But the humble spaghetti squash produces them naturally, no special equipment needed.

We like cutting it in half for oven roasting.

Here’s how to do that.

Southern Living How to Cook Spaghetti Squash cooked squash in a bowl to serve

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We prefer the lengthwise cut, but there is another camp that believes in horizontal cuts.

This circular method produceslonger strands of spaghetti squashthat resemble traditional pasta more closely.

Its ready to enjoy with a bit of salt and pepper or for use in a recipe.

Southern Living how to cook spaghetti squash on a cutting board, cut with a knife beside

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Like microwaving, this method yields a wetter product and may need a quick squeeze in a tea towel.

The high temperature and dry heat allow the skin to caramelize, which deepens the flavor of the squash.

It’s delicious that way, too, especially with a pat of butter.

Southern Living How to cook spaghetti squash baking sheet lined with foil

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Or sub it in for rice in yourstuffed peppersfor a little extra veg and fun texture.

A smaller 2-pound spaghetti squash needs less time, just around 30 to 35 minutes at 400F.

If you like the squash to be a bit more tender, make an extra 5 to 10 minutes.

Southern Living How to Cook Spaghetti Squash ingredients

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Try using a half and half mix.

Here’s how to store it:

Ingredients

1spaghetti squash(about 3-4 lb.)

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Southern Living how to cook spaghetti squash cutting the ends off of the squash

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Cut the squash:

Cut off both ends of the squash.

Set squash securely on the cut end and slice in half.

Prepare the squash:

Scoop the seeds out of the squash center.

Southern Living how to cook spaghetti squash cutting in half lengthwise

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Rub the squash interior generously with olive oil.

Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Flip the squash cut-side down onto the baking sheet.

Southern Living how to cook spaghetti squash scooping out the seeds from the squash

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Pierce the skin a few times with fork tines to release steam while cooking.

Tip: Dont discard seeds; they make a tasty snack after roasting.

This allows the steam to escape and the flesh to cool.

Southern Living how to cook spaghetti squash drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper

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Once cooled slightly, approximately 10 minutes, use a fork to dig out the noodles.

The squash easily separates from the skin and is ready for any recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Roast squash at 400F.

Southern Living how to cook spaghetti squash poking the squash with a fork before baking

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This high heat temperature quickly cooks the squash without burning it.

After it’s cooked and tender, you could scrape out the flesh and throw away the skin.

Spaghetti squash is finished cooking when it’s tender.

Southern Living how to cook spaghetti squash after baking

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The best way to test this is to stick a fork in the flesh.

If it glides in smoothly, the squash is done.

If it hits some resistance, the squash needs to cook a bit more.

Southern Living how to cook spaghetti squash shredding the squash with a fork

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living how to cook spaghetti squash in a bowl to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox