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3 Ways to Cook Spaghetti Squash

December 4, 2012 by Lindsay 39 Comments

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Hi Friends!

Let’s talk about spaghetti squash shall we?! It’s one of my favorite squash and this year I’ve been eating more of them than ever. I’ve also been experimenting with different ways to cook them. I’ve pretty much gotten the hang of three different ways so I thought I’d share them with you guys!

Do you know how to cook spaghetti squash? You can use the microwave, slow cooker or oven! Click to learn how!

Basically, for me, it boils down to which end result I’m looking for. Do I want it to cook quickly, have the best flavor or do I want it ready for later?

Option #1: For Best Flavor –> Roast it in the oven

This method takes a little bit of time, but I really like the flavor that develops in the oven.

Do you know how to cook spaghetti squash? You can use the microwave, slow cooker or oven! Click to learn how!

Step 1: Cut the ends off the spaghetti squash. This can be difficult to do, so I stick the whole squash in the microwave for 3-4 minutes first. This should make it a little softer so you can cut the ends off.

Step 2: Stand the squash on end and cut in half length-wise.

Step 3: You have a few options here. You can do what most people do and totally scoop out the seeds and pulp and throw it away. Or, if you’re like me and like the seeds, you can scrape the pulp and seeds to loosen them so they’ll be easy to remove, but leave them in the squash until after you’re done roasting.

Step 4: Whether or not you choose to scoop out the seeds or leave them in, the next step is to put the two halves face down on a baking sheet.

Step 5: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake at 375 degrees F for 45 minutes -1 hour depending on the size of your squash. If you want the squash strands totally mushy, cook it closer to an hour or an hour and 15 min. If you like them to still have a bit of crunch, like me, cook it closer to 45 min.

spagsquash4 e1354507597418

Once your squash is roasted, remove the two halves from the pan and let them cool slightly. Scoop out the seeds if  you left them in and set them aside. Then, using a fork, pull the strands of squash away from the sides. Scoop the strands into a container or onto a plate to eat! Separate the seeds from the pulp and eat those too! If you don’t like the idea of leaving them in the squash while it cooks, you can scoop them out at the beginning and roast them like you do with pumpkin seeds!

Do you know how to cook spaghetti squash? You can use the microwave, slow cooker or oven! Click to learn how!

Option #2: If you’re feeling lazy and want it ready for dinner later –> Cook it in the crockpot 

This is about as easy as it gets, friends. Poke holes in the squash with a knife and put the whole squash in a crockpot with two cups of water. Cook on low 4-6 hours depending on size. Mine was about 7-8 inches long, medium sized I’d say. I cooked it 4 hours and it was perfect for me, but I still like it a bit crunchy. If you want the strands softer, cook it another hour or two.

Do you know how to cook spaghetti squash? You can use the microwave, slow cooker or oven! Click to learn how!

Once it’s done, slice the ends off, cut it in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and then pull the strands out with a fork! Add the seeds back in if you wish!

Option #3: If you’re in a hurry –> Cook it in the microwave

You can either cook it whole or cut in the microwave. If you want to cut it, cook whole for three minutes, slice the ends and scoop out the seeds as described above, then put it on a plate or in a glass dish with a little water and microwave 10-12 minutes.

If you want to cook it whole, stab it all over with a knife, put it on a plate and microwave for 10-12 minutes, rotating every few minutes until it gets squishy. Then cut and remove the seeds as described in the crockpot method.

IMG 9905

There you have it, friends! 3 ways to cook this delicious squash. Time to dig in!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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Filed Under: Side Dish

About Lindsay

Lindsay Livingston is a Registered Dietitian and new mom from Columbus, Ohio. On her blog, she shares simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, workouts and snapshots of her life. Follow her on Twitter @LeanGrnBeanBlog and Instagram @TheLeanGreenBean and be sure to subscribe via RSS or email so you never miss a post!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says

    December 4, 2012 at 12:40 AM

    I love spaghetti squash! I’m one of the lazy people who microwaves it… but yeah, it is best in the oven.

