If you’re looking for the ultimate way to enjoy mac and cheese while sticking to low carb foods, then look no further than this SUPEEEEER cheesy keto spaghetti squash recipe!
Growing up, mac and cheese was my jam — my favorite childhood meal, my go-to comfort food, and one of the first recipes I needed to perfect when going low carb.
My family made mac and cheese a little differently than most people — we used my Mom’s famous mac and cheese sauce with angel hair pasta for noodles, which is why I opted to use keto spaghetti squash to make this version!
With a few tweaks to my Mama’s sauce, I bring to you my absolute favorite way to get down with keto spaghetti squash! Now, let’s dive it…
Keto spaghetti squash is one of my favorite low carb vegetables because it can be turned into pasta!! I use it in all sorts of recipes as a noodle replacement, from this low carb mac and cheese to keto spaghetti squash soup.
For those that are curious: one cup of spaghetti squash has 10 grams of carbs — but there are only 5.5 grams of spaghetti squash net carbs!
How to Make Keto Spaghetti Squash
This keto spaghetti squash is one of my favorite lazy-night low carb dinners. Pop on the Netflix and cozy up by the fire — you’ll only need to take a few 10 minute breaks to toss this keto spaghetti squash together!
Here’s what you need to know to get started:
1. Bake The Keto Spaghetti
Before baking your keto spaghetti, you’ll need to cut the squash. This is BY FAR the trickiest part! Do this as carefully as possible, here are a few pointers:
- Place a damp paper towel under your cutting board, this will prevent it from sliding around as much.
- Use a sharp knife.
- Pierce the keto spaghetti squash with the tip of your knife, then gently, CAREFULLY and slowly rock the knife back and forth to fully cut through the squash.
- This goes without say, but I’m always frazzled when cutting spaghetti squash, so thought I’d mention: NEVER place your fingers below or in the way of your blade.
Now that bad boy’s ready to be scooped, oiled and thrown into the oven.
Be sure to place you keto spaghetti squash cut side down, otherwise it’ll take 5 times longer to bake! (I know from experience…)
2. “Form” The Low Carb Noodles
You’ll know your keto spaghetti squash is done when you can use a fork to easily “scrape” the squash into low carb noodles. If the squash feels raw, toss it back into the until it’s easier to work with.
I like to test the doneness of my keto spaghetti squash, then set it aside to cool while making the keto cheese sauce — otherwise you may burn your hands.
3. Make Your Low Carb Spaghetti Sauce
This low carb spaghetti sauce is SO easy to throw together — it’s a melt and pour kind situation. The most important thing to do while making your sauce is to be sure it doesn’t burn on the bottom.
Here’s how you prevent that from happening:
-
- Use a pot with a thick bottomed core. (if you don’t own one, just pay extra attention to the other 2 tips)
- Stir constantly, I find a whisk or a heat safe rubber spatula work best.
- Heat on medium-low
Then, toss your keto spaghetti squash into the pot to thoroughly coat and combine everything into one of the happiest low carb casseroles your kitchen has ever seen!
4. Bake Your Low Carb Squash Casserole
Pour the keto spaghetti squash and cheese sauce combo into a 9×13” casserole dish.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top (option to sprinkle crushed pork rinds for a breadcrumb-like topping), and toss that bad boy in the oven!
Bake until the cheesy low carb squash casserole topping melts and everything looks delicious (about 20 minutes).
Meal Prep This Low Carb Spaghetti
This low carb spaghetti is the perfect dish for low carb meal prep.
To do this, cook the keto spaghetti squash casserole per the instructions above. Allow it to cool in the fridge overnight. Then slice it into portions (this is easiest to do once the sauce has cooled and settled). Place each portion in a labeled resealable bag and into the freezer.
Next time you’re craving this keto spaghetti squash, place a portion on a baking sheet and bake it in the oven until it reaches your desired temp — you could even melt extra cheese on top (I won’t tell!)
Keto Spaghetti Sauce Variations
This keto spaghetti squash mac and cheese can be made with any meltable cheese you have on hand, although I highly recommend Gruyere as it adds SO much flavor to our keto spaghetti sauce!
Unsweetened, plain almond milk can be used instead of heavy cream.
