Spaghetti squash is a popular low-carb and gluten-free alternative to pasta.
It’s a versatile ingredient you may use for various dishes. That said, there’s a trick to baking spaghetti squash to get the best results.
Today, I’ll teach you how to prepare spaghetti squash. Plus, I’ll give you ideas on how to use it in meals and desserts!
What Is Spaghetti Squash?
Spaghetti squash is a type of squash that produces noodle-like strands once you bake it. It looks like a yellow melon and is available in grocery stores all year round.
What makes spaghetti squash great are its health benefits. It has tons of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
You can get creative with spaghetti squash and use it for savory and sweet dishes!
How to Bake Spaghetti Squash
Baking spaghetti squash isn’t as straightforward as baking other pumpkins and gourds. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to best cook spaghetti squash.
1 – Washing the Spaghetti Squash
First off, you have to wash the spaghetti squash to get rid of all the dirt.
Scrub the spaghetti squash and rinse it with cold running water. Wipe it dry with paper towels.
2 – Cutting the Spaghetti Squash
Cutting the spaghetti squash is difficult because of its extremely tough skin.
To make cutting it easier, carefully poke holes into the spaghetti squash with an ice pick, then microwave it for five minutes on high. Microwaving the squash partially cooks it and makes it softer for cutting.
Once done, cut the spaghetti squash with a sharp knife crosswise. This allows you to produce longer spaghetti noodles and reduces your baking time.
After cutting, you should end up with five to seven donut-shaped rounds.
3 – Preparing the Spaghetti Squash
Pull the seeds out from the center of the spaghetti squash and set them aside. You may roast these seeds later for a healthy snack!
Next, rub olive oil into the spaghetti squash, and sprinkle salt and pepper over it if you’re making a savory dish.
4 – Baking the Spaghetti Squash
Preheat your oven for ten minutes at 400°F, then line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the spaghetti squash rounds onto the baking sheets, then roast them for 35 to 45 minutes. You can tell the spaghetti squash is cooked through if you can poke it with a fork without resistance.
Remember, it’s better to undercook the spaghetti squash and pop it back into the oven than overcooking it.
5 – Shredding the Spaghetti Squash
After roasting, use a pair of tongs to hold the hot spaghetti squash in place. Gently scrape the noodles off of the skin using a fork.
Your spaghetti squash noodles are now ready for toppings!
Spaghetti Squash Ideas
Spaghetti squash is a versatile ingredient you can play around with. Here are some ideas on how to add flavor to your baked spaghetti noodles!
- Spaghetti Squash Pasta: Top your spaghetti squash with marinara sauce, cheese, or any pasta sauce you like.
- Spaghetti Squash Kheer: Kheer is an Indian rice porridge perfect for hot summer days. You can replace the basmati rice in the recipe for spaghetti squash for a healthier dish.
- Spaghetti Squash Mont Blanc: For those with a sweet tooth, try substituting the chestnut cream in Mont Blanc with sweetened spaghetti squash noodles!
- Cinnamon Spaghetti Squash: Flavor your spaghetti squash directly with spices. To make cinnamon spaghetti squash, sprinkle ground cinnamon, ginger, and sugar over the roasted noodles.
Final Thoughts
Baking spaghetti squash takes a bit of work and patience. You must be careful when cutting the tough squash skin and wait a long time for it to cook through.
Still, spaghetti squash is a delicious ingredient you can incorporate into any healthy dish!
If you liked this article, consider visiting our website for more squash recipes.
Sarah is the founder of Baking Kneads, LLC, a blog sharing guides, tips, and recipes for those learning how to bake. Growing up as the daughter of a baker, she spent much of her childhood learning the basics in a local bakery.