To cook spaghetti squash in the crock pot you’ve to follow several steps. First, select the ideal size and then properly wash them. Next prick them and then cook them for 6-7 hours on low. Next, check if it’s done or not. When it’s done, let it cool down. And finally, remove the seed and you’re done.
This is a quick guide on how to cook spaghetti squash in a crock pot. However, I would suggest you follow the detailed guide. I’ve discussed a detailed guide below. So, keep on reading.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash In Crock Pot?
Making spaghetti squash in a crock pot may be one of the easiest crock pot recipes with barely any ingredients. Still, it tastes mind-blowing with other side dishes. Plus, it’s a very healthy diet food filled with a range of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Now, let’s see how you can make your spaghetti squash in a home with your crock pot!
Recipe Facts
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 7 Hours
- Total Time: 7 hours
- Serving: 4 people
Ingredients
- 1 medium/large spaghetti squash
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch of black pepper
Cooking Direction
Now follow the step-by-step guide and learn to cook spaghetti squash in the crockpot.
Step 1: Select The Size
One large spaghetti squash or two small squash can be fitted in a 6-quart crock pot. However, you can use any size of squash if it fits inside the crock pot well.
Step 2: Wash The Squash At First
As the whole squash will be in the crock pot with the skin, so you must clean the squash with water, kosher salt, and baking soda. It’s squeaky clean!
Step 3: Prick The Squash
Now, take a sharp knife and pierce 4-5 times outside the squash in several places. Then place the squash in the crock pot.
Note: No need to cut the squash into half, you can cook the squash whole in the crock pot. If you were to bake it in the oven, then you may need to cut it into half or boat size.
Step 4: Place The Squash Into The Crock Pot
Now, put the pierced squash into the crock pot and close the lid.
Note: Now, you may ask if you need to use water. The answer is, NO! As the closed lid of the crock pot traps moisture, it provides the water/steam to cook your squash. So, if you’re cooking your squash in an oven or pan, then you must use a little bit of water, but for crock pot cooking, no need to use water at all.
Step 5: Cooking Time
It varies from the size and quantity of your squash. Plus, as models of crock pots are pretty different, particular crock pots need different cooking times.
However, for a large to medium(3-4 pounds) squash, you need to cook it for 6-7 hours on the Low heat and 4 hours exactly on the High heat setting.
Step 6: Check If The Squash Is Cooked
Open the lid of your crock pot after the exact time and handle the squash with a gentle hand now because it’s pretty hot plus softer now. Now, firmly press your finger in the squash and if it dents easily, then it’s properly cooked.
Step 7: Remove The Seeds
Now, put the hot squash aside and give it some time to cool down. Once the squash is cooled down, move it to a chopping board and cut off from the top to bottom or in the middle part. If you have experience in removing pumpkin seeds, then it will be a smooth task for you. Squash seeds are very slimy and hard to remove.
However, cooked in crock pot seeds and noodles strands come out easily and instantly with just a little pressure.
Step 8: Shred The “Noodles”
After scooping out the seeds, now with fork shred the squash into noodles. Trust me, it’s a very satisfying task to do! After you shred all the noodles from the squash, sprinkle some salt and black pepper for extra taste! And your spaghetti squash is ready to eat or use in any other dishes!
If you’re interested then you can check how to cook meatballs in a crockpot without sauce.
How Do You Know When Spaghetti Squash Is Done?
It is pretty simple to understand when your spaghetti squash. After your cooking is finished, if you can pierce a fork or knife into the skin and flesh of the squash easily, then the squash is ready. Then, you can also shred the squash into the noodle strands. However, remember that the inside of the squash will be soft but not mushy.
Therefore, after the squash is done, it’ll give you a slightly firm texture, not too slimy or not too crunchy. If you overcook the squash, it’ll become mushy and ruin the taste of the squash. Otherwise, if it’s too crunchy, then cook the squash for more than 15-20 minutes. Overall, the inside of the squash will be tender and slightly firm to chew, not too slimy or mushy.
What Is The Easiest Way to Cut A Spaghetti Squash?
If you want to oven-bake or roast the spaghetti squash, then you need to cut the squash. Well, as the outside layer can be rough and tough to cut from the outside when it’s raw, so you need to be careful. Let’s see how you can cut a Squash-
- At first, you will need a firm and flat surface, a sharp knife, and stable hands! Dull knives won’t work, only stress your hands and ruin the squash. Plus, as squash can roll on the ground very easily, a firm surface is a must to hold it and cut.
- What I do is, cut the squash from the middle. In this way, there is enough space to hold onto the squash and it’s pretty stable. Be careful, not to place your hand too close to the middle of the squash.
- Now, gently insert the tip of your knife into the middle of the squash and push down the knife towards the surface.
- For easier access, when you are pushing the knife inside the squash, rotate the squash around and pull the knife down gently and push it to the ground.
- By now, your squash will be half opened and cracked apart. Now, scoop out the seeds!
For The Easiest Way-
If the skin or shell of the squash is too hard to cut down or you are simply lazy like me, then you can use this method. In this method, you just have to soften the shell of the squash at first. Let’s have a look-
- Pierce the squash in a few places with a knife or fork.
- Now, place the squash in the microwave or oven for 2-3 minutes to soften the shell or skin of the squash.
Note: I don’t recommend the square h kept in the oven for more than 3 minutes. The steam will build inside the squash and it may burst. So, just 2-3 minutes should be fine to soften the skin.
- Now, just like in the previous steps, cut the squash easily and scoop out the seeds!
Can you eat the skin of spaghetti squash?
You can consume the skin of spaghetti squash and some of the skin tastes quite good! However, if the skin of the squash is too tough, then it’s better not to eat it. The reason is, even after cooking the tough skin of squash will be chewy and not in good taste. So, eating the thin skin of the squash is far better, safe, and tastes better.
How do you cook spaghetti squash so it’s not too mushy?
To avoid your squash being too mushy, you need to avoid overcooking. If you want to bake the squash, then drizzle some olive oil and sprinkle some salt & pepper on the squash and place the cut squash on the baking sheet. Bake the squash for 20-25 minutes and let it cool enough before shredding the strands of noodles!
FAQ’s
Can I cook spaghetti squash in the microwave?
Yes, you can cook spaghetti squash in the microwave. You need to Cut the squash in half and remove the seeds, then place it face down in a microwave-safe dish with a little bit of water. Microwave for 10-12 minutes or until the flesh is tender.
Can I cook spaghetti squash in the oven without cutting it in half?
Yes, you can cook spaghetti squash in the oven without cutting it in half. Pierce the skin of the squash with a fork several times, place it on a baking sheet, and bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour. Once it’s cooked, let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it in half and removing the seeds.
How can I know if spaghetti squash is ripe?
You can know if spaghetti squash is ripe by its color and texture. Ripe spaghetti squash should be yellow or golden in color, and the skin should be firm and free from blemishes. The squash should also feel heavy for its size.
How long does cooked spaghetti squash last in the fridge?
Cooked spaghetti squash can last in the fridge for up to 5 days if stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I freeze cooked spaghetti squash?
Yes, you can freeze cooked spaghetti squash. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag, and can store it in the freezer for up to 7-8 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven or microwave.
Conclusion
So, I’ve come to the very end of another fantastic and easy crock pot recipe. Spaghetti squash is low in carbs and calories, so it’s a very good diet dish.
You can serve your squash strands with chicken meats, fresh lemon, and cheese! Or you can make a taco using roasted veggies, cheese, and squash noodles. Also, you can use the spaghetti squash in noodles or soup recipes! That’s all for today! Have a good day, my lovelies!
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