How to Cook Spaghetti Squash (The Easiest Way!)
If you've always wanted to learn how to cook spaghetti squash, my recipe is for you! It's the best and easiest way to do it for foolproof results every time!
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 2 tbsp. olive or avocado oil
- ½ tsp. sea salt
- ⅙ tsp. freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
How to Prepare Spaghetti Squash
- To start, preheat your oven to a temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit (°F). This is the ideal temperature for baking spaghetti squash to ensure it cooks thoroughly and achieves the perfect texture.
- Next, using a sharp chef's knife, slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. This may be a bit challenging as the squash skin can be quite hard, so be careful and take your time.
- Once you've sliced it, scoop out the seeds from the inside of the squash using a spoon. This clears the way for the next steps and prevents the seeds from burning while baking.
- Now, to add a little flavor, drizzle the insides of the squash lightly with olive oil. This not only enhances the taste but also helps in the roasting process by ensuring the squash doesn't dry out.
- After that, sprinkle the squash with salt and black pepper. This will bring out the natural flavor of the spaghetti squash strands and make it even more delicious.
- Before placing the squash in the oven, it's a good idea to poke a few holes in the skin of the squash using a fork or a sharp knife. This helps the heat penetrate better, ensuring a more even cooking.
- After prepping, place the squash cut side down on a baking sheet. Covering the squash with aluminum foil can help keep in the moisture and ensure it doesn't dry out while baking.
How to Bake Spaghetti Squash
- Now that your spaghetti squash is prepped and ready, roast it in the preheated oven. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your squash, but generally, this should take about 45 minutes to an hour.
- After the baking time, remove the spaghetti squash from the oven and let it cool to a warm temperature. This makes it easier to handle and safer to work with.
How to Prepare Spaghetti Squash Strands
- Once the squash has cooled enough to handle, use a fork to scrape the flesh of the squash. Start from the outside and work your way in. This will separate the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
- Before serving, season the spaghetti squash strands with additional salt and pepper to taste. You can now incorporate these spaghetti squash strands into your favorite recipes including my spaghetti squash lasagna boats recipe!
- Whether as a side dish or a healthier alternative to pasta, enjoy the versatility and health benefits of spaghetti squash, such as its high beta-carotene and antioxidant content. Enjoy!