Roasted Spaghetti Squash How To Bake Spaghetti Squash Well Plated

In our house, we rely on roasted fresh vegetables about as much as our WIFI. For only a few minutes of chopping, they’re such an easy way to add nutrition and complete a well-rounded meal. From Roasted Butternut Squash to Roasted Brussels Sprouts, often little more than salt, pepper, and olive oil is needed to magically transform a vegetable into caramelized candy. If you ask me, baked spaghetti squash in the oven is an underutilized roasted vegetable, especially since it can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. From excellent side dishes to pasta substitutes, squash boats to casseroles (all of which you can find ideas about below!), roasted spaghetti squash’s light, stringy texture works well with so many recipes. Today, I’ll show you the absolute best way to cook spaghetti squash in the oven. It’s simple and fuss-free. You can use this roasted spaghetti squash recipe any time a dish you are making calls for baked spaghetti squash. Whether you are seeking perfect al dente squash noodles, a fast side dish, or need it cooked for one of your favorite baked spaghetti squash recipes, after testing multiple methods, I can confidently report that this is the best way to roast spaghetti squash in the oven. Of all the methods I tested, my favorite—the one that most yielded tender, caramelized, and NOT soggy spaghetti squash—turned out to be the easiest method too. (Now THAT is magic!)

Health Benefits of Spaghetti Squash

Along with a versatile range of ways to enjoy it, baked spaghetti squash comes with many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

A nutrient-dense food, it’s packed with vitamins C and B6, potassium, and manganese.It’s high in fiber, which helps with digestive health.Spaghetti squash also is loaded with antioxidants like beta carotene, which can help with heart disease prevention. (You can learn more about the health benefits here.)

How to Cut Spaghetti Squash

The only hard part about roasting spaghetti squash in the oven is cutting it in half, and fortunately, with these tips, it’s not hard at all!

Being super low in calories, it’s helpful for those whose diet is designed towards maintaining a healthy weight. Roasted spaghetti squash is also a popular low-carb alternative to pasta noodles, and it’s keto-friendly.Even if you’re not specifically following a gluten free diet, with less dense carbohydrates in spaghetti squash, the other flavors in your recipes can shine.

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Oven

Once your squash is cut in half, the hard part is over. All you need from here is salt, pepper, olive oil, and about 40 minutes in the oven.

Recipe Tips

Easy On the Oil and Salt. Make sure you add salt and oil to your spaghetti squash before roasting, but don’t overdo it. Too much salt may draw out more moisture than you want, and excess olive oil can make baked spaghetti squash soggy. Don’t Overcook. As soon as the strands are fork-tender, the squash is done. (See more below.)Don’t Add Water. While some recipes may call for a little water in the pan with the squash, I found that it roasts perfectly without it.Skip the Holes. You don’t need to poke holes in the outsides of your spaghetti squash before roasting.For other important and helpful cooking tips, The Well Plated Cookbook has heaps of great ideas for roasting vegetables and how to use them.

The Best Ways to Eat Spaghetti Squash

Once properly roasted, there’s truly no wrong way to serve baked spaghetti squash. Here are some of my personal favorite ways to enjoy it:

For a 2-pound spaghetti squash (which is average size), I used to think I needed 50 to 60 minutes for the squash to be tender. I wanted my fork to fall through it with no effort.BUT that just resulted in the squash noodles being too soggy and mushy, which did not make for an appealing texture, especially when using the roasted spaghetti squash as a stand-in for noodles.

Now, I’ve drastically cut down my roasting time; that same 2-pound spaghetti squash I now cook for 35 to 40 minutes only.

You want the squash strands to be al dente enough to hold their texture but still tender enough to be tasty.As soon as the flesh of the squash is fork-tender inside, the outsides are turning golden, and when you press on the outside of the squash, it gives a little, your squash is done.If your squash is larger than 2 pounds, you’ll need to add some cooking time. Use the visual cues mentioned here to know when it is done.

Drizzled with some melted butter and a handful of fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or parsley would be fantastic, but you could use any herbs you have in your refrigerator).Sprinkled with brown sugar and cinnamon, which made roasted spaghetti squash my favorite vegetable as a kid.A classic dusting with salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.With shredded Parmesan tossed on top for a stellar side dish, similar to Easy Roasted Butternut Squash Parmesan.Baked into a cheesy Spaghetti Squash Casserole.With marinara sauce, garlic, and served with Baked Turkey Meatballs.Low-Carb Italian as Spaghetti Squash Lasagna and Spaghetti Squash Carbonara.Served underneath Baked Chicken Parmesan.Stuffed and turned into a spaghetti squash boat, like Spaghetti Squash Boats with Chicken and Taco Spaghetti Squash Boats.With other vegetables, like this complete meal of Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Parmesan and Mushrooms.

Storage Tips

To Store. Refrigerate roasted spaghetti squash in an airtight storage container for up to 5 days. To Reheat. Rewarm baked spaghetti squash in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a little olive oil or your sauce of choice. To Freeze. While you can freeze spaghetti squash, it may become very soggy once thawed. If you want to freeze leftovers, freeze them in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. (Though honestly, I’d avoid freezing if you can.)

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Baking Sheet. Perfect for roasting any and all veggies. Chef’s Knife. A high-quality, sturdy knife is necessary when cutting spaghetti squash.Non-Slip Cutting Board. Easy to clean and great for kitchen safety.

Leave a rating below in the comments and let me know how you liked the recipe.