Bacon and Cheese Spaghetti Squash Bake

Ingredients

• 1 spaghetti squash , halved and seeded
• 1 tablespoon olive oil , or more as needed
• 1.5 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese , divided
• 0.75 cups bacon bits
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a casserole dish.

2. 2

   Coat the inside of squash with about 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place squash, cut-side down, on a baking sheet.

3. 3

   Bake in the preheated oven until squash is tender, about 30 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes.

4. 4

   Shred squash flesh with a fork and transfer to a large bowl. Add 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese, bacon bits, butter, salt, and black pepper; mix until well blended. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish.

5. 5

   Bake in the preheated oven until heated through, about 45 minutes.

6. 6

   Remove casserole from the oven. Sprinkle with remaining 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese and continue baking until cheese is browned and bubbly, 15 to 20 minutes more.