Spaghetti Squash Pizza Nests Recipe

Introduction

Spaghetti Squash Pizza Nests are a fun and delicious way to enjoy pizza flavors with a healthy twist. These bite-sized nests combine tender spaghetti squash with classic pizza toppings, making them perfect for a snack or light meal.

Ingredients

• 1 medium spaghetti squash, halved
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 2 cups pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup mini pepperoni
• 1 Tbsp. parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a medium baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Drizzle the cut sides of the spaghetti squash with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the squash cut side down on the baking sheet and bake until tender, about 45 minutes to an hour depending on size. Once done, reduce the oven heat to 375°F.
3. Step 3: Allow the squash to cool for 10 minutes. Then use a fork to shred the flesh into spaghetti-like strands. Transfer to a bowl and mix in the Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
4. Step 4: Spray a muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. Press about 1/4 cup of the spaghetti squash mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of each muffin cup to form little nests. Bake for 15 minutes at 375°F.
5. Step 5: Remove the nests from the oven and spoon pizza sauce into each one. Top with shredded mozzarella and mini pepperoni. Return to the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Step 6: Garnish the finished pizza nests with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers instead.
• Using a nonstick muffin pan or spraying well ensures easy removal of the nests after baking.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pizza sauce for a little heat.

Storage

Store leftover pizza nests in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep the nests crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of squash for this recipe?

Spaghetti squash works best due to its stringy texture, but you could try using zucchini or yellow squash for a different but tasty variation.

How do I know when the spaghetti squash is done baking?

The squash is done when the flesh is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork, usually after 45 minutes to an hour at 400°F depending on its size.

Spaghetti Squash Pizza Nests Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 119 reviews

A creative and delicious twist on traditional pizza using spaghetti squash as a healthy, low-carb base. These Spaghetti Squash Pizza Nests are baked to perfection with a crispy squash crust, topped with savory pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, mini pepperoni, and fresh parsley. Perfect for a fun, guilt-free meal or appetizer.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 nests 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Squash Base

• 1 medium spaghetti squash, halved
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• Nonstick cooking spray, for greasing muffin pan

Toppings

• 2 cups pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup mini pepperoni
• 1 Tbsp. parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a medium baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for roasting the spaghetti squash.
2. Bake Spaghetti Squash: Drizzle the cut sides of the spaghetti squash halves with olive oil and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the halves cut side down on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the squash becomes tender. After baking, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F.
3. Prepare Squash Nests: Allow the squash to cool for about 10 minutes before shredding the flesh with a fork to create spaghetti-like strands. Transfer the shredded squash to a bowl and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Form Nests and Bake: Lightly grease a muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. Divide the squash mixture evenly, about 1/4 cup per muffin cup, pressing the squash down firmly on the bottom and sides to form nest shapes. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15 minutes to set the nests.
5. Add Toppings and Final Bake: Remove the muffin pan from the oven and spoon pizza sauce into each squash nest cup. Top each with shredded mozzarella and mini pepperoni. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and bubbles.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the pizza nests with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your healthy pizza nests!

Notes

• Be sure to let the squash cool enough to handle safely before shredding.
• If you prefer vegetarian, omit the mini pepperoni and add vegetables such as mushrooms or olives.
• Nonstick spray helps release the nests easily from the muffin pan.
• Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your spaghetti squash; check tenderness with a fork.
• Leftover nests can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Keywords: spaghetti squash, pizza nests, low carb pizza, healthy pizza, baked pizza cups, vegetable pizza, low fat recipe