Garlic Cheddar Spaghetti Squash Casserole – A Flavorful & Healthy Twist!

Looking for a healthy and delicious twist on the classic casserole? This Garlic Cheddar Spaghetti Squash Casserole is the answer! 🧄🧀 With savory garlic, melty cheddar cheese, and the unique texture of spaghetti squash, this dish is perfect for a light dinner or as a side for your favorite meal.

Let’s dive into how you can make this simple, nutritious, and utterly delicious casserole! 🍽️

---

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy & Low-Carb – A great substitute for pasta with all the flavor!
• Cheesy & Garlic Flavored – A perfect combination of savory goodness!
• Simple & Quick – Easy ingredients and preparation for a weeknight dinner.
• Versatile – Perfect as a side or as a main dish!

---

🛒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

To make this mouthwatering garlic cheddar spaghetti squash casserole, you’ll need:

🥒 For the Casserole:

• 2 medium spaghetti squash – The star of this dish! 🍝
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For roasting the squash 🫒
• 1 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste 🧂
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – For seasoning 🌶️
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder – Or fresh minced garlic 🧄
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – You can also use mozzarella 🧀
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds richness to the flavor 🧀
• ½ cup sour cream – For creaminess and texture 😋
• 2 large eggs – To bind everything together 🥚
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley – For garnish and freshness 🌿

💡 Substitutions & Variations:

• Cheese: Swap the cheddar for Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a spicy cheese like pepper jack for a kick!
• Non-Dairy: Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream for a vegan option.
• Herbs: Try adding thyme, rosemary, or basil for an aromatic twist.

---

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Spaghetti Squash

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 40-45 minutes until tender.
   • 💡 Pro Tip: If you want to speed up the cooking process, microwave the squash halves for 5-8 minutes before roasting.

🔥 Step 2: Scrape the Spaghetti Squash

1. Once roasted, scrape out the squash strands with a fork. This will give you the spaghetti-like texture.
2. Place the strands in a large mixing bowl and set aside.

🧄 Step 3: Prepare the Casserole Mixture

1. In the same bowl with the squash strands, add the garlic powder, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and sour cream.
2. Crack the eggs into the mixture and mix until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or garlic powder as desired.

🍽️ Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Transfer the squash mixture into a greased baking dish.
3. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for that golden, melted topping.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

---

💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Casserole

• For extra flavor: Add sautéed onions, spinach, or mushrooms to the mixture.
• For a crispy top: Broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
• Don’t overcook the squash: If the squash strands are too soft, the casserole will be too mushy.

---

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Cheddar Spaghetti Squash Casserole is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways! Here are a few ideas:

• As a Side Dish: Pair it with roasted chicken or grilled steak for a complete meal.
• As a Main Dish: Add ground turkey or sausage to make it heartier.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top with parsley or thyme for added freshness and color.

---

🧊 Storage & Reheating

📦 Storing Leftovers:

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well for up to 2 months. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe dish.

🔥 Reheating Instructions:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1 minute to avoid overcooking the cheese.

---

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🥒 Can I Use Other Squash Varieties?

Yes! You can try using butternut squash or acorn squash for a slightly different flavor and texture.

🧄 Can I Use Fresh Garlic Instead of Garlic Powder?

Absolutely! Use 2-3 cloves of fresh garlic, minced, for a more intense flavor.

🧀 Is This Casserole Keto-Friendly?

Yes! It’s low-carb and keto-friendly when made with the right cheese and without the breadcrumbs.

💡 Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! Prep the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze it for future use!

---

🍽️ Conclusion – A Healthy & Delicious Casserole!

This Garlic Cheddar Spaghetti Squash Casserole is not only healthy but also incredibly satisfying! 🧀 Whether you’re trying to cut back on carbs or simply looking for a tasty, cheesy dish, this casserole will hit the spot.

Try it today and enjoy the savory goodness of roasted garlic, melty cheese, and that amazing spaghetti squash texture! Let me know what you think! 😋🌟

---

Hope you enjoy making this recipe! 😊