Spaghetti Squash with Bacon and Caramelized Onions is super filling with out the heaviness that often comes with pasta. If you haven't tried spaghetti squash before, this is a great recipe to start with. The slightly sweet flavor from the spaghetti squash is a wonderful balance to the saltiness and smokey flavor of the bacon. You won't be as likely to compare the spaghetti squash to pasta with this dish as you might if you topped it with a tomato sauce.
How to Prepare the Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash can be quickly cooked in the microwave or oven. Use caution when cutting it in half since it is round and has a tough exterior. It can slip around and your knife can get stuck in the squash. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of doing it yourself, consider asking someone in the produce department of your grocery store to cut it for you. Once it is cut, scrape out the seeds and place it face down on a plate (for the microwave) or baking sheet (for the oven). Similar to a baked potato, the squash will yield when you squeeze it once it is cooked. The strings will also pull from the sides of the squash very easily. I use a large fork to pull the strings apart. Try not to overcook it because the strings will become mushy.
Did Someone Say "Bacon?"
While the spaghetti squash is cooking, I slice a package of bacon into ½ inch pieces. Quick tip on cutting bacon. Bacon cuts more easily when it is partially frozen! Give it a try and let me know if you agree. Then throw it all in an iron skillet or frying pan and cook until crispy. Next, remove the bacon from the pan, reserving the drippings and let the bacon drain on a paper towel. This is where it gets tricky in my house. Everyone comes to the kitchen to steal the bacon! They smell it cooking and are like magnets to the kitchen. I swear sometimes they sneak in and out with handfuls without me even seeing them! So I really have to guard the bacon well.
Caramelized Onions
I am embarrassed to say that I forgot to take pictures of the onions! You can see them in the pan once they've been combined with the spaghetti squash and bacon though. The important thing to remember when cooking the onions is NOT to drain all of the bacon grease and clean the pan. You want to cook the onion in the same pan you cooked the bacon in. If there is a lot of grease, drain some of it, leaving the little bits and about 2 tablespoons of drippings. This will result in a ton of added flavor. Cook the onions on a medium-low heat until they are browned and soft. Then add in the cooked spaghetti squash and bacon to heat everything through. Serve with some fresh herbs like cilantro, chives or parsley and some freshly grated parmesan cheese if you want. You could also drizzle a little Basil, Parsley or Cilantro Awesome Sauce for a fresh burst of flavor.
Allergy Friendly as Can Be!
Spaghetti Squash with Bacon and Caramelized Onions is super allergy friendly! It is naturally gluten free, dairy free (omit the parmesan topping), nut free, soy free, sesame free and egg free. It is also aip and paleo friendly without the parmesan cheese topping. A few more delicious recipes along these lines are my Pesto Zoodles, Spaghetti Squash with Asian Sauce and Zoodles with Easy Tomato and Basil Sauce.
Spaghetti Squash with Bacon and Caramelized Onions
Ingredients
- 1 large Spaghetti Squash
- 1 package bacon - cut into ½" chunks
- 1 large sweet onion - sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- salt & pepper
- grated Parmesan cheese - optional garnish, omit for AIP diet
- fresh cilantro, chives or parsley - optional garnish
Instructions
- Cook your bacon in a frying pan on medium heat until browned and crisp. With a slotted spoon remove bacon when cooked onto a paper towel lined plate and set aside. Drain most of the grease out of the pan reserving about a tablespoon or two to cook the onions.
- Add the onions and cook over medium-low heat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. When they begin to get soft and golden in color, add minced garlic. Continue to cook until the garlic is mixed in well & softened.
- While the bacon and onions are cooking- Cut your squash in half, remove seeds and place flesh side down on a plate. Microwave for 4-6 minutes until softened & strings easily scrape out with a fork. When cool enough to handle, scrape out all of the squash and place in a bowl.
- When the onions are cooked through add the spaghetti squash and bacon to the pan and mix everything together. You can reserve a few bacon bits for garnish if you like. Serve in a bowl with fresh herbs and grated parmesan cheese on top if you wish. Yum!!!
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