Ingredients
- 1 medium-large spaghetti squash (about 3 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (use your favorite or a homemade version)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Your favorite pizza toppings: pepperoni, sliced mushrooms, onions, black olives, bell peppers, etc.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preparing the Squash
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut and clean: Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and fibrous center.
- Oil and season: Drizzle the cut sides of the squash with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake: Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Creating the Pizza Boats
- Shred the squash: Once the squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
- Mix in sauce: Add marinara sauce to the spaghetti squash and gently mix to coat.
- Add cheese: Divide the sauce-coated squash between the two halves. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Top it off: Add your desired pizza toppings. Get creative!
- Bake again: Return the squash halves to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Optional Additions and Tips
Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Extra protein: Top with cooked Italian sausage or ground meat.
Low-carb crust: For a spin on a classic pizza crust, try this spaghetti squash version.
Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves after baking for a fresh, herbaceous touch.
