This post was created in partnership with ALDI. All opinions are our own. Giveaway details below. Do you think about pairing wine with food? In my adventure to Washington wine country, I learned a few things about pairing from my new friend, sommelier Leslee Miller. First of all, you’ve got to taste the wine and the food together in your mouth. It’s not good enough just to sip and then take a bite. Both the wine and food must be in your mouth simultaneously. It’s all about flavors complementing flavors, and trying this gets you up close and personal. Second: wine pairing is not just for high-class, fancy foods. You can be as low brow as you’d like. Leslee was all about pairing a sparkling wine with white cheddar cheese puffs. Wine and cheese puffs? Yes, please. So I think Leslee would be proud of my suggested pairing for this new recipe, our spaghetti squash mac and cheese! Keep reading for the recipe, and the wine pairings. Also: Try all our Best Mac and Cheese recipes!
How to make spaghetti squash mac and cheese
This new recipe is a spaghetti squash mac and cheese, just as comforting and homey as it sounds. It’s our new favorite way to sneak the nutrients of squash into a naturally gluten-free take on the traditional pasta. Roasting spaghetti squash transforms its insides into long, slender “noodles.” Here we’ve even saved the shell to use as a serving dish. The spaghetti squash noodles are mixed with a creamy cheesy Béchamel sauce featuring Gruyere cheese. The Gruyere adds a bit of sophistication to the dish, along with a pinch of nutmeg and a dash of white wine vinegar. This recipe works as a main dish or a side! For me, it’s a main dish: we could see it as a Thanksgiving recipe or a Meatless Monday entree. Or, pair it with a few vegetable sides like a crisp salad or roasted Brussels sprouts. Did you know you can cook spaghetti squash in an Instant Pot? A pressure cooker only fits one squash, so it would work for half of this recipe (and serve it on a plate instead of in the squash). Go to Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash.
Pairing spaghetti squash mac and cheese with wine
And then of course, pair it with wine! On my trip to Washington, I got to try a large variety of wines made in Washington exclusively for ALDI. Of the wines I tried, to offset the rich dairy in this recipe I wanted something crisp and tart. Both a white wine or a sparkling wine could work here, so I’ve listed both below! Alex and I served it with the Crystal Creek Cellars Chardonnay, which had just the right Granny Smith tang to balance the cheesy spaghetti squash. Below are the wines we’d recommend for pairing:
Crystal Creek Cellars Chardonnay (87 points)* $7.99 – If you don’t like oaky Chardonnay, this one’s for you. Aromas of Granny Smith apples and layered notes of pear, toasty oak and a hint of vanilla. Pairs well with roasted chicken, fettuccine with alfredo sauce or seafood. Maison de Joie Brut Sparkling (89 points) $11.49 – If you know me well, you’ll know I’m a big fan of bubbles. This one was lovely! Inviting aromas of apple and peach open at the front, leading to a light-to medium-bodied palate and a round effervescence. Pairs well with shellfish, strong cheeses or apple and walnut salad. Lot Series Grande Brut (91 points) $13.99 – This wine just received a Gold Medal BTI rating! Again, I’m a huge bubbly fan, and this one hit the spot for me. Lot Series Grande Brut is created in the true Méthode Champenoise winemaking style and aged a minimum of three years in the bottle. Delightfully effervescent with green apple and citrus flavors followed by a dry finish. Pairs well with poultry, seafood or spicy foods.
- scores are from Beverage Tasting Institute (BTI). You can find these wines at your local ALDI; use this store locator to find a store near you. We also picked up a Specially Selected Gruyere cheese at ALDI, which happens to be an award-winning product: it’s a Chefs in America Masters of Taste Gold Medal Endorsement 2017 winner. Let us know if you try any of these products out; we’d love to know your thoughts!
Looking for spaghetti squash recipes?
Spaghetti squash has a huge fan base! Here are all our spaghetti squash recipes:
Spaghetti Squash with Pesto is a fantastic easy side dish. Spaghetti Squash Lasagna is a deliciously satisfying no noodle spin on the classic! Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti pairs the “noodles” with marinara and Parmesan. Spaghetti Squash Casserole turns it into an Italian style casserole with cheese and pesto! Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai is a fan favorite! It always gets rave reviews. Roasted Spaghetti Squash shows how to roast spaghetti squash: the right way. Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash is done in less than 30 minutes. Life changing!
This recipe is…
Vegetarian and gluten-free. Bonus: even 8-month old Larson LOVES this recipe.
Looking for vegetarian dinner recipes?
Are you looking for cozy vegetarian dinner recipes? Here are a few you should try: 5 from 4 reviews
Easy Calzone Recipe Vegetarian Meatballs & Gravy Black Bean Stuffed Delicata Squash Best Vegan Pot Pie Creamy Vegan Pasta Marinara Best Gouda Mac and Cheese Vegetarian Tortilla Soup White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Romantic Dinner Ideas
