Can You Freeze Spaghetti Squash?

Spaghetti squash is the perfect substitute for regular spaghetti.

If you’ve recently got a health kick or if you are just looking for a new recipe, we highly recommend trying spaghetti squash.

Not only does squash have a much more delectable taste but it is also great for weight loss.

One cup of spaghetti squash is just forty calories whilst regular spaghetti has around five times the amount of calories in the same measurement.

Isn’t that crazy!?

Now, we’re not saying that you must give up pasta because we all need our fix now and again.

We are saying that spaghetti squash is equally as good and some would argue much tastier than normal spaghetti. The only issue is that spaghetti squash lasts two to five days in the refrigerator which is not ideal.

However, we are here to let you know that you can indeed freeze spaghetti squash. It’s actually a good way to cut down on food waste and your body will be thanking you afterward!

By freezing spaghetti squash, you can plan out your weekly meals a lot easier and make healthier choices which is why we love it!

How to freeze Spaghetti Squash

Before you go to freeze your squash, let’s quickly run through how you can make the perfect spaghetti squash at home. It is seriously so simple. Firstly, make sure that your squash is firm and clean. Gently rinse the squash in your sink to ensure any residue is washed away. 

Next, slice your squash down the middle and place onto a casserole dish with the inside facing towards you. Scoop out the seeds before heading to the next step. Once the seeds are removed, it’s time for olive oil!

Drizzle the olive oil over the squash and place into the oven. You will want to bake these for about an hour at 400 degrees. You can check that your squash is ready by piercing the squash with a fork. If it is tender, then it is good to go. 

Remove the squash from the oven and place it to the side until it is fully cooled down. Once the squash is at room temperature, begin to fork the squash. This will produce a stringy or spaghetti type of texture which is exactly what you are looking for. 

Portion the spaghetti squash into your desired measurements and place them into vacuum-sealed storage bags. When portioning out your squash, we recommend placing one portion for each person who is going to eat it.

So, if you are a family of four, place four cups of spaghetti squash into the vacuum-sealed bags or if you live alone, place one cup into the vacuum-sealed bags. This is a great way to have better portion control. 

Just before you place your spaghetti squash into the freezer, remember to date your bags! This step is vital as it ensures that you don’t eat any spoiled food.

Write the date you have frozen your spaghetti squash on the bag and consume the portions within a year of freezing.

How to defrost Spaghetti Squash

When you go to defrost your spaghetti squash, we highly recommend taking it out of the freezer and thawing in the refrigerator for roughly twelve hours.

It’s best to defrost in the refrigerator as the squash will go bad if left on the countertop. Not only will it lose its color but it will also lose its much-loved taste and texture. 

Once your spaghetti squash has thoroughly thawed for twelve hours, you can place it into some of your favorite dishes. We love switching spaghetti pasta or noodles to spaghetti squash as you really get to taste the beautiful flavor. 

If you are making a sauce to go with your noodle or pasta dish, prepare that first by adding whatever veggies or meat to the pan and then add your spaghetti squash in the last five minutes.

Adding your spaghetti squash at the end stops your squash from going soft and almost melting into the pan. Make sure you are cooking on medium heat and the spaghetti squash will blend nicely with your sauces to create a certain sweetness to your dish.

Things to consider when freezing spaghetti squash

When you choose your squash, make sure that it is fresh, firm, and thoroughly cleaned. Choosing a firm squash means that it is ripe and full of flavor which is exactly what you want!

The flavor you are looking for is more of a nutty and slightly sweet taste. Many people compare it to parsnips or sweet potatoes. So if your spaghetti squash does not taste anything like those examples, we would recommend you stop eating it. 

A fresh squash should be a vibrant yellow or orange when cut into. This bright color makes it a much more enjoyable experience to eat other than regular pasta. It looks so inviting on your plate so it is a great way to get your kids eating more veggies. They may even prefer it!

Another thing to consider when freezing spaghetti squash is to never freeze leftovers. If you do this, you really will lose the texture of the squash.

It will turn into mush and also may not be safe to eat. Freezing leftover spaghetti squash actually increased the risk of food poisoning so always choose fresh!

Summary

All in all, spaghetti squash can certainly be frozen. It is a great way to make the vegetable last longer and keep you on track if you are eating healthy.

A balanced diet is the best way to live your life so swapping pasta to spaghetti squash every now and then should definitely be considered. Spaghetti squash is full of vitamins and antioxidants so enjoy that low-calorie substitute as much as you want!

The top things to remember are to cook your squash as you usually would and then wait for it to fully cool down before you go any further.

Fork at the squash when it is at room temperature to create the spaghetti effect and portion accordingly. Remember to write a date on the container or bags before placing it into the freezer and eat within a year of that date. 

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Hi there! My name is Caroline Stevens, and I am an American mom of three wonderful children. I started this blog to help everyday families be more sustainable and save money by preventing food waste. I currently live in Wisconsin, and enjoy crafting, cooking at home, and traveling. I have a degree in art and previously worked in the restaurant business.