Name: Spaghetti Squash Mac And Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 cups Spaghetti Squash (cooked and cooled); 3/4 cup Sour Cream; 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese; 1/4 cup Bread Crumbs (or pork rind crumbs); 1/2 tsp Sea Salt; 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder; 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food makeover, Spaghetti Squash Mac And Cheese is about to steal your heart and totally transform your weeknight dinner routine. This dish takes everything we love about traditional mac and cheese—creamy, cheesy goodness and an irresistible topping—and gives it a fresh twist with the tender strands of roasted spaghetti squash. It offers all the cozy flavors you crave, but feels lighter, more nourishing, and is veggie-packed to boot. Whether you’re tackling picky eaters or just want to change up your go-to side, Spaghetti Squash Mac And Cheese delivers big satisfaction with surprisingly simple ingredients.

Spaghetti Squash Mac And Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of everyday ingredients, you’re halfway to a dish that tastes both familiar and new. Each element brings its own little burst of personality—creamy, sharp, crunchy, and savory—all working together for the best bite.

Spaghetti Squash (3-4 cups, cooked and cooled): The star! When roasted, it turns into delicate, noodle-like strands that absorb all the cheesy sauce goodness.
Sour Cream (3/4 cup): This gives your sauce its signature tang and luscious creaminess—just a spoonful makes a world of difference.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): Go sharp for max flavor, but any favorite cheese melts beautifully for melty, gooey perfection.
Bread Crumbs or Pork Rind Crumbs (1/4 cup): Sprinkle this on top for a golden, crunchy finish—try pork rinds for a gluten-free crunch or extra zip.
Sea Salt (1/2 tsp): Season to bring out every cheesy note and delicate sweetness in the squash.
Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp): Adds subtle warmth and an extra layer of flavor—like a little background magic.
Ground Black Pepper (1/4 tsp): For just the right hint of spicy-peppery bite in each forkful.

How to Make Spaghetti Squash Mac And Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

First up, let’s get your oven doing its thing. Preheat it to 350 degrees and lightly grease an 8×8 casserole dish. Greasing the dish keeps all that wonderful cheese from sticking and helps you serve up perfectly intact, cheesy squares after baking.

Step 2: Combine All the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add your cooked (and very well-drained!) spaghetti squash along with the sour cream, shredded cheese, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold everything together. The goal is a fully combined, evenly cheesy squash mixture—don’t overmix, just enough for every strand to get cozy with that creamy sauce.

Step 3: Layer and Smooth in the Baking Dish

Pour the squash mixture into your greased casserole dish and smooth it out into an even layer. This step helps the mac and cheese bake up uniformly, so nobody gets a section with too much (or too little) cheese sauce. Trust me, every inch should be loaded with flavor.

Step 4: Add Your Crunchy Topping

Time for the crowning glory: scatter your bread crumbs (or pork rind crumbs) evenly across the top. Not only does this bring irresistible texture, but it also turns a golden shade after baking for a true mac and cheese look—and the best bite every single time.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Pop your casserole into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know Spaghetti Squash Mac And Cheese is ready when the top is gloriously golden and a little crusty, while the insides are melty and bubbly. For an extra crisp finish, switch to broil for the last two to three minutes, keeping a keen eye so your topping doesn’t burn but gets beautifully browned.

Step 6: Remove, Rest, and Serve

Let your casserole rest for five minutes after coming out of the oven—this helps the cheese set and makes scooping super easy. Serve Spaghetti Squash Mac And Cheese piping hot, and get ready for the chorus of “yum” at the table!

How to Serve Spaghetti Squash Mac And Cheese

Garnishes

A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley, chives, or even a little extra shredded cheddar on top adds color and a burst of freshness. For a spicy kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes does wonders. These finishing touches make your Spaghetti Squash Mac And Cheese look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This dish is a hit alongside roasted chicken, grilled sausages, or even a simple green salad. Because it’s both hearty and veggie-forward, pairing it with lean proteins or crisp greens balances everything out perfectly. Try it with steamed broccoli or garlic green beans for a pop of bright color on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun spin, scoop the mixture back into empty spaghetti squash shells for individual servings—it’s both rustic and impressive! Or bake in ramekins for personalized portions. No matter how you plate it, the glowing cheese and crunchy top make this a showstopper every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Spaghetti Squash Mac And Cheese keeps surprisingly well in the fridge. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let the casserole cool completely before storing to preserve both the sauce and the crunchy top.

Freezing

If you’re thinking ahead, Spaghetti Squash Mac And Cheese can be frozen before baking. Cover the unbaked casserole tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time (remove the wrap first!).

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through and the top is crisp again—usually about 20 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven gives you back that lovely golden finish. Add a sprinkle of cheese or crumbs if you want to spruce up the top!

FAQs

Can I make Spaghetti Squash Mac And Cheese dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the sour cream with your favorite nondairy alternative (like unsweetened coconut yogurt or cashew cream), and opt for a good plant-based cheese that melts well. You’ll still get all the creamy, cheesy vibes with a dairy-free spin.

Do I need to roast the squash first?

Yes, roasting the spaghetti squash brings out its natural sweetness and yields the signature “noodle” texture. Simply cut it in half, remove the seeds, and bake cut-side down at 400 degrees until tender. Scrape with a fork to create those perfect strands for your Spaghetti Squash Mac And Cheese.

Can I add proteins or veggies?

Definitely! Cooked chicken, ham, or turkey mix in easily. Stirring in steamed broccoli, caramelized onions, or cooked peas adds color and nutrition, making your Spaghetti Squash Mac And Cheese even more substantial and flavorful.

How do I prevent watery mac and cheese?

It’s vital to drain the cooked squash really well—excess water will thin out your cheesy sauce and impact texture. After baking, the casserole should be set and the sauce thick, just like classic mac and cheese.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, it can be! Just use gluten-free bread crumbs or pork rind crumbs for the topping. The rest of the ingredients for Spaghetti Squash Mac And Cheese are naturally gluten-free, making this a friendly pick for guests with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

Give Spaghetti Squash Mac And Cheese a spot on your dinner table, and you’ll see just how comforting, delicious, and fun eating your veggies can be. It’s perfect for everything from busy weeknights to cozy gatherings. Dive in, get creative, and watch this lighter take on a classic become a new favorite at your house!

Spaghetti Squash Mac And Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a healthier twist on the classic mac and cheese with this Spaghetti Squash Mac And Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, this dish is a delightful way to enjoy a favorite comfort food while sneaking in some extra veggies.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

3–4 cups Spaghetti Squash (cooked and cooled)
3/4 cup Sour Cream
2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/4 cup Bread Crumbs (or pork rind crumbs)
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8X8 casserole dish.
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooked spaghetti squash, sour cream, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Blend mixture: Gently combine all ingredients until fully mixed.
Transfer to dish: Pour the mixture into the casserole dish and spread it evenly.
Add topping: Sprinkle pork rind or breadcrumb crumbs on top.
Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the mac and cheese is cooked through and forms a crust.
Broil: For a more golden crust, broil for a few minutes.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot.

Notes

You can customize this dish by adding cooked bacon or diced jalapenos for extra flavor.
For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling on top.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American