In these instructions, we are going to break it up into 6 different ways to prepare and cook your spaghetti squash. The first way is easiest for you to get your feet wet.

Whole in the Oven

1. The first thing that you need to do is get a large baking dish or cookie sheet. 

2. While the oven is preheating wash your squash and then place it in your baking dish.

3. Poke holes in it with a knife or fork to allow the steam to escape.

4. Bake the squash at 375-400 degrees for about an hour or until the squash is soft.

5. When it is cool enough to touch then you can cut it in half either lengthwise or crosswise depending on how you want your strands to come out, either short or long, and use a fork to pull the strands out and serve with your favorite topping.           

In Halves in the Oven 

The first thing that you do is wash the squash and then cut it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds.

1. Put it in the baking pan or baking sheet and season it with salt and pepper.

2. Place your 2 halves upside down on the pan, flesh side down and skin side up.

3. Bake it on 400 degrees for about an hour or so. 

4. When it cools enough to handle it, use a fork to pull out the strands.

5. Serve with your favorite topping.

Rings in the Oven

The third way to cook your squash is to cut it in rings.

1. The first thing to do is to wash the outside and cut off the ends and then cut the squash into rings about an inch or so thick. Cut out the seeds.

2. Lay them on a cookie sheet which is lined with a piece of parchment paper and season them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Bake at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until tender. Let cool a few minutes and then scoop it out with a fork.

In the Microwave

The fourth way is to utilize your microwave.

1. Just like all the other methods, the first thing to do is to srub the outside of your squash and then poke holes in the skin to allow the steam to escape.

2. Just microwave it for 3-5 minutes which is just enough to soften the squash. If you do it any longer it may explode in the microwave.

3. Cut it in half and scoop out the seeds.

4. Pull out the strands with a fork.

Instant Pot

Cooking your squash in an Instant Pot will give you quick results.

1. Wash your squash and then poke holes in it with a fork or knife. 

2. Place the steamer basket in the bottom of the pot and add 1 cup of water.

3. Add the squash to the basket. Secure the lid and turn the valve to seal it. Set the timer for 20 minutes on high. When the timer goes off release the pressure.

4. Carefully remove the squash and let it cool enough to handle it.

5. Cut it in half and pull out the strands with a fork.

Slow Cooker

The 6th way to cook your squash is in a slow cooker.

1. Scrub clean your squash and pierce holes in it with a knife or fork.

2. Place your squash in the slow cooker and cover it.

3. Cook it on high for 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.

4. Remove the squash and cool it enough to cut it in half and scoop out the seeds.

5. Pull out the strands with a fork and once again serve with your favorite topping.