Spaghetti Squash Mac And Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese is a lighter, veggie-packed twist on the classic comfort dish. It combines tender spaghetti squash strands with creamy cheese and a crunchy topping for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 3-4 cups spaghetti squash, cooked and cooled
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup bread crumbs (or pork rind crumbs)
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch casserole dish.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled spaghetti squash with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, sea salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
3. Step 3: Gently mix all ingredients together until fully combined.
4. Step 4: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the bread crumbs or pork rind crumbs evenly over the top.
6. Step 6: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top forms a golden crust.
7. Step 7: For a deeper brown crust, broil for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
8. Step 8: Remove from oven and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for extra flavor and meltiness.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute bread crumbs with crushed pork rinds or gluten-free crumbs.
• Add cooked bacon or caramelized onions to enrich the dish.
• Be sure to drain any excess moisture from the spaghetti squash to avoid a watery casserole.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. The topping may lose some crispness after reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Baking time may need slight adjustment if the casserole is cold from the fridge.

How do I cook the spaghetti squash?

You can roast the spaghetti squash in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 40 minutes, or microwave it until tender. Once cooked, let it cool, then scrape out the flesh with a fork to create the “spaghetti” strands.

Spaghetti Squash Mac And Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 62 reviews

This creamy and comforting Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese is a low-carb twist on the classic dish. Using tender cooked spaghetti squash as the base, mixed with rich cheddar cheese and sour cream, it creates a cheesy, satisfying casserole topped with crunchy breadcrumbs or pork rind crumbs for added texture. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional mac and cheese that’s perfect for a cozy meal.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 3–4 cups Spaghetti Squash, cooked and cooled
• ¾ cup Sour Cream
• 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• ¼ cup Bread Crumbs (or pork rind crumbs)
• ½ tsp Sea Salt
• ½ tsp Garlic Powder
• ¼ tsp Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked, cooled, and drained spaghetti squash along with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, sea salt, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Gently mix everything together until fully combined and evenly incorporated.
3. Assemble Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly to ensure uniform baking.
4. Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the bread crumbs or pork rind crumbs evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is thoroughly heated through and a golden crust has formed on top.
5. Broil for Extra Browning: To achieve a deeper golden crust, switch your oven to broil and broil the casserole for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
6. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and serve hot for a comforting, cheesy meal.

Notes

• Use pork rind crumbs instead of bread crumbs for a low-carb option.
• Ensure the spaghetti squash is fully drained to avoid watery casserole.
• Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or gruyere for variation.
• Broil time should be monitored closely to avoid burning the topping.

Keywords: spaghetti squash, mac and cheese, low carb mac and cheese, healthy comfort food, baked casserole, gluten free alternative