Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Bake with Marinara Sauce

Made in the Just North of Wiarton Kitchen:

**My adjustments to the recipe are at bottom of page under NOTES

Recipe Source:  Once Upon A Chef

Recipe Link:  https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/cheesy-baked-spaghetti-squash-marinara-sauce.html

Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce

Servings: 4 to 6 as a main course, 8 as a side dish

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 medium spaghetti squash (about 2½ lbs/1.1 kg each)

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

• Salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 1¾ cups jarred marinara sauce, best quality such as Rao's or Victoria

• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, plus more for serving (or ¾ teaspoon dried)

• 1½ cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese

• 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

• 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• ¾ cup panko

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C) and set an oven rack in the middle position. Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil for easy clean-up.

2. Using a very sharp chef's knife, cut a sliver off of the stem end of each squash (this creates a flat surface to cut the squash in half). Stand each squash upright on a cutting board and slice through them top to bottom to cut each squash in half (use your body weight to press the knife down).

3. Using a soup spoon, scrape out the seeds and discard them.

4. Place the squash halves cut-side-up on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with the oil and sprinkle evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Flip the squash halves so they are cut-side-down. Roast for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the squash is golden brown underneath and tender when pierced with a fork. You should be able to scrape the strands away from the skin easily. Flip the squash halves so they are cut-side-up, and let sit until cool enough to handle. Use a fork to scrape out and fluff the strands.

5. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).

6. Place the strands in a large bowl. Add the marinara sauce, ¾ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and thyme and toss gently until the squash is evenly coated. Taste and add adjust seasoning if necessary. Transfer the mixture to an ungreased 9 x 13-in (23 x 33-cm) baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over top, followed by the Parmigiano-Reggiano.

7. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the panko, and mix until the panko is evenly coated. Sprinkle the panko mixture evenly over the cheese. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden. Let cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle with more fresh thyme and serve.

**NOTES:

My Personal Recipe Adjustments:

- 1 Large Spaghetti Squash;

- 1 770 ml Rao Marinara Sauce;

- Omitted the Thyme & Parmigiano-Reggiano;

- Added 1/2 cup extra Mozzeralla Cheese;

- Doubled the Panko Topping (I did not have unsalted butter, so the topping was a bit on the salty side);

- 9"x 13" glass baking dish;

- Baked in 400* Oven for 30 minutes

Photo Credit:  Cindy Masterson-Roth