Keto Chayote Gratin Recipe - Cheesy Low Carb Gratin! (2024)

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Firstly, I’m not sure whether to call this a Chayote Gratin or a Scalloped Chayote. You can tell me in the comments which one this recipe fits better.

What I can tell you is that this is the perfect low-carb gratin to satisfy your rich potato side dish cravings! I’ve been experimenting a lot lately with chayote squash recipes and this is a favorite so far.

It’s cheesy and creamy and satisfy that craving for a rich side dish you’d typically make at holiday dinners or on Sundays occasionally.

Related: My Fool-Proof Method of Getting into Ketosis in 24 Hours

Chayote Squash

Chayote, also called Christophene in some Caribbean countries and actually referred to as cho-cho in Jamaica, is a member of the squash family. It’s pear-shaped with sometimes prickly skin and has a seed inside, which technically makes it a fruit.

Keto Chayote Gratin Recipe - Cheesy Low Carb Gratin! (1)Pin

Like I said, sometimes prickly, sometimes not. Go figure. They’re typically used in soups and I was absolutely not a fan. The flavor is slightly bitter in a soup or liquid stew.

However, I’ve seen them used on Instagram in a number of stir-fry dishes and even as a dupe for apple pie, and I figured I’d give it another try since it’s so inexpensive and so widely available.

The texture is very similar to that of an American pear or an apple, and I can see how it would work well as a swap for potatoes.

Related: If you’re not losing weight on the keto diet, this may be the biggest reason why.

Chayote Stir-Fry

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I first tried it out in a simple stir-fry. To prepare your chayote, peel it if it’s prickly, or just wash it well and deseed it. Slice it thinly and add it to a pan with garlic and coconut oil.

It was delicious this way, with salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder added. I paired it with the curry chicken above, and it was the perfect potato dupe. It absorbed my curry gravy and gave me the comforting mouthfeel I am used to when eating curry with rice, potatoes, or roti.

After trying it a few times like this, I was ready for a fancier dish, like this chayote gratin.

What You Need to Make Chayote Gratin

Here is a list of the ingredients required to make this delicious chayote gratin.

  • 4chayotespeeled and thinly sliced
  • 1tbspcoconut oil
  • 1tbspbutter
  • 3clovesgarlicchopped
  • 1smallonionchopped
  • 1tbspBadia Complete Seasoning
  • 1/2cupheavy cream
  • 2tbspbone broth or stock
  • salt and pepperto taste
  • 1cupsharp cheddarshredded
  • 1cupmozzarellashredded, divided

How to Make Chayote Gratin

  1. Heat oven to 350° F
  2. Add garlic and onion to coconut oil and melted butter over medium heat. Cook for 30 seconds till onions are soft
  3. Add heavy cream andBadia Complete Seasoningto the pan. Add any other seasonings at this point as well.
  4. Add cheddarcheese and half of the mozzarella
  5. Add in your chayote. If the sauce is too thick, add bone broth or stock.
  6. Bake for 40 minutes, then add the remaining mozzarella to the top of the pan and broil for an additional 5 minutes. Enjoy!

What to Serve Chayote Gratin With

This delicious chayote gratin will go with anything, but here are a few options for you!

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I decided to try it in a gratin dish. Or is it scalloped? Do you need to blend out the veggies/potatoes to make it a chayote gratin? Whatever the case, I sliced up my chayotes thinly and got started.

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Next, get some garlic and onions going in coconut oil and butter.

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Keto Chayote Gratin Recipe - Cheesy Low Carb Gratin! (6)Pin

I added my heavy cream and loads of seasonings, then my cheese to make the sauce. Then dumped my chayotes in. I think next time I will sautee them over high heat first or grill them up to get a nice char on them before this step. I can see that adding an awesome layer of flavor.

If your sauce is too thick, add a bit of stock or bone broth to it, but not too much since the chayotes will spring a bit of their own liquids while baking.

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I put the whole pot in the oven since I was using my favorite dutchie, but you can also transfer it to a glass pan at this stage and place it in a 350° oven.

I added cheese to the top and placed it under the broiler for the last 5 minutes to get that perfect top.

Keto Chayote Gratin Recipe - Cheesy Low Carb Gratin! (8)Pin

So how was it? Delicious!!!! I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this chayote gratin dish. It was rich, creamy, and so satisfying.

I wasn’t the only one singing its praises. All other carby members of my household, including my kiddo, enjoyed every last bite. It’s definitely a winner and a recipe you MUST try.

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Chayote Gratin

The perfect low carb gratin recipe for keto-dieters who are tired of cauliflower everything.

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Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Mexican

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 6

Calories: 261kcal

Author: Iva Ursano

Ingredients

  • 4 chayotes peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 1 tbsp Badia Complete Seasoning
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp bone broth or stock
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella shredded, divided

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees F

  • Add garlic and onion to coconut oil and melted butter over medium heat. Cook for 30 seconds till onions are soft

  • Add heavy cream and Badia Complete Seasoning to pan. Add any other seasonings at this point as well.

  • Add cheddarcheese and half of the mozzarella

  • Add in your chayote. If sauce is too thick, add bone broth or stock.

  • Bake for 40 minutes then add remaining mozzarella to top of pan and broil for an additional 5 minutes. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 01 | Calories: 261kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 265mg | Potassium: 181mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 665IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 261mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Keto Chayote Gratin Recipe - Cheesy Low Carb Gratin! (11)Pin

Here it is served with Rosemary Pork Chops and steamed, buttery greens.

If this recipe intrigues you, please save it to Pinterest to try later! Let me know if you try it and how it turns out for you.

Iva Ursano

Iva discovered the keto diet back in 2020 and has experimented with it, off and on. She recently took over this site and shares experiences, her knowledge and some yummy recipes. She also runs a women only website Women Blazing Trails.

Keto Chayote Gratin Recipe - Cheesy Low Carb Gratin! (2024)

FAQs

How many carbs are in chayote on keto diet? ›

Chayote, Fruit, Raw (1 cup, (1 in. pieces)) contains 6g total carbs, 3.7g net carbs, 0.2g fat, 1.1g protein, and 25 calories.

What does chayote taste like? ›

Chayote, also known as mirliton squash or vegetable pear because of its pear-like shape and size, is pale green on the outside, with white flesh on the inside. It's crunchy and mild "with a slightly sweet taste and light notes of cucumber," according to Specialty Produce.

How long does it take to boil chayote? ›

Peel the chayote and cut it into finger-sized strips. Cook these strips in boiling salted water for six to eight minutes or until tender. Refresh under cold water and drain.

Does chayote spike blood sugar? ›

Chayote squash is low in total carbs and high in soluble fiber, which may help regulate blood sugar levels ( 7 ). Soluble fiber slows down your digestion and absorption of carbs, which reduces your blood sugar response after eating ( 8 ). Chayote may also improve blood sugar control by affecting insulin.

Can I eat chayote on a low carb diet? ›

Chayote is relatively low in carbohydrates and relatively high in fiber, a nutritional combination that can help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels. High levels of fiber in chayote make it so that you feel fuller after eating less.

Is it OK to eat chayote everyday? ›

Chayote is a mild-tasting squash with a crisp texture that's low in calories yet high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protective plant compounds. Regularly consuming chayote may provide several health benefits, from improving the body's antioxidant defenses to lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Is chayote good for inflammation? ›

May Fight Inflammation

Another 2019 study investigated the potential benefits of chayote consumption in older adults. The research published in the journal Antioxidants concluded that consumption of dried chayote may provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in older adults with metabolic syndrome.

What is the English name for chayote? ›

The chayote goes by many names: “custard marrow,” “vegetable pear” and “mirliton” — the latter used extensively in Louisiana. Others call it “christophine,” “choko,” “iskut,” “mango squash,” “xuxu” and “machuchu.” The vines of the chayote plant are durable but flexible, and are used in the making of hats and baskets.

Can diabetics eat chayote? ›

Yes, chayote benefits people with diabetes by lowering their blood sugar levels. Additionally, the chayote nutritional benefits aid in slowing the absorption of carbohydrates which further reduces food intake, weight and thereby, sugar intake.

Why do you rub chayote? ›

You can either divide it in half, or slice off a small, 1 inch-thick piece at the tip. Rub the cut sides of the sayote together to draw out the sap. A white foam should form around the edges and on the surface of the sayote. Once you get all of the sap out, rinse it off with running water.

Can you eat raw chayote? ›

Chayote can be eaten raw, but one of the best things about chayote is its dense flesh that holds its shape when cooked. That firm texture means chayote can be cooked any way you can think of, and can stand in for almost any vegetable.

Should you peel chayote? ›

Do You Eat the Skin of Chayote? Whether or not to peel chayote before cooking it is entirely up to you. Some people prefer to peel it but its skin is tender enough to eat and quite tasty.

Can you microwave chayote? ›

To microwave

Chayotes vary in size, but three medium chayotes will weigh 11/2 to 2 pounds. Place chunks in a covered dish. Add 1/4 cup water and microwave on high for 5 minutes.

What are lowest carb vegetables for keto? ›

Vegetables with a very low carb content include:
  • Asparagus. There are 3.88 g of carbs in 100 g of asparagus. ...
  • Celery. Celery contains 2.97 g of carbs per 100 g. ...
  • Tomatoes. Different types of tomato contain different amounts of carbs.
  • Spinach. ...
  • Lettuce. ...
  • Mushrooms. ...
  • Cucumber. ...
  • Zucchini.
Apr 28, 2021

What veggies are unlimited on keto? ›

You do not have to limit vegetables if you are on the keto diet or are considering it. Plenty of low-carb vegetable options include arugula, asparagus, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes.

How many carbs will kick me out of ketosis? ›

Eating more than 50 grams of carbs may disrupt ketosis.

Some people can eat more and still stay in ketosis, whereas others may need to restrict their carb intake more in order to stay in ketosis.

What vegetables eliminate ketosis? ›

Starchy vegetables contain more digestible carbohydrates than fiber and should be limited when you're on the ketogenic diet. These include corn, potatoes, sweet potatoes and beets. Limit high-sugar fruits too, which spike your blood sugar more quickly than berries and have more carbohydrates.

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