Spaghetti squash is a popular and nutritious alternative to traditional pasta, offering a lower-carb and gluten-free option for your favorite dishes. If you find yourself with an abundance of spaghetti squash or just want to keep some on hand for easy meal prep, freezing it is a simple and effective way to maintain flavor and texture. Here are 11 steps to freeze spaghetti squash the right way:

1. Choose fresh, ripe spaghetti squash: Look for squash with a firm rind, even color, and no signs of mold or damage.

2. ash the squash thoroughly: Before cutting into your spaghetti squash, give it a good rinse under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.

3. Cut the squash in half: With a sharp knife, carefully slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise.

4. Scoop out the seeds: Use a spoon to remove the seeds from both halves of the spaghetti squash. You can discard these or save them to roast later.

5. Cook the squash: Before freezing, you need to cook your spaghetti squash using your preferred method—either baking, boiling or microwaving. For even cooking, cut the halves into smaller sections.

6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the squash pieces on a baking sheet with the cut-side down and bake for 40-50 minutes, until tender.

7. Boil: Bring a large pot of water to boiling point. Add the squash chunks and boil for roughly 20 minutes.

8. Microwave: Place the squash slices in a microwave-safe dish with 1/4 cup of water, cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 10-15 minutes.

9. Cool the cooked squash: After cooking, allow your spaghetti squash to cool completely to room temperature.

10. Scrape out the strands: Once cooled, use a fork to gently rake the spaghetti squash strands away from the rind. Then, transfer the strands into a colander to drain excess liquid.

11. Package and freeze: Portion the drained spaghetti squash strands into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Seal them tightly and label with the date it was frozen. Store your spaghetti squash in the freezer for up to six months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen spaghetti squash, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as desired. Happy meal prepping!