Wondering how to bake spaghetti squash to perfection? Baking this squash is the easiest way to get tender, caramelized strands with minimal effort. Whether you’re preparing a low-carb dish or simply looking for a tasty pasta alternative, this method will give you delicious results every time.

London’s Top Tips: Baking the squash cut side down and at a slightly hotter oven temp of 425°F is key to getting those gorgeous, caramelized edges. Also, if you struggle cutting the squash in half before roasting, simply pop it in the microwave for 5 minutes. This helps to soften the skin, making it so much easier to slice in half!

A fork shreds a baked spaghetti squash.
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When I first learned how to bake spaghetti squash, I followed some well-intentioned but misguided advice—placing the squash halves in a baking dish with water. The result? A soggy, watery mess that lost all the squash’s delicious texture!

But after a lot of trial and error, I’ve found the easiest and best method for baking this squash: roasting it in the oven with just a bit of oil, salt, and pepper. No water, no fuss—just perfectly tender, slightly sweet squash with caramelized edges every time.

This technique brings out the natural sweetness and nuttiness of the squash thanks to the roasting process.

Why You’ll Love Baking This Squash

  • Simple and hands-off: With just a few ingredients and some time in the oven, you get perfectly roasted squash with minimal effort.
  • Naturally sweet and flavorful: Baking caramelizes the squash, bringing out its natural sweetness and enhancing the flavor.
  • Low-carb and versatile: This squash is a perfect low-carb alternative to pasta, rice, or potatoes. It’s a great base for countless dishes!
  • Perfect texture every time: Baking the squash gives you tender, fluffy strands without any of the sogginess you might get from other cooking methods.
  • Meal prep friendly: Bake it ahead of time and store the strands for quick and easy meals during the week.

Baking Spaghetti Squash: Step-by-Step Guide

Jump to the recipe for the full instructions, ingredient amounts, and a printable recipe.

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (204°C).
  • Prepare the Squash: Cut the squash in half lengthwise. If it’s too hard to cut, microwave it for about 5 minutes to soften the skin. Scoop out the seeds and discard them.
  • Season the Squash: Drizzle the inside of the squash with a bit of oil (avocado or olive oil works well), rub it all over using your hands, and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
  • Roast the Squash: Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 40-60 minutes, depending on the size of the squash, until the edges are caramelized and the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
  • Scrape the Strands: Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool slightly. Use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.

Tips for Roasting Perfection!

  • Cutting tip: If cutting the squash is difficult, microwave it for about 5 minutes to soften the skin, making it easier to slice in half. Also, make sure you’re using a very sharp knife!
  • Roasting for flavor: Always roast the squash cut-side down to get those beautifully caramelized edges that add a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.
  • Test for doneness: You’ll know the squash is ready when you can easily pierce the thickest part with a fork and the flesh pulls away into strands. If the flesh is still tough, roast it a bit longer.
  • Season generously: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! You can add extra herbs like garlic powder or Italian seasoning for more depth of flavor.
  • Customize your oil: Avocado oil, olive oil, or even coconut oil will work for roasting. Choose one based on the flavor you want and make sure it can withstand relatively high heat.

Storage and Meal Prep Directions

  • Storage: Store cooked squash strands in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze baked squash strands for up to 2 months. Let the strands cool completely, then drain any excess moisture to avoid sogginess. Place the strands in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, making sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it in the microwave or oven.
  • Meal Prep: Bake it ahead and use it for quick meals like squash bowls or stuffed squash recipes throughout the week.

FAQs

Can you cook this squash ahead of time?

Yes! You can store the baked strands in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat as needed.

How do you know when spaghetti squash is done baking?

The squash is done when a fork easily pierces through the thickest part and the flesh pulls into spaghetti-like strands. The squash should be tender but not mushy.

How do you cut spaghetti squash easily?

If cutting is difficult, microwave the squash for 5 minutes to soften the skin. This makes it much easier to slice through.

Can you eat the skin of baked squash?

No, the skin is too tough to eat but the flesh can be easily scooped out.

Do you need to add water when baking spaghetti squash?

No, baking without water allows for caramelization and prevents sogginess.

What to Serve with Spaghetti Squash

This squash is so versatile! Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:

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5 from 4 votes

How to Bake Spaghetti Squash

Wondering how to bake spaghetti squash to perfection? Baking this squash is the easiest way to get tender, caramelized strands with minimal effort. Whether you're preparing a low-carb dish or simply looking for a tasty pasta alternative, this method will give you delicious results every time.
A fork shreds a baked spaghetti squash.
Yield 6
Prep 5 minutes
Cook 45 minutes
Total 50 minutes
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Ingredients 

  • 1 spaghetti squash about 3-4 pounds
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  • Cut the spaghetti squash in half, lengthwise. Scrape out and discard the seeds. Drizzle squash with 2 tablespoons of the avocado oil. Use your hands to rub it all over the flesh and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Meanwhile, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
    1 spaghetti squash, 2 tablespoons avocado oil, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Place the spaghetti squash flat side down on the baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until squash is tender and the edges begin to caramelize. Remove the squash from the oven and flip. Let cool for 10-15 minutes, then scrape and fluff the strands from the sides of the squash by dragging a fork from the stem to the root.
  • Serve as a Lasagna Stuffed Spaghetti Squash, Spinach Artichoke Spaghetti Squash, or with your favorite pesto or marinara sauce!
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

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5 from 4 votes

Video

Notes

  • Cutting: If you find it difficult to cut the squash, microwave it for about 5 minutes to soften the skin before slicing it in half. This makes it much easier to handle.
  • Storage: Store baked spaghetti squash strands in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat spaghetti squash in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
  • Freezing: To freeze, cool the baked squash completely, place the strands in a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition

Calories: 94kcal, Carbohydrates: 11g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 187mg, Potassium: 174mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 193IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 37mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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