The first time I roasted a whole spaghetti squash, I felt like I’d discovered a secret treasure. Those golden strands, tender and mildly sweet, are just waiting for bold flavors. This baked feta spaghetti squash recipe has gained well-deserved attention latelyit’s quick enough for weeknights but feels elevated enough to serve to guests.
Imagine halved spaghetti squash filled with creamy feta, roasted cherry tomatoes, and savory herbs, all baked until bubbling and golden. It’s a cozy, wholesome dish with comfort-food flair. As the feta warms, it blends into the squash, forming a naturally creamy sauce that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
I’ve made versions of this dish for years, especially when my garden overflowed with squash. It’s always gratifying turning basic produce into something unexpectedly flavorful. Once you try this combo, you’ll be hooked.

Why This Baked Feta Spaghetti Squash Will Win Your Heart
The magic happens when the feta softens and the tomatoes roast, releasing their juices and deepening in flavor. This dish feels as inviting as a fall evening spent in a warm kitchen.
- Effortless elegance: Just 10 minutes of prep breathes new life into pantry staples
- Naturally nutritious: All the comfort of pasta with fewer carbs and added fiber
- Universally loved: Even skeptical eaters are drawn to its creamy, golden finish
Of all the healthy fall squash recipes, this one balances indulgence and nourishment seamlessly. It’s my go-to comfort dish when I want wholesome flavor and minimal effort.
The Secret Behind the Magic
The key lies in how the feta softens into a creamy texture, partnering perfectly with squash strands and roasted cherry tomatoes. The dish is layers of flavor: sweet, tangy, herbaceousand endlessly satisfying. Roasted red peppers contribute smokiness and enhance each bite.
If someone asks what to eat with spaghetti squash, this dish is my first recommendation. It’s hearty enough to stand alone, though a crisp green salad adds a refreshing contrast. And the tomatoes don’t just roastthey concentrate into bursts of savory goodness throughout the dish.
Ingredient | Why It Matters | Easy Swap |
---|---|---|
Cherry tomatoes | Roast into a light sauce | Grape tomatoes or diced Roma |
Feta cheese | Brings creamy, tangy richness | Try goat cheese or ricotta |
Roasted red peppers | Provide depth and subtle smokiness | Use fresh bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes |
Italian seasoning | Adds herb warmth | Use fresh oregano, thyme, or basil |
Step-by-Step Success
This recipe is delightfully simple, but timing matters. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Carefully slice the spaghetti squash lengthwise and remove the seedslike carving a pumpkin, but more rewarding.
- First 25 minutes: Roast squash halves cut-side down until tender
- Meanwhile: Combine tomatoes, red peppers, garlic, feta, and seasonings
- Final 25 minutes: Fill squash boats and return to oven until bubbling and golden
Test doneness by gently scraping squash with a forkit should form spaghetti-like strands. If still firm, roast a few minutes more. Oven times vary, so go by texture rather than the clock.
Step | Time | Temperature | What to Look For |
---|---|---|---|
Initial roasting | 25 minutes | 400°F | Squash easily shreds with fork |
Filled baking | 25 minutes | 400°F | Cheese melted and browning on edges |
Optional broiling | 2–3 minutes | Broil | Lightly browned cheesy top |
When Things Don’t Go as Planned
Even seasoned cooks sometimes hit snags. A few simple tweaks can save your dish without stress:
- Too firm? Return squash to oven for another 10 minutes
- Too watery? Pat squash strands with paper towels before adding filling
- Bland taste? Season squash with salt and pepper after roasting
- Cheese not melting? Use room-temperature feta to ensure even heating
Even if tomatoes let out more juice, it creates a flavorful, spoonable saucejust drain before serving if you prefer it thicker.
Making It Your Own
This dish welcomes customization. I’ve stirred in leftover turkey post-Thanksgiving, or topped it with fresh herbs like basil for brightness. Each tweak brings something new while maintaining the core comfort.
If you’re exploring different spaghetti squash recipe ideas, get creative with seasonal vegetables or add protein for a satisfying meal.
Add-In | When to Add | Amount (4 Servings) |
---|---|---|
Diced turkey or chicken | Mix in with tomato-feta blend | 1 cup |
Fresh spinach | Add during final 10 minutes of bake | 2 cups, chopped |
Pine nuts | Sprinkle on top before baking | 1/4 cup |
Kalamata olives | Incorporate with tomato blend | 1/3 cup, halved |
Serving and Storage Wisdom
Let the squash cool slightly before servingit holds heat well. Guests enjoy scooping their own portions straight from the roasted squash halves, which makes for a rustic and fun presentation.
