The easiest way to cook spaghetti squash is to bake it whole. You'll get tasty squash "spaghetti" every time!
😍 Carbs in squash spaghetti - 5g net carbs per cup
🎥 Watch this video on how to bake spaghetti squash
Spaghetti squash makes an excellent keto-friendly substitute for pasta
😋 Why you'll love this recipe
Spaghetti squash is a low-carb, vegan, and gluten-free alternative to spaghetti. But, it can be a pain to prep. This foolproof hack saves you time by letting you skip the fuss of cutting into hard, raw squash and scraping out seeds. This step is much easier after the squash is cooked.
This method also makes it easy to cook a large squash that won't fit into a normal pot, Instant pot or air fryer. You can even bake several squashes in the oven at the same time.
🛒Ingredients
All you need is spaghetti squash.
👩🏻🍳 Instructions
Follow these simple instructions to learn how to bake spaghetti squash in an oven.
Step 1: Place whole squash on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour at 400°F.
Step 2: Squash is done when it is easily pierced with a fork. Let cool to the touch.
⏲ How long does it take to bake spaghetti squash?
It depends on the size of the squash as sizes may vary. Normally, squash takes about 30-45 minutes to bake, but because we are starting in a cold oven add 15 minutes to the total cook time. After an hour, check to see if the squash is done. If the squash doesn't easily pierce with a fork, bake 15 minutes more.
🍝 How to cut a spaghetti squash
Cutting spaghetti squash is easier after it's cooked.
To get long "spaghetti" noodles:
Step 1: Cut in half crosswise. Trim off ends.
Step 2: Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and membrane.
Step 3: Peel off and discard skin.
Step 4: Use forks to separate squash noodle strands.
🛶 To get stuffed spaghetti squash "boats"
Step 1: Cut into squash lengthwise. Scoop out seeds. Shred strands with a fork.
Step 2: Spaghetti squash boats are perfect for stuffing. Stuff with your favorite fillings.
🍃Seasoning ideas
- 🧂 Salt and pepper
- 🧈 Butter
- 🍅 Tomato sauce
- 🧀 Parmesan cheese
- 🌶 Red pepper flakes
- 🧄 Garlic
- 🍃 Fresh herbs like basil and oregano
All of the above. 👆🏼
🛎 How to serve
You can serve hot spaghetti squash "noodles" with any of your favorite pasta sauces and toppings, just like pasta. Try spaghetti squash cacio e pepe with salt, pepper, butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. There's also delicious spaghetti squash caprese topped with fresh basil, mozzarella cheese and tomatoes.
If you want to make stuffed spaghetti squash, cut it lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and fill it with your favorite toppings like keto meatballs.
🔪 Equipment you'll need
You just need a baking sheet, a knife, cutting board, a spoon to scoop out the seeds and a couple of forks to shred the strands.
🐿 How to store
Prior to cooking, store spaghetti squash in a cool, dark place like a cellar, pantry or veggie bin in the fridge. Uncut spaghetti squash should last between two and three months.
Once you’ve cooked your squash, be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to a week.
❄️ How to freeze
Cooked spaghetti squash can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for 10-12 months.
📅 How to make ahead
This is a great vegetable to make ahead of time for weekly meal prep.
After baking, let it cool, then store in the fridge whole for up to a week. Leave the skin on so that it holds its shape. When ready to serve, plate it up and reheat it in the microwave.
💭 Top tips
Leave the skin on until plating so that the spaghetti squash noodles hold their shape.
🧐 Frequently asked questions
Yes. Spaghetti squash is mostly carbs, fiber and water. According to the USDA, it has 0% fat, 1% protein and only 30 calories.
A cup of spaghetti squash has 7 grams total carbs or 5 grams net carbs.
Yes. At 5 grams of net carbs per cup, spaghetti squash is a low-carb, keto-friendly carb choice compared to spaghetti, which has 45 grams of carbs per cup.
Easy baked spaghetti squash recipe card
- Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 spaghetti squash 1x
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
The easiest way to cook spaghetti squash is to bake it whole. Just pop the whole thing into the oven and set a timer for 1 hour. You'll get tasty squash "spaghetti" every time!
Ingredients
1 spaghetti squash
Instructions
- Place squash on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour at 400°F.
- Squash is done when it is easily pierced with a fork.
- Let cool to the touch. Trim off ends with a knife. Then cut down the middle crosswise (this will give you long “spaghetti” noodle strands). Use a spoon to scoop out and discard seeds and membrane.
- To serve, peel off skin and gently separate the “spaghetti” strands with a fork.
Notes
- Clean squash by rinsing and wiping it with a clean, dry cloth.
- You can cook multiple squashes at the same time.
- For spaghetti squash boats, cut squash in half lengthwise. These are perfect for stuffing or baking like a casserole.
- Normally squash takes about 30-45 minutes to bake, but because we are starting in a cold oven add 15 minutes to the total cook time. Just set it and forget it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: sides
- Method: bake
- Cuisine: American
Leave a Reply