This Greek Spaghetti Squash Casserole is a fun twist on pasta. With roasted spaghetti squash, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta, it’s hearty yet healthy!
I love how easy it is to make! Just bake the squash, mix everything together, and pop it in the oven. It’s perfect for leftovers too—or a sneaky midnight snack! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti Squash: This is the star of the dish! If you’re in a pinch, you could swap it for Zucchini Noodles or even cooked pasta, but it won’t have the same flavor or texture as squash.
Feta Cheese: A key flavor in Greek cooking! For a dairy-free option, try using vegan feta, or even a seasoned tofu crumble. The flavor will differ, but it can still be delicious.
Kalamata Olives: These add saltiness and depth. If unavailable, green olives or any other black olives can be used. Just adjust for saltiness to your taste.
Parsley/Basil: Fresh herbs add brightness. Feel free to mix it up—thyme or oregano can work well, too. Dried herbs can be used if that’s what you have on hand!
How Do I Roast Spaghetti Squash Perfectly?
Roasting spaghetti squash properly is crucial for the right texture. Follow these steps to get delicious strands:
- Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the squash in half lengthwise, and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds.
- Place the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps them steam and cook evenly.
- Roast for about 40 minutes. It’s done when you can easily scrape the strands with a fork.
- Let it cool just enough to handle before scraping—the strands can be piping hot!
Try not to rush this step; it really enhances the flavor and texture of your casserole! Enjoy the process! 😊
Greek Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 1 hour to cook and bake, which gives you a total of about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. Most of this time is spent roasting the squash, so you can get the rest of your ingredients ready while you wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Spaghetti Squash:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds using a spoon. This is where you’ll get those delicious noodles!
2. Roasting the Squash:
Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 40 minutes, or until tender. When it’s done, the strands should easily pull away with a fork, creating those beautiful spaghetti-like noodles!
3. Sautéing the Vegetables:
While the squash is roasting, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it’s translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Adding Tomatoes and Olives:
Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced Kalamata olives to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat.
5. Preparing the Squash Noodles:
After the squash has cooled enough to handle, use a fork to scrape out the strands into a large mixing bowl, creating the ‘spaghetti’ base of your casserole.
6. Mixing in the Goodies:
Add the vegetable mixture, crumbled feta, shredded mozzarella, beaten eggs, oregano, salt, and pepper into the bowl with the spaghetti squash. Mix everything together gently until well combined.
7. Transferring to the Baking Dish:
Transfer the mixture to a greased 8×8-inch casserole dish or any similar-sized baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish so it cooks evenly.
8. Baking the Casserole:
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s set and lightly golden on top.
9. Adding Fresh Herbs:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top for that bright flavor.
10. Time to Serve:
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this warm and flavorful Greek-inspired spaghetti squash casserole with friends and family!
This delightful dish is packed with Mediterranean flavors, thanks to the feta, olives, and fresh herbs, all complemented by the light texture of the roasted spaghetti squash. Perfect for a healthy meal! 🌟
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you want to switch things up, you can use goat cheese or ricotta instead of feta for a creamier texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or oven. Add a splash of olive oil to restore some moisture if needed!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian! If you’re looking to make it vegan, simply substitute the eggs with flax eggs or a mixture of silken tofu and a bit of nutritional yeast to mimic the richness and hold everything together.
What Can I Serve With This Casserole?
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables for a full meal. For a heartier option, you could serve it with crusty bread to soak up the flavors!