    Reply
  2. Miz says

    December 4, 2012 at 5:24 AM

    I SO NEEDED this.
    for some reason I fear the squash….

    Reply
  3. Agenta Emme says

    December 4, 2012 at 5:51 AM

    I just made Spaghetti Squash this weekend! It’s a family favorite. It’s looks like spaghetti and tastes like squash. A great gluten free pasta substitution.

    Reply
  4. Andrea says

    December 4, 2012 at 6:19 AM

    I seriously adore spaghetti squash. It’s the best thing ever. And I always cook it in the microwave because I’m lazy… Congrats on Sandy btw- you are amazing!!!!

    Reply
  5. Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says

    December 4, 2012 at 6:38 AM

    Roasted all the way! So much flavor.

    Way to go on the fundraising!!!

    Reply
  6. Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says

    December 4, 2012 at 6:39 AM

    Mmmm I haven’t had spaghetti squash in weeks (I went through a phase of having it almost daily in October!) Need to pick one up again!

    Reply
  7. Nicole@ livingthesweetlifestl.wordpress.com says

    December 4, 2012 at 7:20 AM

    I have never had spaghetti squash…I am going to have to try it soon!

    Reply
  8. The Candid RD says

    December 4, 2012 at 7:21 AM

    I’m a microwave person, it’s just so quick and easy! We made a spaghetti squash dinner on Friday, with delicious sauce and meatballs, and it was probably the best thing I’d eaten in a LONG time. The microwave allowed us to make the squash so fast, I loved it.

    Reply
  9. Linz @ Itz Linz says

    December 4, 2012 at 7:56 AM

    I never knew you could put it in the crockpot!! I usually poke holes in it and put it in the oven whole! I’m going to try roasting the seeds though!

    Reply
  10. Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says

    December 4, 2012 at 8:04 AM

    I haven’t had spaghetti squash yet this fall – I’ve been too obsessed with the other kinds of winter squash haha. But I love roasting mine in the oven, even if it takes a bit more time!

    Reply
  11. Angela @ Health's Angel says

    December 4, 2012 at 8:17 AM

    Thanks for this, Lindsay! I have yet to experiment with spaghetti squash. I’ve been hooked on butternut and acorn lately. I think I’m due to mix it up a bit!

    Reply
  12. Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says

    December 4, 2012 at 8:43 AM

    YES!! Love!

    Reply
  13. Lisa @ RunWiki says

    December 4, 2012 at 8:54 AM

    We love SS, my husband has Celiac so we use it instead of pasta occasionally. Thank you for the tutorial, I will have to try the Crock Pot method, I’m feeling lazy just about everyday. xoxo

    Reply
  14. maria @ lift love life says

    December 4, 2012 at 9:19 AM

    YUM! I love squash, don’t eat it enough but now I have 3 more reasons to 😉 Sharing!

    Reply
  15. char eats greens says

    December 4, 2012 at 9:54 AM

    I’ve never thought to microwave…I more so am an oven person!!

    Reply
  16. Alexis @ Hummusapien says

    December 4, 2012 at 9:55 AM

    This is a great resource! I never though of cooking it in a crock pot. I made roasted acorn squash seeds yesterday with some garlic and chipotle chili pepper and they were out of this world!

    [WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ‘0 which is not a hashcash value.

    Reply
  17. Kristen @ Swanky Dietitian says

    December 4, 2012 at 10:06 AM

    Great tips!! I never knew you could cook it in the crockpot. Is there anything you CAN”T do in a crockpot. 😉

    Reply
  18. Becki @Fighting for Wellness says

    December 4, 2012 at 10:22 AM

    I adore spaghetti squash, so much so I think I could call it one of my favorite foods! We don’t have a microwave so I’ve only ever roasted it in the oven, but it’s so worth the wait. I like to top it with an avocado “sauce” (one avocado, some spices, and a tiny bit of almond milk in a blender) or a fresh marinara.

