Spaghetti Squash Pizza Nests Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a medium baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for roasting the spaghetti squash.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://hannahdelgado.com/spaghetti-squash-pizza-nests-recipe/
