How to Prepare Spaghetti Squash
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This golden veggie is my go-to for cozy, satisfying meals that feel indulgent but are totally healthy. Just bake, scrape, and enjoy those dreamy “spaghetti” strands with all your favorite toppings! Plus, spaghetti squash is packed with fiber, which supports digestion and helps balance blood sugar—an awesome benefit for women over 50
Equipment
- sharp chef's knife
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- fork
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash
- olive oil or coconut oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. If the squash is too hard to cut in half and place it in the oven for 10 minutes to soften slightly. Remove from the oven, let cool, then slice in half and scrape out the seeds.
- Increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Brush the inside of the squash halves with olive oil or coconut oil, season with salt and pepper, and place cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the squash is tender. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Use a fork to scrape the inside of the squash to create those delicious “spaghetti” strands.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings, serve, and enjoy!
More About This Recipe
Cooking Tips for the Best Spaghetti Squash
To make sure you get perfect, tender spaghetti squash every time, here are a few of my go-to tips:- Pre-Bake to Soften the Skin
If you’ve ever struggled to cut into a raw spaghetti squash, try baking it for about 10 minutes first. This softens the skin just enough to make slicing safe and easy. Trust me, it’s a game-changer! - Brush with Oil for Golden Color
A little olive oil or coconut oil brushed on the cut side before roasting gives the squash a lovely, golden color and adds just a hint of richness to the flavor. It’s simple but makes a big difference. - Scrape with a Fork for Perfect “Spaghetti” Strands
Once the squash is roasted, let it cool slightly, then use a fork to gently scrape the flesh. It will naturally separate into those fun spaghetti-like strands. Don’t rush this part, as going slowly will help keep the strands long and perfect for twirling!
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes this recipe a breeze! Here’s what I love to use:- Sharp Chef’s Knife
A good chef’s knife is essential for slicing through the squash, especially if it’s a bit firm. A sharp, sturdy blade will make this so much easier and safer. - Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper
A rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper is ideal for roasting spaghetti squash, as it prevents sticking and makes cleanup quick. - Fork for Scraping the Strands
A simple dinner fork works perfectly to scrape out the spaghetti strands. If you want extra long strands, go gently with the fork, moving it in a lengthwise motion along the squash.
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