Keto Chayote Italian Gratin (Gluten Free)

Maria Fernanda López
Aug 9, 2020
3 min read

One of my resolution for the rest of the year will be posting more savory recipes. I legit have a few on my list and somehow never post them, this is changing NOW starting with this keto and low carb recipe inspired by potato gratin.

I actually have a fun memory about potato gratin, well, not funny. But they always make me remember at my sister ex-boyfriend who's shall not be named (at least without cringing). The thing is that he introduced us to gratin potatoes or a recipe he made with his family.

We were obsessed for a while but then we stopped making it and I really don't remember why and it's not because of my sisters break up with him. But well, now that we are a family with a completely different perspective about food I decided to create a fun recipe with my own twist!

What's in this Keto Chayote Italian Gratin?

Chayote Squash
Marinara Sauce
Mozzarella Cheese
Spices
Sea Salt
Black Pepper

I know that the original potato gratin have heavy cream and other ingredients in them, but this is the twist I decided to give it, at the end the original and "you-know-who's" recipe were the inspiration to have a delicious and cozy side dish!

Chayote is a type of squash but in comparison of the normal squashes we know this is lower (way lower in carbs) for 100 grams of it there's ONLY 4.5 grams of carbs! Very impressive right? I have known this for a long time since it's very common to add it into soups in México.

It has a great and dense consistency, just as potatoes to it makes a great keto and low carb substitute! And surprise surprise! You can add some cinnamon, air fry it and BAM! You have a sweet snack with it!

What to expect from this recipe?

A simple and nourishing side dish!
Cheesy heaven
A great Italian crave buster

This was a great success in my family! Since me and my dad are always experimenting we are use to trying different type of ideas in the kitchen and I have guarantee you that this recipe will be a success among your favorite people!

A great way to get those veggies in!

This is a great way to have your kiddos to eat some veggies, loads of them in just one meal! Normally Italian food, specially marinara sauce, is always a yes for kids. We were all kinds once and we know that this is true! Hello meatballs and spaghetti!?

For the sauce I always look for one that's sugar free and has simple ingredients, no oils or artificial flavorings. The one that have been using is from Otamot, and the cool thing about this is their ingredients!

What's the hype about that sauce?

It has over 10 different vegetables
It's organic
Whole 30 approved
Paleo
Low Carb
It's made with olive oil

So yeah, the taste is also important! It was a win, their spicy one is also delicious! And generally makes this recipe super easy to make!

Easy Steps!

Preheat your oven at 305F.
Chop in big squares your chayote squash.
Add it to single serving making dishes (or a big one).
Add the marinara sauce.
Bake for 40 minutes.
Add the cheese.
Let the cheese bake with 8 minutes more inside de oven!

See, easy peasy and cheesy! Can we ask for more? I also paired mine with some air fried chicken because I'm still obsessed with my air fryer. But anything will be great with it! Also feel free to use vegan cheese, and also to share, save, pin or bookmark this delicious recipe for later!

With love,

María

Try more recipes here!

- Shrimp Enchilada Boats

- Green Salsa Cordon Bleu Chicken

- Bacon Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet

- Italian Rainbow Chicken Skillet

Keto Chayote Italian Gratin

By María Fernanda López

Serves 2

Ingredients

2 pieces of Chayote Squash
1/2 cup of Marinara Sauce (used this sugar free one: PURELYHEALTHY10 for discount)
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese
1 tbsp of Italian Herbs
1 tsp of Sea Salt
1/4 tsp of Black Pepper