How to (Safely) Cut Spaghetti Squash

If you’re like me, you love a delicious, healthy and versatile spaghetti squash—but you may have you’ve almost lost a finger or two trying to cut one in half.

I found myself in a predicament the other day: I wanted to make Spaghetti Squash Lasagna with Spinach, but wasn’t sure if I wanted to risk my hands again.

Like any good millennial, I took my troubles to Google.

What I found (thank you, Serena at Teaspoon of Spice) changed my life forever:

1. Use a sharp knife to poke a few holes in the squash where you want to cut. It should look look like you’ve drawn a dotted line lengthwise on the squash when you’re finished.
2. Place your squash in the microwave for 5 to 6 minutes. Let it cool slightly before removing from the microwave.
3. Cut along the dotted line.

That’s it! Now you have two perfectly cut spaghetti squash halves—and your hands are perfectly intact.

Now that you’re a squash-cutting pro, check out how to bake the perfect spaghetti squash, as well as some of our favorite spaghetti squash recipes:

Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

WATCH: How To Make Spaghetti Squash Fritters

Spaghetti Squash Fritters

Dessert Spaghetti Squash With Apples, Walnuts and Cinnamon Goat Cheese

Spaghetti Squash With Ricotta and Gremolata

Spaghetti Squash Gratins With Chunky Tomato Sauce

Mushroom Bolognese Over Spaghetti Squash