If you like Spaghetti Squash I may be your new best friend! Why? Because I’m about to tell you the EASIEST way to cook Spaghetti Squash. Want more good news…you don’t need the oven.
I kid you not! The easiest way to cook spaghetti squash is in the Crock-Pot!
Before I discovered how easy it was to cook Spaghetti Squash in the Crock Pot I hated to cook it. For one thing, it is always really hard for me to cut the squash in half length-wise and every recipe I’d ever seen told me to do it that way. Second, I don’t like to use the oven unless it’s winter because it heats up my house. Third, every recipe told me to use oil and that is a no-no in my house.
The Spaghetti Squash doesn’t really NEED to be sautéed (it’s already cooked) but in an informal poll I did on Facebook everyone who LOVED Spaghetti Squash sautéed it after roasting.
I’ll admit I like it better that way too. My FAVORITE way to use Spaghetti Squash is in my Vegan BBQ Sandwiches!
I’ve got a few more easy Crock Pot Recipes! Try my Easy Mexican Rice and Bean Casserole or my Cheezy Crock Pot Brown Rice and Broccoli Casserole. They are both family and reader favorites.
Is there anything the good ol’ slow cooker can’t do?? I’m always amazed! 😉
Do you add any water to the crock pot when you cook the spaghetti squash?
Mary I’ve sprinkled some water in with my hand so maybe a teaspoon or two. I don’t add much though. The squash renders some of it’s own liquid while it’s cooking.
Thank you Holly. I will try this.
Would it help if you added any spices BEFORE you cook it in the Crock Pot (I mean, would the flavors get absorbed any better)?
I haven’t tried adding spices before it’s cooked. All of the squash stays compacted inside so I’m not sure if it would absorb. I’ve only cooked it “cut side down” but I image if you cooked it “cut side up” you could fill it with spices or even maranara sauce. That could be a little dangerous though because the squash is VERY HOT when you take it out of the Crock Pot. I’ll often turn it off and let it set for a little while before handling it.
Did you take out the seeds before or after you cooked it in the crock pot?
Yes I do Sheri! I should probably have mentioned that! I don’t think it would be a big deal if you forgot but it would likely be messier.
I cook my spaghetti squash in the microwave. I stab it with a knife a few times. Cook for 10-15 minutes, until the sides are soft. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. Cut in half and scoop out the seeds. It’s much easier to cut after it is cooked. But, we are having spaghetti squash tomorrow and I”m going to try the slow cooker this time. It lets me do the prep ahead of time.
Martha I hope you enjoyed the Crock Pot version!
I have a lot of friends who don’t use the microwave but we use it sometimes. I hate cutting squash. I plan to cook a butternut squash in my crock put (without cutting it) soon. I’m always nervous I’ll hurt myself because it is so hard to cut.
I have used this method twice now and love it. Thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad Martha! It’s so much easier for me too!
What size crockpot do you use?
I think it’s a 5 quart. I used to have a larger one but it cracked and a friend gifted theirs to me. 🙂 it is very old though.
Two things. One make sure you puncture the squash before putting it in the microwave. Also if you put the squash (any kind) in the microwave for a minute or so it is MUCH easier to cut. I use it to make my spaghetti carbonara. It is my favorite.
Hi Mary, I’ve never tried microwaving squash before but I may try next time to see how much easier it will be.
Thanks for the tip!
I bought my first spaghetti squash and just attempted to cut it and it was near impossible! My hands cramped up a bunch during the process and the fact that I didn’t lose a finger (or hand) during the process is pure luck. I even put the whole thing in the microwave for a minute at a time three times. I stabbed it once or twice with a knife before putting it in the microwave but even that was hard to do (couldnt pierce very far in) – I was scared it was going to explode in the microwave. Do you have any tips for how to make it easier (and safer) to cut the spaghetti squash? Should I poke holes in it all over with a fork and microwave for a few minutes before I try to cut it in half and put it in the crock pot?
Hi Amanda,
The most important thing is to have a really sharp knife. I’ve never put spaghetti squash in the microwave so I can attest to how it would work. Above Mary mentions microwaving it for a few minutes (punctured) to make it easier to cut.
I use a big, sturdy cutting board and a large, sharp knife. It takes quite a bit of muscle. Cutting it across the middle (short-way) in stead of cutting it from end to end is easier. Any other type of hard squash I just buy frozen for this reason.
If your Crock Pot is big enough you can just pierce it and put the whole thing in. Mine isn’t big enough though.
Sorry I don’t have an easier way. 🙂
Making it today! Thank you.
I’ve done the microwave version way and it was still crunchy 🙁
I’m going to try the slow cooker maybe it will be softer then
I got your recipe a few months ago and this makes the best BBQ sandwich. So easy and your BBQ sauce recipe is awesome
Thank you! I love hearing that!
Questions, when it comes out of the crock pot, is it still crunchy? And does the size matter?
Hi Michele,
It is not crunchy at all when done. The size doesn’t really matter but it needs to be small enough to fit in your Crock Pot. My cooker is on the smaller size so I have to be careful.