    Reply
  19. misszippy says

    December 4, 2012 at 10:40 AM

    I would never have thought of the crockpot for this, but I love that idea! Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply
  20. Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says

    December 4, 2012 at 10:42 AM

    I love spaghetti squash!! I tend to always be in a hurry when I cook it, but I need to try it in my crock pot!

    Reply
  21. Paige @ Your Trainer Paige says

    December 4, 2012 at 11:09 AM

    I never even thought about cooking spaghetti squash in the slow cooker! Def need to try this.

    Reply
  22. Kammie @ Sensual Appeal says

    December 4, 2012 at 12:17 PM

    Absolutely LOVE spaghetti squash – so yummy. I usually make it in the microwave and then again on the stove or oven along with other ingredients. Cuz I’m lazy 🙂

    Reply
  23. Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says

    December 4, 2012 at 12:25 PM

    I never would have thought of putting a squash in the microwave. I would be afraid that it would explode!

    Reply
  24. Ashleysh22 says

    December 4, 2012 at 12:54 PM

    I love spaghetti squash! My roomate in college used to make it. But I haven’t had it in years because I had no idea what to do with it! Adding it to my grocery list now! woohoo!

    Reply
  25. Kierston says

    December 4, 2012 at 2:20 PM

    Roasted…definitely! Love Spag Squash!

    Reply
  26. Ali says

    December 4, 2012 at 2:29 PM

    I love spaghetti squash! Have never tried in crockpot before. Thanks for the idea!

    Reply
  27. Lindsay's List says

    December 4, 2012 at 3:22 PM

    i have only ever used the microwave method. i’m thinking that means i must always be running late.

    Reply
  28. Carrie @ Season It Already! says

    December 4, 2012 at 4:48 PM

    I never thought to put it in the crockpot. Thanks for these tips!

    Reply
  29. Kristen @ notsodomesticated says

    December 4, 2012 at 5:07 PM

    Great tips! I’ve always been intimidated by the spaghetti squash, but I think I need to give it a try. You made it look easy!! 🙂

    Reply
  30. Alyson says

    December 4, 2012 at 8:26 PM

    I always have a spaghetti squash on hand for a quick and easy meal during the fall and winter months! I put it in the oven for an hour and I have spaghetti squash for dinner the next 3 days! My favorite spaghetti squash meals are spaghetti squash pancakes with shredded carrots and red cabbage, spaghetti squash pad thia, and of course spaghetti and meatballs! You can roast the seeds too 🙂 I have never cooked it in a crockpot though…great idea!

    Reply
  31. Elizabeth@ Food Ramblings says

    December 5, 2012 at 9:25 AM

    thanks for the tips!!

    Reply
  32. Helen says

    July 13, 2013 at 6:08 PM

    THANK YOU!! Made it in the crockpot and it was so yummy, my daughter hates veggies but she eats spaghetti squash!!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      July 15, 2013 at 9:02 AM

      so glad to hear it!!

      Reply
  33. Dana says

    September 3, 2013 at 5:58 PM

    Thanks so much for this post.
    We tried spaghetti squash not too long ago and loved it.

    Great to see a few different ways to prepare it 🙂

    Reply
  34. melissa says

    October 8, 2013 at 2:31 PM

    Be careful when you cook it in the microwave. I did that and it ended up exploding. I had just walked away from the microwave and boom. door flew open. I had spaghetti squash everywhere!

    Reply
  35. Cyndi says

    December 7, 2013 at 2:07 PM

    Love the options! Love the squash!

    Reply
  36. Greg says

    October 25, 2014 at 7:03 AM

    Hey! I just stumbled upon your site not knowing what to do with Spaghetti squash I bought. I am on Long Island NY — but lived in C-Bus for about 15 years. The recipe looks good…

    Reply
  37. Emily says

    December 25, 2014 at 4:56 PM

    If you meal prep the spag. squash ahead of time what is the best way to reheat it?

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 28, 2014 at 9:25 AM

      i just microwave it

      Reply

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