I love cooking spaghetti squash. There are so many ways you can prepare this delicious winter squash. If you’d like to learn how to cook spaghetti squash, then hang with me through this post and I hopefully will be able to help you out!What I love about spaghetti squash is that it lives up to its name–it’s a great substitute for pasta! When cooked, the inside just shreds into spaghetti-like strings, making it perfect for any of your favorite pasta dishes. On its own, it has a very mild flavor, so feel free to dress it up with your favorite sauces, toppings, or even just a pat of butter and your favorite seasonings. Plus, because of the “spaghetti” look, it is a much easier sell to get my kiddos to try it!
Baking Spaghetti Squash
Baking spaghetti squash can be done using a couple of different methods. The main difference is whether you want to cut it first, or bake it whole and cut it afterwards.
OPTION #1: BAKE THE SPAGHETTI SQUASH WHOLE
Wash the squash well.
Prick it all over with a sharp fork. This will keep the air circulating and your squash from exploding.
Bake at 375 degrees for at least an hour for an average size spaghetti squash.
Be careful removing it from the oven. Allow it to cool well before you cut it open. Watch for steam!
Cut in half lengthwise.
Remove the seeds and pulp.
Shred the skin with a fork and use a spoon to help you clean it out of the shell. The squash should fall away from the shell like cooked spaghetti.
OPTION #2: CUT THE SPAGHETTI SQUASH FIRST, THEN BAKE
Wash the squash well.
Using a sharp knife, cut the squash lengthwise.
Remove the seeds and pulp.
Place open-side down in a shallow baking dish with about a half-inch or so of water.
Cover with foil, and bake at 375 degrees for around 30-45 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
Shred the skin with a fork and use a spoon to help you clean it out of the shell. The squash should fall away from the shell like cooked spaghetti.
There are other methods of cooking spaghetti squash, like boiling, but this is the one I prefer.
You may use either the conventional oven or a microwave to bake spaghetti squash. The primary choice is whether to cut it before baking or to bake it whole and then slice it.