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Bake Until Cheese is Golden
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5 from 2 votes

Spaghetti Squash Gratin

This spaghetti squash gratin is a delicious side dish made with squash, milk, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for fall and winter!
Prep Time40 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 205kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds spaghetti squash
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided), plus more for cooking the spaghetti squash
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder (or 2 garlic cloves, minced)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus about one pinch of salt (for squash)
  • ¼ teaspoons red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons flour Use AP gluten-free flour if needed
  • 1 ½ cup milk
  • cup Parmesan, freshly grated (divided) Or substitute Swiss, Jarlsberg, or Smoked Gouda

Instructions

Cook the Spaghetti Squash:

  • Cook squash according to your desired preference.
    Oven Directions: Cut squash in half and remove the seeds. Drizzle with oil and a pinch of salt (if desired). Roast cut-side down on a baking sheet at 400°F for about 40 minutes, or until the squash is easily pierced with a fork.
    Pressure Cooker: See Instant Pot directions.
    Allow squash to cool slightly. Use a fork to scrape the spaghetti squash out of the peel.
    Scrape the Spaghetti Squash Strands with a Fork

Make the Casserole:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F and move an oven rack to the top position (near the broiler).
    Heat 2 TB olive oil over medium heat in a large, oven-safe pan (like cast iron or carbon steel).
    Add the spaghetti squash, garlic, salt and red pepper flakes. Cook about 3 minutes to remove some of the moisture from the squash.
    Cook Squash to Release Moisture
  • Add the flour to the squash mixture and stir. Cook about 2 minutes until the flour is incorporated. Stir well and make sure there are no lumps of uncooked flour before proceeding.
    Toss Squash with Flour
  • Slowly pour the milk into the pan, stirring as you pour. Continue cooking until the liquid begins to simmer and the milk begins to thicken.
    Simmer for about 2 minutes (or until the milk begins to thicken), and then stir in ½ cup of the cheese.
    Make Ahead Tip: If desired, you can stop at this point and finish cooking later. Make up to one day ahead, and then reheat to a simmer before proceeding to the next step.
    Add Milk + Cheese to Spaghetti Squash
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheese across the top of the squash and drizzle with the remaining 1 TB oil.
    Top Spaghetti Squash with Cheese
  • Carefully move the pan into the oven onto the top rack.
    Bake 13 minutes.
    Position the pan so that it's directly under the broiler. Turn on the broiler and cook for 2 more minutes, until the cheese is golden. (If your oven does not have a broiler, simply cook 2 more minutes.)
    Serve immediately.
    spaghetti squash gratin in a pan and on a plate

Nutrition

Calories: 205kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 621mg | Potassium: 281mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 404IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 239mg | Iron: 1mg