I am always looking for ways to adapt some of my favorite recipes and make them a little healthier; soften the caloric blow if you will. There is always a place for the classic but there is nothing like a satisfying substitute!
I feel I have found one in this easy recipe comprised of a spaghetti squash crust, topped with your favorite marinara sauce and toppings. The crust is simple, holds up well to the toppings, and you are saving hundreds of calories. If pre-baked properly, you also get a firm, somewhat crunchy crust.
I was able to successfully convince Joy to trade out her usual lunch for the spaghetti squash pizza and I felt like mama of the year. Husband will also indulge which is quite the feat because he’s weary of a few of my substitutes.
I promise if you give it a try, you will be pleasantly surprised.
Spaghetti Squash Mini Pizzas
Yield 6 pizzas
Ingredients
- Crust
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1 egg
- 1/2 C parmesan cheese, shredded or grated
- 2 tbsp flour* (Optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 C Pizza Sauce
- 1 C Shredded Mozzarella
- any of your other favorite toppings!
Instructions
- Prepare the Spaghetti Squash. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Carefully cut in half lengthwise and rub the open halves with olive oil. Bake face down on a baking sheet for 40 minutes or until tender. Let cool for 5 minutes. Remove the now shredded flesh with a fork.
- Next, you need to remove as much moisture as possible from the squash. (The more you remove, the better the crust!) Using a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel, working in small batches, wring out as much liquid as you can.
- Turn the oven up to 425 degrees.
- Mix the prepared spaghetti squash, egg, parmesan cheese, flour, salt, oregano, and black pepper together till combined. The mixture will be wet, don’t worry!
- On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, or foil sprayed with cooking spray, form mini pizzas. I was able to form six 4 inch pizza crusts.
- Bake crust for 25 minutes. The crust should be firm to the touch and you should be able to lift up the edges without it falling apart. The bottom will have started to brown. Remove from the oven.
- Add your favorite toppings and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- Enjoy!
Notes
* I have made the crust with and without the flour. They were both delicious. The flour just serves to absorb some of the moisture from the squash resulting in a more crisp crust. I have also seen an adaptation online that used rice flour if you are looking to avoid gluten!
Tips
You could also microwave the squash if you are low on time. Here is a list with other ways to prepare a spaghetti squash.
This recipe can be used to make one large pizza. I just find the small ones easier to work with and they firm up a little quicker but the large is delicious as well.
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