Description
These easy Spaghetti Squash Pizzas are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional pizza. Made by roasting slices of spaghetti squash until tender, then topping them with classic pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and your favorite toppings. Perfect for a lightened-up pizza night or a low-carb meal option.
Ingredients
Squash Base
- 2 medium spaghetti squash (about 4 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Pizza Toppings
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pizza toppings, as desired
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and position the rack in the middle. Line two 15x10x1-inch baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Spaghetti Squash: Slice off the ends of each spaghetti squash, then cut each into 1-1/2 inch thick slices. Use a spoon to scoop out and discard the seeds.
- Season and Bake Squash: Arrange the squash slices on the prepared baking sheets. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
- Shred Squash Strands: Remove the squash from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Using a fork, gently shred the flesh of each slice into spaghetti-like strands, keeping the outer skin intact to form a base for the pizza.
- Add Pizza Toppings: Evenly spread the shredded squash strands within each squash ring. Then divide the pizza sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning among the rings. Add any desired pizza toppings on top.
- Bake Until Cheese Melts: Return the pizza squash to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, until the cheese has melted completely.
- Broil for Finish: Switch the oven to broil and cook the pizzas for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Remove immediately to prevent burning.
- Serve Warm: Let the spaghetti squash pizzas cool slightly and serve warm as a delicious, lower-carb pizza alternative.
Notes
- You can customize the pizza toppings to your liking, including vegetables, meats, or herbs.
- Keep the outer skin of the squash intact when shredding to help hold the pizza toppings.
- If preferred, bake the squash slices in a single baking sheet in batches.
- Watch carefully when broiling, as cheese can burn quickly under high heat.
- This recipe is gluten free and can be adapted for vegetarian diets depending on toppings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
