How to Cook Spaghetti Squash 4 Ways (VIDEO)

How long do you cook spaghetti squash? Find out with the three BEST ways to cook spaghetti squash. Roast, boil, microwave, or toss in the crock pot!

This season is all about the autumn squash. You might also want to learn about How to Cook Pumpkin or Brussels Sprouts this season too. I love seeing the piles of pumpkins, acorn squash, delicata squash, and more. One type of fall and winter squash I always pick up is spaghetti squash. Spaghetti squash is just so much fun! It’s completely solid when raw, but once cooked the flesh breaks up into spaghetti like strands that can be used in a variety of dishes. There are a few questions that arise when many of us think of spaghetti squash. How do you cook spaghetti squash? How long do you cook spaghetti squash? How the heck do you even open a spaghetti squash?

I have a round-up of spaghetti squash recipes coming your way soon, so I thought I’d put together a comprehensive post all about how to cook spaghetti squash. There are several different methods for cooking spaghetti squash, from the slow cooker crock pot, to the stove, to roasting in the oven. I’ll show you all three ways, and you can choose the method you like best.

How to Open Spaghetti Squash

For many people, myself included, getting into the squash is the hardest part. I wouldn’t be surprised if spaghetti squash was on a Top 10 Most Dangerous Foods list somewhere. Spaghetti squash is round, wobbly, and incredibly hard, making the risk of cutting yourself pretty great. Think of cutting open raw spaghetti squash a little like carving a pumpkin. Go slowly and saw around it either lengthwise or crosswise. I find a serrated knife works best, but use what feels safest for you. For spaghetti squash boats, you’ll need to cut lengthwise. Cutting the squash crosswise is preferable if you’re cooking spaghetti squash rings or simply transferring the cooked squash to a bowl, since you will end up with longer squash noodle strands. The strands run crosswise, so cutting the squash lengthwise does cut into the strands, making them shorter. Once you’ve cut into the squash, simply scoop out the seeds and you’re ready to cook.

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Oven

Roasting spaghetti squash is my go-to method, because I just love serving the squash in it’s own skin boat. It’s the perfect container for chili, lentil Bolognese, lasagna fillings, and so much more. Just pop your prepped spaghetti squash on a baking dish, brush with a little olive oil and bake at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes. You can bake it cut side up or down. I’ve decided I prefer cut side up so that the squash doesn’t get mushy.

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave

No time to cook? I hear you! Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and season with a little salt and pepper. Place cut side up in a microwaveable dish. Add about half an inch of water to the dish and cover. Cook for 10 minutes or until cooked. The credit for the microwave spaghetti squash come from Trader Joe’s.

How to Boil Spaghetti Squash

Did you know you can boil whole spaghetti squash on the stove? This is an awesome method if you’re just too scared to cut hard spaghetti squash in half. I prefer most vegetables roasted rather than boiled, but since spaghetti squash doesn’t really get caramelized the way other veggies do, I am all for boiling it! I got perfect results with this method. The only trick is to choose a deep pot and don’t overfill it. The squash will float, and that’s okay. Give it a turn every 10 minutes so that it cooks evenly. Simmer the squash over low heat with the lid slightly off the pot until fork tender, about 30 minutes. Carefully drain in a colander and cut in half crosswise before discarding the seeds and transferring the flesh to a serving bowl.

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in a Slow Cooker Crock Pot

It doesn’t get much easier than this, guys. Toss your favorite sauce in the slow cooker and top with spaghetti squash that have been halved crosswise and seeds removed. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 and scoop the spaghetti squash out. You can also cook the WHOLE squash without the sauce by adding an inch of water to the bottom. Just be sure to prick the squash all over, and all the way through, with a knife so your squash doesn’t explode! As the water from the spaghetti squash does cook into the crock pot, I recommend using a nice thick sauce that can handle a little more liquid.

There you have it! Four easy ways to cook spaghetti squash. Once it’s cooked you can keep it simple by adding a touch of olive oil, salt and pepper, and your favorite veggies, legumes, or nuts, or add your favorite rich and hearty sauce. As the temperature is still warm here, my favorite spaghetti squash dish was the one pictured above. This was with the boiled method (notice the long strands) and topped with mini heirloom tomatoes, olive oil, and fresh basil. Some chickpeas or olives would have been a nice addition.

What is your favorite way to cook spaghetti squash? Have you tried all four of these methods?

Update 2019: How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Instant Pot!