How Do You Cook Spaghetti Squash?

At first glance, spaghetti squash may seem hard to handle but with these quick tips, you'll soon be making spaghetti-like strands from this humble winter squash for all of your Fall recipes. But how do you cook spaghetti squash?

Fine Dining Lovers offers two great methods for you to try at home so you can cook spaghetti squash like a pro.

How To Cook Spaghetti Squash

The two popular methods for cooking spaghetti squash are microwaving it or roasting it in the oven. While one cooking method takes a bit longer than the other, the fact is the preparation involved with both is essentially the same:

Wash and dry the spaghetti squash. Poke the exterior with a fork.
Using a sharp knife, and being very careful not to cut yourself, slice off the top stem and bottom of the spaghetti squash. Stand the squash upright and using a sawing motion slice in half lengthwise.
Scoop out the seeds with a spoon.

HOW TO COOK SPAGHETTI SQUASH IN THE MICROWAVE

Depending on the size of your microwave you may have to cook each half separately. Select a microwave-proof casserole and pour about an inch of water to cover the bottom. Place spaghetti squash facedown so it can steam. Microwave 4 to 5 minutes per pound until fork tender. Then scrape the inside with a fork to obtain 'spaghetti' strands.

HOW TO COOK SPAGHETTI SQUASH IN THE OVEN

Prep spaghetti squash as indicated above. Then coat the cavity with extra virgin olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper or any other spices of your liking.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place squash facedown so it can steam. Roast at 400F for about an hour or until fork tender then run a fork through the cavity to release the 'spaghetti.'

PRO TIP

Ever find that spaghetti squash is too hard to cut? Here's a nifty trick we learned from the folks at eHow: cutting spaghetti squash is much easier if you microwave it for a few minutes first. This video tutorial shows you how it's done:

Spaghetti Squash Recipe Ideas

Spaghetti Squash Boats

A fun way to serve this winter squash is to prepare spaghetti squash boats. The squash is cooked beforehand then filled with a variety of toppings. This video shows you three different versions: pizza, Buffalo chicken and Mediterranean spaghetti squash boats.