredded cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Bake until browned, about 40 minutes (it will smell wonderful!).
- Allow to cool 10 minutes, then scoop into plates, or if you're patient, carefully cut into squares and serve.
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Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living.