I’ll admit that I initially bookmarked this recipe for spaghetti squash hash browns from Pamela Ellgen’s The Microbiome Cookbook more out of skeptical curiosity than because I assumed they’d be good. Which is not to say I didn’t have some faith in their tastiness; so far, Ellgen hasn’t steered me wrong — her one-pan pork chops with grapes are a wonderful weeknight option, and the zucchini-based, bean-free hummus (also from this new release) is rather genius. Rather, my skepticism came from a shaky relationship with spaghetti squash.
So often spaghetti squash is treated like pasta, something that it isn’t and will never be. Sorry, but just because this golden gourd has spaghetti in its name doesn’t make it a good candidate for topping with tomato sauce and meatballs. And yes, this recipe also swaps strands of spaghetti squash for another oft-vilified so-called “white carb”, but here’s the key difference: it actually makes sense. Spaghetti squash and shredded potatoes share a similarly starchy texture, and — as I learned — both caramelize beautifully when freed of excess liquid and lightly-fried.
Consider this my official apology to both Pamela Ellgen and spaghetti squash. Spaghetti squash hash browns are gloriously-golden, nuttily-sweet, and, in my humble opinion, an even tastier alternative to the dish from which they drew inspiration from. These gut-health-friendly fritters are fantastic when paired with a runny-yolked fried (or poached) egg, and have already become a steady staple in my breakfast rotation.
Meal preppers will be especially pleased to learn that these hash browns can be prepped up to the point of frying, stashed in an airtight container in the fridge, and crisped up on a busy morning. I suspect (though have yet to test) that they can also be frozen in uncooked patty form. If you try it out, let me know.
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as refined coconut or rice bran
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. (Reserve the seeds for roasting.) Arrange the squash halves cut-side down on a quarter-sheet pan. Roast uncovered for 40 minutes or until tender.
- Scoop out the flesh with a fork. Season with salt and a generous amount of pepper, adjusting to taste. Let cool completely.
- Form the spaghetti squash into 4 equal-sized patties. Squeeze out any excess moisture, as you would with fresh hash browns. (Expect to expel a lot of liquid, this is crucial, or you'll have soggy hash browns).
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pan-fry on each side for about 4 minutes or until golden brown.
We’ve made spaghetti squash many times, but it’s never been as good as when we baked it this way. Thanks so much for the idea!
So glad you liked the hash browns! They’re one of my go-to breakfasts :).
I’m totally trying this tomorrow. I really want to love spaghetti squash. I do actually enjoy it as a spaghetti alternative, but I want to branch out. 😉
Hi Jenn, I hope you tried (and liked) the hash browns! I was pretty skeptical about spaghetti squash, but have been really into it as of late — planning to share another spaghetti squash recipe sometime in the nearish future.
I think I need to squish out more water. I cooked 3 whole and scrapped it all out and pressed all of it in paper towels and put in fridge for when I want to use. I tried this morning and they were so soggy. I think I need to squish more of the juice out of them.
Hey Tina, it sounds like you got to the root of the problem on your own! The success of this recipe (and really any fritter/hash brown/latke-type situation) hinges on squeezing out as much liquid from the patties as possible before frying them up. Really, it takes some wringing, but if you don’t, they’ll be soggy and won’t brown properly. Hopefully you were able to try again (with better results) with some of the rest of the spaghetti squash you cooked up!
P.S. When I don’t feel like forming/wringing out/frying up the fritters, I like to season the cooked spaghetti squash simply with salt, LOTS of pepper, and some Pecorino Romano or parmesan cheese, like cacio e pepe!