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm in a 350°F oven covered with foil until heated through.
- Serve: Fresh and hot, right from the oven
- Store: Refrigerated up to 4 days
- Reheat: Microwave by portion or in oven at 350°F
Expert Insight: The Appeal of Baked Feta Spaghetti Squash
This dish artfully blends rich feta with sweet squash strands, forming a satisfying, naturally low-carb alternative to pasta. Roasting deepens the sweetness, and the baked textures strike a perfect balance between creamy and crisp. It’s a dish that feels nourishing and indulgent all at once.
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The Joy of Perfecting Baked Feta Spaghetti Squash
After multiple test runsranging from underdone to overly soupyI landed on the method that consistently delivers. Roasting the squash just right and seasoning deliberately transformed this into a dish that brings welcome comfort and flavor every time.
FAQs ( Easy Baked Feta Spaghetti Squash w/Tomato & Peppers )
How do I cook baked feta spaghetti squash?
To cook baked feta spaghetti squash, first cut the squash in half and remove the seeds. Place the halves cut side up on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast at 400°F for about 40 minutes until tender. Then add feta cheese, tomatoes, and peppers on top and bake a few more minutes until the cheese softens. This method offers a delicious twist on traditional spaghetti squash recipe ideas that are both healthy and flavorful.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the baked feta spaghetti squash ahead of time by roasting the squash and mixing the toppings in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge, then combine and warm up just before serving. This makes it a convenient fall squash recipe healthy families can enjoy on busy weeknights without compromising on taste.
What side dishes go well with baked feta spaghetti squash?
This baked feta spaghetti squash works beautifully with light proteins like grilled turkey or chicken, perfect if you are wondering what to eat with spaghetti squash. Roasted green beans or a fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette also pair well, creating a balanced meal with plenty of fall squash recipe healthy options.
Can I substitute other veggies in this recipe?
Absolutely! While tomatoes and peppers give this dish its bright flavor, feel free to add or swap in zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to make it your own. Incorporating ingredients from spaghetti squash zucchini recipes can add variety and keep your meals exciting without losing that healthy vibe.
How do I store leftover baked feta spaghetti squash?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave until hot. This way you keep enjoying the rich flavors of your baked feta spaghetti squash without wasting any of your delicious turkey spaghetti squash meal.

Your New Fall Favorite Recipe
This baked feta spaghetti squash hits the sweet spot of comfort and simplicitytender golden strands cradling creamy roasted feta and tomatoes. In about an hour, you’ll achieve a dish that feels much more indulgent than the prep suggests. Each forkful is full of flavor and nourishing at the same time.
It’s easy to modifytry adding shredded rotisserie chicken for more protein, or wilt in chopped spinach near the end of baking. It stores perfectly for meal prep, with flavor deepening overnight. Whether you stick with feta or try goat cheese or ricotta, this method adapts beautifully. A friend even showed me how to finish it with toasted pine nuts for crunchit’s now a favorite finishing touch.
I’d love to know how yours turns outdid you switch up the cheeses? Try a new topping? Share it with someone looking for a healthy yet comforting fall dish. This is the kind of recipe made for gathering around the table.
PrintBAKED FETA SPAGHETTI SQUASH
This baked feta spaghetti squash recipe is easy and delicious with a creamy feta and tomato sauce. Perfect for fall squash recipes healthy ideas and spaghetti squash healthy meals. Discover what to serve with spaghetti squash for a satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil divided
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt more to taste
- pinch black pepper
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes 8 oz or about 1½ cups
- ½ cup roasted red peppers chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½–1 block feta cheese 4-8 oz if you like a lighter sauce use 4 If you prefer a richer sauce use 6-8
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped optional for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper over the cut sides. Place cut side down on a baking dish.
- Roast the spaghetti squash for about 40-50 minutes until tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Meanwhile, in a bowl combine cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, minced garlic, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Once the squash is roasted, flip cut sides up. Place the feta block in the center of each half and pour the tomato mixture around it.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the feta is soft and the tomatoes are blistered.
- Use a fork to shred the spaghetti squash flesh, mixing it with the melted feta and roasted tomatoes to create a creamy sauce.
- Top with fresh chopped basil if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer sauce use more feta
- Fresh basil adds bright flavor but is optional
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg