Spaghetti squash is perhaps the handiest of all the squashes. Not only does it make for a great side dish that’s super easy to make, it’s stringy texture feels a lot like pasta. It makes for a popular replacement for pasta in all sorts of recipes. This is a simple guide to make sure you can easily roast the perfect spaghetti squash, however you’d like to serve it.
We also have a guide for cooking acorn squash as well as four options for roasting butternut squash.
Why Our Recipe
- Detailed guide so you have everything you need to know.
- Plain seasoning so you can serve it as a side or pasta replacement.
Choosing the Perfect Spaghetti Squash
- A ripe spaghetti squash will have a smooth, matte, and slightly dull skin without any soft spots, cracks, or dark blemishes.
- The color should be a consistent shade of golden yellow; avoid those with green patches, as they might be underripe.
- The squash should feel heavy for its size, indicating it’s full of moisture and hasn’t dried out.
- Give it a gentle tap; a ripe one will produce a hollow sound.
- A firm stem is a good sign of freshness.
Cutting Spaghetti Squash
Cutting a spaghetti squash can be a bit challenging due to its hard exterior. Start by placing the squash on a stable cutting board. Using a sharp, sturdy chef’s knife, cut about 1-inch off the top and bottom ends. Stand the squash upright on one of these flat ends.
Carefully slice the squash vertically down the center, applying steady pressure and using a rocking motion if needed. Once cut, you can proceed to scoop out the seeds and stringy bits from the center
How do I know when it’s done?
You’ll see on the recipe card below that your roasted spaghetti squash will take between 40 and 50 minutes to cook. Please note that each oven is different and therefore holds heat differently. Plus, each squash will vary in size.
In order to know whether yours is perfectly cooked, take a fork and try to pull the spaghetti-like strands. When they come loose with ease and the texture is like al dente pasta, you’ll know it’s ready!
It’s always preferred to undercook it and have to pop it back in the oven for a few more minutes than to overcook it and end up with a mushy mess.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve your baked spaghetti squash however you like! Enjoy it as a side dish. It’s delicious by itself! Or serve it in place of pasta. For simple sauces, try serving topped with our simple brown butter garlic sauce or homemade pesto.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Cool the cooked spaghetti squash to room temperature before storing. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days.
Know what goes great with spaghetti squash?
Watch the video below where Caytlin will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.
I like to pierce with a fork and microwave for about 5 minutes. I makes it easier to cut. After i microwave i place it cut side down on a sheet pan and roast until fork goes in easily. We like it with tossed with cream cheese and taco seasoning.
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