Grilled Spaghetti Squash Recipe and Its Variations to Try Out

Here, we share a basic easy-to-follow recipe, some, variations, and tips on grilling a spaghetti squash.
By
Jeremy Bivens
Jeremy Bivens
Research Writer
Jeremy Bivens is a passionate writer and grilling enthusiast. He's been working as a freelance journalist for over 15 years now and has a particular interest in food writing read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Bruce Williams
Bruce Williams
Expert Consultant
Claims that grilling is the art that he has been learning all his life long and is not planning to stop. Has been grilling for as long as he can remember. Author of numerous read more
Last updated: August 31, 2023
GrillGuru is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here

If what you want is a tasty side dish that is also healthy during this grilling season, you may want to consider grilled spaghetti squash.

Needing only a few ingredients and containing very low carb, it can be such a great addition to any dinner with family friends. And who says no to that idea?

Bringing family and friends together for a holiday BBQ is one of life’s little gratifications. Offering nice food prepared on a good grill could make all the difference in the experience. Just ensure that as much as you have a good grill, smoker or oven, you also have top-notch accompaniments like grill baskets or best smoker accessories at your disposal. Surely, you do not want to get stuck halfway.

While some people may choose to make their spaghetti squash in the oven, grilling it takes it a notch higher. The texture is crispier, and the grill gives a nice char that adds to the overall flavor of the squash.

You should be trying this recipe out if you have been disappointed after eating a spaghetti squash before, whether grilled or traditional style. This recipe will leave you with a squash that has so much flavor and a feeling of never wanting to cook your spaghetti squash in a different way again!

Grilled Spaghetti Squash Recipe and Its Variations to Try Out 1

Grilled Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Finally, we’re going to be diving into the grilled spaghetti squash.It’s important that you follow everything down to the letter. We’ll take a lookat the ingredients that you need (including the key ones listed above. No timeto waste. Let’s dive right in.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Servings 2 people
Calories 42 kcal

Equipment

  • Smoker
  • Cutting knife
  • Spoon
  • Grill
  • Fork
  • Very long tongs
  • Cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • Spaghettisquash
  •  Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Mincedgarlic (or garlic powder) Optional
  • Your choiceof sauce (marinara or alfredo) Optional
  • Grilled orshredded chicken (if choosing alfredo sauce) Optional

Instructions
 

  • With the spaghetti squash lying flat, cut it in half lengthwise. Spaghetti squash is a hard thing to cut. So you’re going to need a sharp knife and some good ol’ fashioned elbow grease to really cut into it. Once you successfully cut it in half, be sure to clean out any seeds and throw them out.
  • Preheat your grill to approximately 350 degrees. Please use indirect heat.
  •  Cover the outer part of the squash with olive oil. Then season it with salt and pepper. Make sure this is done on both halves.
    Grilled Spaghetti Squash Recipe and Its Variations to Try Out 3
  • When completely preheated,place the spaghetti squash on the grill. Close the lid and let it sit for about 20 to 30 minutes. You can periodically check on it after 20 minutes to see if it can be shredded with a fork. If it is, don’t wrap things up just yet.
    Grilled Spaghetti Squash Recipe and Its Variations to Try Out 5
  • Next, cook the spaghetti squash outer side down on direct heat. Do this for about 5 minutes or until it's charred (whichever is best for you)
  • Take it off the grill and shredit with a fork. At this point, it should be done.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 42kcal

You may want to have the following available for topping:

  • Fresh basil
  • Marinara sauce
  • Peanut sauce
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • For the peanut sauce:
  • 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce
  • 1/4 cup of rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup of coconut milk
  • 3 tablespoons of brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of ginger
  • 1 tablespoon of garlic

How long does it take to cook spaghetti squash on the grill?

There is no universal time as to how long it would take to cook your spaghetti squash. However, on average, smoking your spaghetti squash over indirect heat, which is about 400 – 450˚F should take 25 minutes.

A lot would really depend on how big your spaghetti squash is and how effective your grill or smoker is. You may want to check and adjust the temperature settings of your equipment to get the right range. You know that your squash is ready when you can easily separate the strands with a fork.

Recipe Variations: What Else Can You Add?

When it comes to variations, the possibilities are pretty much endless. When seasoning it with salt and pepper, you can add a little more flavor to it as well. One of our favorite choices is minced garlic. Alternatively, garlic powder is a good option.

Since this is an excellent substitute for regular spaghetti, you can never go wrong with parmesan cheese as a topping. What about mozzarella cheese? Why not? Sprinkle some on top along with your favorite sauce, and go wild. Speaking of sauce, marinara might not be your only option. Alfredo sauce might be a good alternative if you want to mix things up a bit.

If you do go the alfredo sauce route, you may want to throw in some chicken as well. Find grilled chicken strips or fajita chicken (if you want something softer and more tender in quality). So now, you have a reliable substitute for pasta when you don’t eat it (or just feel like trying something completely different).

These are just a few of the variations we’ve got. If you want to get really creative, think of a few ideas. Spaghetti squash and meatballs? Prime rib with spaghetti squash on the side? Why not? Spaghetti squash can be perfect as a main course or a side dish. There’s nothing wrong with either of them.

How to Serve

Grilled Spaghetti Squash Recipe and Its Variations to Try Out

You can use one or two fork(s) to separate the strands of the spaghetti squash much in the same way you shred meat. Keep shredding until you reach the skin.

You may choose to serve the squash in the skins or transfer it to a bowl before adding your preferred toppings.

Spaghetti squash is a very versatile vegetable. It is possible that you have a preferred way to eat it, however, if you enjoy exploring options, you may find the following interesting:

  • Use pasta sauce in place of noodles
  • You can also make a spaghetti squash casserole
  • You may also make a Mediterranean Spaghetti Squash Salad

Pro tips

Before we get into the recipe itself, we’d like to share a few pro-tips with you. When it comes to great taste, it can be done on a gas grill compared to a charcoal one. Sure, regular-sized gas grills can be expensive. So, it’s important to get one that will fit your budget.

If your spaghetti squash becomes a hit at your cookout, take it on the road to a tailgate party or a campsite. You might get people curious or even intrigued about what you’re making on the grill.

As for cooking, the size of the spaghetti squash will matter. The larger the size, the longer it will take to cook. However, keep the preheating temperature to the same size. The estimated time to cook will take about 20 to 30 minutes before it can be easily shredded.

Another thing to note is that if the strands are easy to separate with a fork, that’s when you know the spaghetti squash is completely cooked. Last but not least, get creative with your grilled spaghetti squash. It may be better than pasta, but that doesn’t mean it won’t mix well with favorites like meatballs or parmesan cheese.

Final Thoughts

We should give this disclaimer now. You may be officially obsessed with grilled spaghetti squash if you do get the recipe and cooking right. And that is not on me; it is simply a sumptuous delicacy.

It is time for you to grill up something special this summer. We would like to know if you do go on to make this Grilled Spaghetti Squash recipe.

Do not forget to let us know what you make of it in the comments section, after you do.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




X