Alternatively, you can make keto spaghetti squash alfredo, keto spaghetti squash carbonara, or keto spaghetti squash and meatballs with a tasty red sauce. Just pour your favorite sauce over these noodles and you’ll be good to go!
Low Carb Pasta Alternative
If, after trying this dish, you’ve decided keto spaghetti squash isn’t your favorite low carb pasta, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from.
This low carb cheese sauce can be poured over whatever keto vegetables you prefer — to name a few:
- Zucchini Noodles, or any other type of veggie noodles. Zucchini is my favorite based on its carb count and flavor profile.
- Cauliflower, turn this dish into cauliflower mac and cheese! Just roast the cauliflower before pouring your cheese sauce over it.
- Shirataki Noodles, have you tried these before? They’re not everyone’s favorite — but they’re carb count makes them worth mentioning. Give ‘em a try and let me know what you think!
Keto Spaghetti Squash Recipe
One last thing! When making this keto spaghetti squash, I add shredded rotisserie chicken so I can serve it as a main dish (as opposed to a keto spaghetti squash side dish!)
More Pasta Recipes
SUPER Cheesy Keto Spaghetti Squash
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 1 Large Spaghetti Squash
- Mild Tasting Oil (see notes below) for cooking the spaghetti squash
- 1 1/2 Cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 1 Cup Gruyere shredded
- 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter unsalted
- 1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg
- 1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 Teaspoon Thyme
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F.
- Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half, lengthwise. I do this by inserting the tip of a sharp knife and carefully rocking the knife back and forth.
- Use a spoon to scrape the insides (wet strings and seeds) from the spaghetti squash (see photo for reference).
- Brush cut sides of the spaghetti squash with vegetable oil.
- Place spaghetti squash, cut side down, on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated for 35-45 minutes (cook time will vary depending on the size of your squash). You'll know your squash is done when a fork can easily scrape strings from your squash. If it seems raw, toss it back in.
- Lower the oven temp to 350 F.
- In a small bowl, mix the cheeses and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter on medium heat.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir ingredients together to combine.
- Add the 1 cup heavy cream and stir everything together.
- Stir 1/2 the shredded gruyere and cheddar, stirring constantly so the cheese combo doesn't burn on the bottom
- Stir in the spaghetti squash, and evenly coat.
- Pour the keto spaghetti squash into a 9x13" casserole dish and top it with the remaining cheese.
- Cook spaghetti squash in the oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese on the top starts to lightly brown around the edges.
- Cool slightly before serving, and enjoy!
Fans Also Made These Low Carb Recipes:
Lindsey's Tips
- Mild Tasting Oil. You want an oil with a high smoke point and mild flavor -- think avocado, vegetable, safflower, sunflower, peanut. Skip EVOO, coconut, or sesame oil.
- Add shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein!
Dee
You didn’t list cream cheese in the ingredients. How much?
Lindsey
I’m so sorry cream cheese was listed in the recipe instructions! I tested the recipe with cream cheese initially and decided to thicken the sauce by adding more shredded cheese instead (it’s better this way, I promise!)
Hope you enjoy and thanks for pointing out that type!
Debbie
Hi
I would like to verify that this recipe have cream cheese in it. The list of ingredients doesn’t list cream Cheese however the list of instructions mentions in step 0.
Thanks
Lindsey
Hi Debbie! Thanks for pointing out that cream cheese was listed in the recipe instructions! I tested the recipe with cream cheese initially and decided to thicken the sauce by adding more shredded cheese instead ( I promise it’s better this way!) Hope you enjoy!
Bryan
I know my wife would love this recipe! because she’s basically been obsessed with using squash in every recipe she makes lately haha thank you, great recipe!
lts
Super recipe, can be cooked with courgette too
Thank you!
Lindsey
Thanks for the suggestion 🙂 Glad you enjoyed! 🙂
Missy Parish
This is so delicious. Love the bite the squash gives. Made this the other night. Did not have Gruyere but used a Colby/cheddar blend. Can’t wait to taste with the Gruyere I also added a touch of dry mustard.
Lindsey
LOVE IT! I’m happy you enjoyed, thanks for sharing your tweaks Missy!🤗