Bacon, Spaghetti Squash Fritters Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep spaghetti squash from getting soggy? ›

Give the slices a touch of salt, but not too much! Adding too much salt can cause the squash to get too watery as it cooks. And then you'll be left with mushy strands. You're only seasoning to cook the squash here, and you can add more salt once it has cooked to actually season it to your taste.

When it hasn't been cooked long enough, the flesh won't release like noodles, causing them to be crunchy and unpleasant. To check the doneness of spaghetti squash, pierce the squash with a fork. If the flesh flakes off like spaghetti noodles, give it a taste to make sure the texture is soft and isn't overly crunchy.

Cutting open a raw spaghetti squash can be dangerous. Some people I know don't cut it open before hand, they just pop the entire thing in the oven and when it's cooked, that's when they cut it open and remove the seeds and proceed with their meal.

Don't over-bake: for spaghetti squash strands that are crisp-tender, vs creamy, be sure you don't over bake the spaghetti squash. Feel free to test a slice as it roasts to keep tabs on how easily the strands are shredding, and then eat to test out the texture.

Your squash is cooked when the outside can easily be pierced by a fork. The downside to cooking a squash whole is that it is easy to mistake the stringy seeds for the edible (and delicious) squash strands. So, I opt to cut and deseed my spaghetti squash before cooking when time allows.

Don't Overcook!

You know spaghetti squash is done when the flesh of the squash is fork-tender inside, the outsides are turning golden, and when you press on the outside of the squash, it gives a little. If you overcook the squash, it will be mushy. (Cooking a smaller squash? Be sure to check it a little earlier.)

The squash is ready when you can easily pierce a fork through the flesh all the way to the peel. The flesh will also separate easily into spaghetti-like strands. You can also taste it right now — if the noodles are still a bit crunchy for your taste, put the squash back in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes more.

Place the squash halves cut-side-down on the pan, then roast in the oven at 400ºF until tender. about 45 to 60 minutes. You can tell the squash is done when the shell gives easily when pressed with the back of a fork, or you can check to see if the shell is easily pierced by the tines of the fork.

Colon Health

Because of the appearance of spaghetti squash, you might assume that it is rich in fiber. It has over 2 grams per serving, which is more than regular pasta but not as much as many other vegetables. Fiber in the diet contributes to colon health by increasing the regularity of bowel movements.

To soften spaghetti squash for cutting, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pierce the squash several times with a fork, then microwave it for about 4-5 minutes to soften the skin. Alternatively, place the whole squash in the oven for 10-15 minutes. This makes cutting easier.

Can I eat spaghetti squash raw? ›

As a certified executive chef, Tiner says the short answer is simple: Yes, you can. "You can eat raw squash, however, the taste may not be to everyone's liking," Tiner notes. "Squash contains a toxin known as Cucurbitacin E, which can give the squash a bitter taste.

The ideal storage space for whole, raw squash is a dark, cool area such as a cabinet, pantry, or closet. If you can keep the storage area between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit (13 and 16 degrees Celsius), then it may last as long as 3 months without going bad.

Dogs can eat spaghetti squash in moderation. The vitamins in spaghetti squash support your dog's immune system, and the fiber can contribute to a healthy gut. However, the rind can be a choking hazard, and the seeds can lead to digestive system issues.

Refrigeration is ideal for warmer times of the year. Spaghetti squash will keep in the refrigerator for one to two weeks. Spaghetti squash without any blemishes will keep closer to two weeks. Make sure you use your squash before any of the blemishes start to soften.

Before cooking sprinkle salt on the cut sides and let sit for 15 minutes. You will be surprised how much water comes out. Pat dry and then bake! Makes a huge difference!

Salting and draining ensures the zucchini doesn't turn into a soggy mess while frying. This method also works for roasted zucchini, grilled zucchini, or baked zucchini if you're looking to remove as much water as possible.

The ideal storage space for whole, raw squash is a dark, cool area such as a cabinet, pantry, or closet. If you can keep the storage area between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit (13 and 16 degrees Celsius), then it may last as long as 3 months without going bad.