How to Bake Squash: The Perfect Roast, by Becoming A Better Home Cook With Janna on YouTube. 8 min 38 s.
- Video length
- 8 min 38 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Heat your oven to 375 F (190 C) and set a rack in the middle. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, parchment or both.
Grease the lined sheet with butter or cooking spray so the squash does not stick.
Cut the squash in half lengthwise with a sharp knife. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp with a spoon.
Sprinkle the cut sides with salt and pepper, or any seasoning you like.
Pour about 1 cup of water into the baking pan. This keeps the squash moist while it roasts.
Set the halves cut side down on the sheet. Bake for about 45 minutes, until the flesh is tender.
Test doneness by piercing the skin or flesh with a knife. Smaller squash need less time, larger ones more.
Turn the halves over and add butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice or chopped pecans.
Return the pan to the oven and bake 5 to 10 minutes more, until the toppings melt and lightly brown.
Tips and common mistakes
Use a sharp knife and a steady cutting board, and cut squash on a flat side so it cannot roll.
Spaghetti squash is ready when a fork pulls the flesh into strands.
Skip the water if you want a drier, more caramelised edge on the squash.
Save leftover flesh for soups, mash or noodles and keep it in the fridge for a few days.
Questions
How do I know when the squash is done?
A knife should slide into the flesh with almost no resistance. Small acorn squash can take 30 to 35 minutes, while a large butternut may need closer to an hour.
Do I really need the water in the pan?
No, but it steams the squash and keeps it from drying out. Leave it out if you prefer a firmer, more roasted texture.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. Bake the halves plain, cool them, and keep them covered in the fridge. Add toppings and reheat at 375 F for about 10 to 15 minutes.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
