Spaghetti squash mac and cheese recipe to check in 2023

Who doesn’t crave a comforting bowl of mac and cheese every once in a while? Unfortunately, indulging in this cheesy goodness too often can leave you feeling guilty and out of shape. But what if we told you there’s a healthier way to enjoy this classic dish without sacrificing flavor?

Enter spaghetti squash, the low-carb and nutrient-dense vegetable that makes a perfect substitute for traditional macaroni noodles. Not only does it add a unique texture to the dish, but it’s also packed with vitamins and minerals that your body craves. And the best part? This spaghetti squash mac and cheese recipe is easy to make and will satisfy all your cravings.

If you’re looking for a healthier mac and cheese recipe to add to your meal rotation, look no further. This spaghetti squash version will not only satisfy your tastebuds but also make you feel good about what you’re eating. Keep reading, and we’ll show you how to make it step-by-step.

Spaghetti squash mac and cheese recipe to check in 2023

Spaghetti squash is a great alternative to traditional macaroni and cheese. Not only is it packed with nutrition, but it absorbs the texture and flavor of its sauces. Its versatility has made it my go-to veggie-based replacement for those boring pasta dishes. When I saw this Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese recipe, I couldn’t wait to try it out!

This recipe looks delicious! It uses “real” ingredients such as cooked spaghetti squash, cheddar cheese, milk, butter, garlic powder, salt and pepper. The end product is an indulgent meal that isn’t heavy on unnecessary calories or added sugar. I bet in 2023, this healthy twist on macaroni and cheese will still be flying off of dinner tables around the world! With all of these simple ingredients combined into one unique dish, I can already tell it must taste heavenly – I’m certainly going to need to check back on this creation in three years time!

How can you tell when spaghetti squash is cooked?

Cooking spaghetti squash can seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple if done correctly. Spaghetti squash is done when the flesh is tender, yet still has some firmness to it. The best way to tell when spaghetti squash is cooked is when you can easily press down on the top of it and feel the indent remain in place. This will indicate that your squash has softened, which means it’s ready to be served!

Once cooked, use a fork to scrape out the strands of vegetable goodness found inside. You’ll want to be careful not to overcook your spaghetti squash as this will result in mushy and flavorless strands that won’t stand up to sautéing or baking. If you’re not sure how much time your particular piece of squash needs in the oven, start checking for doneness about 10-15 minutes before the time indicated in recipe instructions – you’ll get an idea for when it’s finished based on how easily you can indent the top with your hand. Ultimately knowing when your spaghetti squash is cooked properly comes with a bit of practice but sticking with these guidelines will have you on your way to mastering cooking them like a pro in no time!

Shred the spaghetti squash

Shredding the spaghetti squash is a key part of the cooking process. The best way to do this is to take a large fork and run it lengthwise across the entire surface of the squash until all of its insides are shredded. This should take about two or three passes, with pressure applied gently so as not to break the shells. It’s important to shred evenly and as thin as possible – no larger than small pieces of angel hair pasta – to ensure that everything cooks through properly during baking.

Once you have finished shredding all of your squash, it can be used in any meal you choose, whether it be a creamy soup or your favorite casserole. You will also be able to mix any savory toppings or sauces directly into the shredded squash before placing them on baking sheets and popping them into the oven. The result is a delicious dish full of flavor that holds up well against more traditional pasta dishes.

Make the sauce

Making a cheese sauce from scratch is an easy but tasty way to top squash dishes and take them to the next level! To make a flavorful cheese sauce, begin by making a roux. Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. As that melts, mix together the dry ingredients (such as flour, paprika, garlic powder) in a small bowl and then add them into the melted butter. Use a wire whisk to incorporate all of these ingredients until all of its mixed throughout the butter with no clumps. Continue to cook for about 1 minute or until you see bubbles begin to form in the mixture.

Now that you have finished making your roux, it’s time to build your cheese sauce! Begin by slowly adding milk into the roux while constantly stirring. Then add shredded cheese of your choice and let everything cook for 5 minutes or until melted and blended completely throughout. Finally, season with salt and pepper according to taste before lowering the heat and allowing it all to simmer while keeping an eye on it until fully cooked. Once ready, keep covered with a lid until you’re ready to use it with whatever dish you like!

Putting it together

The first step in putting together a delicious spaghetti squash dish is to add 1/2 cup of the cheese sauce into each of four prepared spaghetti squash halves. This doesn’t have to be exact– for smaller squashes, like the two pounders that I used, I suggest adding 1-2 tablespoons more sauce so that all of it can be used up. Take a fork and gently mix the cheese sauce with the already shredded squash to incorporate the flavors. The texture should be thick but not runny in any way after mixing.

When ready to eat, heat up the cheesy squash for about five minutes on medium heat until everything is warmed up thoroughly. Serve this as a side dish or alongside your favorite protein. It’s also a great snack if topped with grated parmesan and some freshly cracked black pepper! All in all, making this cheesy spaghetti squash dish will take barely any time at all, leaving you with something comforting and flavorful on the table every night of the week!

Serve

Serving dishes with a garnish of fresh herbs or Parmesan cheese is a great way to add flavor and texture to the meal. This is particularly true for Spaghetti Squash, as its mild flavor needs a little something extra to truly shine. Not only is it delicious and packed with nutrients, but Spaghetti Squash is also very low in carbs, containing just 5 g of carbohydrates per 1/2 cup serving. It’s much lower in calories than regular pasta too, making it perfect for those following keto diets.

For those wishing to make this Spaghetti Squash Mac & Cheese Keto friendly, try substituting whole milk with heavy cream and all-purpose flour with tapioca flour which will reduce the net carb count from 11g per serving down to 9.4g. Of course, there are many more low-carb options such as unsweetened coconut milk, almond milk, pea milk and hemp milk – although these will likely alter the texture and taste of the dish somewhat. No matter how you choose to serve up this Spaghetti Squash Mac & Cheese dish though, it’s sure to become a favorite in no time!