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    Home » Side Dishes » Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash

    Published: Mar 17, 2021 · Modified: Aug 17, 2021 by Carolyn

    Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash

    This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    156.0K shares
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    This keto spaghetti squash is twice baked for a delicious melty, cheesy side dish. It’s easy to make and takes only 6 ingredients. And it’s baked right in the shells for less mess and less clean up!

    Titled image of twice baked spaghetti squash in the skin, in an oval dish. A fork is digging into it.

    I cook a lot of spaghetti squash over the fall and winter. It’s such a readily available squash and it’s so darn useful. Even if you’re not on a low carb or keto diet, spaghetti squash is such a great alternative to heavy pasta and it holds up well to sauces and toppings.

    My favorite treatment of spaghetti squash is really quite simpl: some butter, some garlic, some parmesan and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. It’s easy, it’s delicious and the leftovers make a great breakfast! Putting it back into the shells and baking it with some gooey, melty cheese on top makes for a mouthwatering presentation as well.

    And this baked spaghetti squash recipe is one of the easiest keto side dishes you will ever make. It ranks up there with my cauliflower mushroom risotto, and my creamy mashed cauliflower.

    It’s been a fan favorite for a long time, with good reason!

    A close up shot of a fork lifting cheesy baked spaghetti squash out of the shell.

    Is spaghetti squash keto?

    Spaghetti squash is extremely healthy and full of nutrients. It contains a whole host of important vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, several B vitamins, magnesium, and potassium.

    And compared to many winter squash varieties, it’s quite low in carbs, coming in at only 7g of carbs per cup (101 grams).

    When it’s cooked with some healthy fats and seasonings, it makes an excellent keto side dish. You can also add some protein like chicken, sausage, or ground beef and turn it into a hearty keto dinner recipe.

    Two halves of a cooked spaghetti squash, filled with cheese, butter, and garlic, in an oval baking dish.

    Oven baked spaghetti squash

    There are any number of ways to cook spaghetti squash, all of them equally good. You can cook it in a slow cooker or instant pot, or you can simply bake it in the oven.

    It does need to be cut in half prior to being baked. You want a large, very sharp knife for this, and a good amount of pressure to slice through the thick skin. You can scoop the seeds out before baking or after, it really doesn’t matter. Bake until it’s soft enough to scoop out the stringy flesh easily.

    But be careful not to overcook it, as the strings tend to break up more and lose their resemblance to spaghetti noodles. When the outer shell is soft enough to squeeze and indent it, remove the spaghetti squash from the oven or the slow cooker.

    A collage of photos showing how to make twice baked keto spaghetti squash.

    How to make Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash

    This recipe is simple and straightforward, but results in the best keto spaghetti squash.

    You will need:

    • a large baking sheet
    • parchment paper
    • 1 medium spaghetti squash, about 3 to 4 lbs (or two small ones)
    • butter
    • garlic
    • dried basil or oregano
    • salt and pepper
    • sliced cheese that melts nicely (provolone or mozzarella)

    Cut the squash lengthwise

    Most recipes require you to cut across the squash, but lengthwise allows you to use the shells for the second baking. Use a very large sharp chef’s knife and get above the squash so you can use your weight to press down. I often place the whole cutting board right on the floor.

    Cut side down

    Place the squash cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet, so that the flesh isn’t exposed to the heat of the oven. This way, it won’t dry out as much during baking.

    Bake until squeezable

    The bake time depends on the size of the squash so check it frequently. You know it’s done when you can squeeze it and feel it give way to the pressure. Don’t bake it any longer.

    Scoop it out

    Scoop the flesh of the squash in to a bowl and stir in butter, Parmesan, garlic, and seasonings. Toss well to combine, then stuff the empty skins with this mixture.

    Add the cheese

    You want a good melty sliced cheese, like provolone or mozzarella, for extra scrumptiousness.

    Bake again

    The second baking takes only about 8 to 10 minutes, to melt the cheese.

    Top down image of keto spaghetti squash baked in the shell, topped with melted cheese.

    Can you make baked keto spaghetti squash ahead?

    You can easily make this recipe in advance by a day or two, and simply rewarm it in the oven to melt the cheese again.

    And the leftovers are absolutely delicious for a healthy breakfast with some eggs on top!

    More delicious keto spaghetti squash recipes

    • Cheeseburger Spaghetti Squash Casserole
    • Cheesy Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash
    • Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs
    • Brown Butter Spaghetti Squash
    • Spaghetti Squash Egg Nests
    • Low Carb Chicken Spaghetti
    Titled image of twice baked spaghetti squash in the skin, in an oval dish. A fork is digging into it.

    Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash

    This keto spaghetti squash is twice baked for a delicious melty, cheesy side dish. It's easy to make and takes only 6 ingredients. And it's baked right in the shells for less mess and less clean up!
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: keto spaghetti squash, oven baked spaghetti squash
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 186kcal

    Ingredients

    • 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 3 to 3.5 lb)
    • 2 tablespoon butter
    • 1 ounce Parmesan, grated
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon dried crumbled basil
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 3 ounces sliced Provolone or mozzarella
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Using a very sharp large knife, cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out and discard seeds. Place cut side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake 60 to 75 minutes, until tender. You should be able to squeeze the outside of the squash and feel it give.
    • Remove and use a large spoon to scoop the flesh into a medium bowl, reserving the skins. Add the butter and let melt in the hot squash, then add the Parmesan, garlic, basil, salt and pepper. Toss until well combined
    • Divide the mixture between the reserved skins and top with sliced Provolone or mozzarella. Return to the oven and bake another 8 to 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
    Nutrition Facts
    Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash
    Amount Per Serving (1 serving = ¾ cup)
    Calories 186 Calories from Fat 114
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 12.7g20%
    Carbohydrates 8.3g3%
    Fiber 1.7g7%
    Protein 8.9g18%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    156.0K shares

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    Nutritional Disclaimer

    Please note that I am not a medical or nutritional professional. I am simply recounting and sharing my own experiences on this blog. Nothing I express here should be taken as medical advice and you should consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. I provide nutritional information for my recipes simply as a courtesy to my readers. It is calculated using MacGourmet software and I remove erythritol from the final carb count and net carb count, as it does not affect my own blood glucose levels. I do my best to be as accurate as possible but you should independently calculate nutritional information on your own before relying on them. I expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Shannon says

      October 02, 2022 at 3:45 pm

      I’ve been trying spaghetti squash recipes (this the season) and this one is going in my rotation. It is so good! Prepare for your house to smell amazing during the second baking round.

      Reply
      • Carolyn says

        October 02, 2022 at 7:53 pm

        So glad to hear it!

        Reply
    2. Laurie says

      October 01, 2022 at 6:32 pm

      5 stars
      It was very tasty, I even added bacon bits for an added twice baked taste. since I didn’t have sliced mozzarella I used shredded and it still tasted great.

      Reply
    3. Lynn says

      February 24, 2022 at 5:48 pm

      I love spaghetti squash. It can be cooked in the instant pot in about 5 minutes. Wonderful with pesto sauce and cheese.

      Reply
    4. Susan says

      January 01, 2022 at 1:45 pm

      5 stars
      I made this for myself as a healthy option to everyone else’s pasta and it was so beautiful and delicious that people actually wanted me to share….. which of course I did!

      Reply
      • Carolyn says

        January 01, 2022 at 5:36 pm

        Great to hear!

        Reply
    5. Joyce says

      December 31, 2021 at 2:14 am

      5 stars
      This is going to be my go to recipe for spaghetti squash. I always have difficulty cutting the squash, old arthritic hands, so microwave the whole squash till it softens enough to cut, around 7 minutes on high power. Then proceed to cut, scoop & bake exactly as you describe. Love the cheeses and basil is the crowning touch. Delicious! I paired it with your pork tenderloin ( the one with the brown sugar with a chipotle kick) sauce. Thank you and wish you a Happy New Year. Looking to make more of your creations in 2022!

      Reply
      • Mrsess says

        May 28, 2022 at 4:47 pm

        I was gonna suggest microwaving before cutting
        but ya beat me to it! I would use a fork and lightly prick a few holes in it before microwaving to prevent the possibility of an “explosion.” I use a meat cleaver and cut the ends off of the squash, then stand it up on one cut end to slice it in half very carefully.

        Reply
    6. Christa says

      September 26, 2021 at 4:03 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious!

      Reply
    7. Anne Minnery says

      August 23, 2021 at 1:31 pm

      5 stars
      Made this today as a side for lunch. It was delicious. Instead of adding cheese I add some cauliflower rice sweet potato. Yummo!

      Reply
    8. Christa Gray says

      August 20, 2021 at 4:56 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious!

      Reply
    9. Jennifer says

      May 15, 2021 at 11:50 pm

      5 stars
      My husband and I tried this recipe the other night and we loved it! So glad to have found another great spaghetti squash recipe! So good!

      Reply
    10. Natalie says

      May 13, 2021 at 11:46 am

      5 stars
      This has become a favorite of mine! Healthier, cheesy, & so tasty!! I try to always grab a squash or two from the store for this very recipe!

      Reply
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