Baking a whole spaghetti squash is the best way to unlock its delicious potential, yielding long, spaghetti-like strands that make a perfect pasta substitute! I'll cover everything you need to know about how to bake a whole spaghetti squash easily so that you can enjoy its health benefits and versatile flavors in a wide variety of dishes.
Spaghetti squash is a culinary rock star- low in calories, packed with nutrients, and incredibly versatile. Whether you're craving a comforting lasagna casserole or seeking a low-carb alternative to pasta, this winter squash has got you covered.
With its firm texture and mild flavor, spaghetti squash can be used in a variety of dishes. It's a nice low carb alternative to pasta, and is delicious paired with tomato sauce and my Greek chicken meatballs or my healthy turkey bolognese sauce.
In this article, I'll go over how to bake a whole spaghetti squash in the oven, which is my favorite way to cook it. If you're curious about how to bake a whole squash in the air fryer, be sure to check out my air fryer spaghetti squash post.
Looking for more winter squash recipes? Check out my microwave acorn squash, air fryer acorn squash, or butternut squash recipes.
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Doctor's Tip
Spaghetti squash is packed with nutrients like beta carotene, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. It's a delicious low-calorie substitute for pasta for anyone watching their carb intake or trying to eat more vegetables.
How To Know When Spaghetti Squash is Ripe
To choose a ripe squash, look for one with firm skin and a dull, matte appearance. If the skin is shiny, it's a sign that it's unripe.
Spaghetti squash will go from a soft creamy white to a brilliant yellow as it matures. A fully ripe spaghetti squash will have a deep golden yellow color.
The squash should feel heavy for its size and have no soft spots. If it feels too soft or mushy, it may be overripe. If the stem is still attached, it should be dry and firmly attached.
You can test the rind for ripeness by doing the fingernail test. Gently press your fingernail into it. If you leave a mark or puncture the skin, the spaghetti squash needs more time before harvesting. Ripe squash has a hard, tough skin and is not easy to mark with a fingernail.
How To Easily Cut Open a Spaghetti Squash
If you've even tried to cut a spaghetti squash in half, you know it can be a little tricky to do. As an ER doctor, I see a lot of kitchen mishaps so I'm always worried about people cutting themselves!
The trick to easily cutting any winter squash is to microwave it first. This softens it up, making it easier to cut.
- Step 1- Place the raw squash on a cutting board. With a sharp paring knife, make several slits in the skin along the line where you will eventually cut it in half lengthwise. Place the squash on a plate and cook it in the microwave on high for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Step 2- Once the squash is cool enough to handle, place it on the cutting board. Using a sharp chef's knife, cut it in half lengthwise along the slits you made.
Ingredients
Ingredient notes and substitutions. See recipe card at the end of the post for full recipe instructions.
- Spaghetti squash- use a firm, ripe spaghetti squash. This method can also be used for other winter squash like butternut squash or acorn squash.
- Olive oil- you can substitute any type of oil
- Seasonings- I use salt and pepper to season the squash. You can use other dried spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
How To Bake a Whole Spaghetti Squash Step-By-Step
See recipe card at the end of the post for full recipe instructions.
- Step 1- Wash the outside of the spaghetti squash and pat it dry with paper towels. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. To make it easier to cut the squash, you can microwave it first to soften it.
- Step 2- Brush the cut sides of the squash with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper (or other desired seasonings).
- Step 3- Place squash halves cut-side down down on a prepared baking sheet lines with parchment paper. Roast at 400°F for 40-45 minutes, until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Step 4- Let the squash cool before handling. Then, scrape the flesh with the tines of a fork so that it forms pasta-like strands.
Chef's Tips
- For easier cutting, microwave the squash for 3-4 minutes before slicing it in half.
- Use pot holders or oven mitts to handle the hot squash.
- Sprinkle seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika on the cut sides of the squash for added flavor.
- For a fun presentation, you can serve the spaghetti squash right in the skin, as spaghetti squash boats.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
What To Eat With Spaghetti Squash
- Enjoy your roasted spaghetti squash as a nutritious main dish or side dish alongside chicken or fish. It's a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pasta or rice and works well with creamy dishes to soak up the sauce.
- You can toss spaghetti squash with your favorite pasta sauces, like marinara, meat (bolognese) sauce, pesto, or Alfredo. My favorite quick and easy way to eat it is tossed with my favorite jarred marinara sauce and topped with a dollop of creamy ricotta cheese.
- You can use the spaghetti squash to make a delicious layered lasagna casserole.
- For a simple yet satisfying meal, toss the cooked squash with a little extra virgin olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs.
- For a fun presentation, I like to serve the spaghetti squash right in the skin, as spaghetti squash boats. You can top the boats with your favorite chili or pulled chicken or pork. You can make Mexican spaghetti squash boats and top the squash with taco meat, shredded cheese, beans, and sour cream.
Recipe FAQs
It depends on how far along the squash is in the ripening process. If it is farther along in the ripening process, you have a better chance of ripening it more. Place the squash in a warm, sunny area with the green side up. Turn it every few days to allow it to ripen on all sides. When it is ripe, it will have a golden yellow color.
Spaghetti squash can last for several weeks at room temperature if stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. However, it's best to use it within 1-2 weeks to ensure optimal freshness and flavor.
Once cut, spaghetti squash should be stored in the refrigerator. It will last for about 5 days when stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
Ways To Enjoy Spaghetti Squash
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Recipe
Baked Whole Spaghetti Squash
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Wash the outside of the spaghetti squash and pat it dry with paper towels. Cut the squash in half lengthwise. To make it easier to cut, you can microwave the squash first to soften it. To do this, place the raw squash on a cutting board. With a sharp paring knife, make several slits in the skin along the line where you will eventually cut it in half lengthwise. Place the squash on a plate and cook it in the microwave on high for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened. Once the squash is cool enough to handle, place it on the cutting board. Using a sharp chef's knife, cut it in half lengthwise along the slits you made with a sharp knife
- Scoop out the seeds of the squash with a spoon. Brush the flesh with olive oil and season with salt and pepper or other desired seasonings.
- Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the oven about 40-45 minutes, until tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from oven and cool.
- When the squash is cool enough to handle, scrape the flesh with a fork so that it forms spaghetti-like strands. Serve spaghetti squash with olive oil and parmesan cheese, or toss with your favorite pasta sauce.
Notes
- Use pot holders or oven mitts to handle the hot squash.
- Sprinkle seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika on the cut sides of the squash for added flavor.
- For a fun presentation, you can serve the spaghetti squash right in the skin, as spaghetti squash boats.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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