Spaghetti Squash Pizza Boats Recipe (Easy Dinner)
Savor the best of both worlds with Spaghetti Squash Pizza Boats, a low-carb twist on classic pizza that’s bursting with flavor. Customizable and healthy, these delectable “boats” deliver a guilt-free pizza experience you’ll love.
If you’re looking for a fun and healthy twist on classic pizza, Spaghetti Squash Pizza Boats might just be your new favorite recipe.
These “boats” feature roasted spaghetti squash loaded with all the pizza flavors you love. They’re a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that’s perfect for a guilt-free indulgence.
This recipe is such a great way to satisfy your pizza cravings while sneaking in tons of veggies.
If you love spaghetti squash recipes you may also like to try my Easy Low Carb Spaghetti Squash Recipe With Meat Sauce or my Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Spaghetti Squash.
Table of Contents
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE SPAGHETTI SQUASH PIZZA BOATS
1. Healthy Comfort Food: Spaghetti squash is the star of the show here, providing a nutrient-rich, low-carb base for your pizza toppings. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the essence of pizza while incorporating more vegetables into your diet.
2. Customizable: Just like a traditional pizza, the insides of the squash are highly customizable. You can get creative with your choice of toppings, making each “boat” a unique culinary adventure.
3. Kid-Friendly: Kids often adore these pizza boats. They’re not only delicious but also an engaging way to encourage children to eat more veggies.
4. Low Carb and Gluten-Free: If you’re watching your carb intake or have dietary restrictions, this recipe is a wonderful solution. It allows you to enjoy the flavors of pizza without the traditional crust.
5. Easy Prep: While it may sound intricate, preparing Spaghetti Squash Pizza Boats is quite straightforward. It’s a great option for an easy dinner or weekend family meal.
INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED FOR THE PIZZA SPAGHETTI SQUASH BOATS
You will need the following ingredients listed below to make these spaghetti squash pizzas (the exact measurements, nutrition facts and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):
- Medium sized spaghetti squash
- Olive oil spray – or avocado oil
- Pizza sauce – marinara sauce or tomato sauce also work.
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Pepperoni slices – omit for a margherita pizza spaghetti squash.
- Seasonings – red pepper flakes, italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Fresh basil
- Optional – bell pepper, red onion, black olives, extra virgin olive oil, a little garlic powder, cooked sausage, ground beef, or any of your other favorite pizza toppings.
HOW TO MAKE
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- With a sharp knife, cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and discard them.
- Lightly brush the insides of spaghetti squash with olive oil, and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Place the squash halves, cut side down, on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the squash is tender and you can easily scrape the flesh with a fork.
- While the squash cooks, prepare your pizza toppings. Sauté any veggies you’d like to use and set them aside.
- Once the squash is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, use a fork to scrape the flesh to create spaghetti-like strands.
- Spread a generous amount of marinara sauce inside each squash boat.
- Add your sautéed veggies (if desired), shredded mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and pepperoni slices. Any of your favorite toppings.
- Return the boats to the oven at 450 degrees F and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Cooking time may vary depending on your oven.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat.
- Serve your Spaghetti Squash Pizza Boats hot and enjoy your pizza-inspired dinner that the whole family will love.
STORAGE
Storing your leftover Spaghetti Squash Pizza Boats is simple and ensures you can savor their flavors later. Here’s how to store them:
- Airtight Container: Transfer any remaining Spaghetti Squash Pizza Boats into an airtight container. Make sure the container has a secure lid to maintain freshness.
- Refrigeration: Place the airtight container in the refrigerator. When properly refrigerated, the pizza boats should remain fresh and safe to eat for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: To enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each one until they’re heated to your liking.
FAQS
CAN I USE OTHER TYPES OF SQUASH FOR THIS RECIPE?
While spaghetti squash is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other squash varieties like acorn or butternut. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
CAN I MAKE THIS VEGETARIAN OR VEGAN?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit any meat toppings and use plant-based cheese. For a vegan version, choose dairy-free cheese and ensure the marinara sauce is vegan-friendly.
HOW DO I PREVENT THE SQUASH BOATS FROM GETTING TOO WATERY?
After roasting the squash, you can gently blot the interior with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Additionally, a short broil at the end can help reduce moisture content.
CAN I PREPARE THE SQUASH IN ADVANCE AND FILL IT LATER?
Yes, you can roast the spaghetti squash in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and then add the toppings and bake when you’re ready to serve. This makes for such an easy weeknight dinner.
CAN I FREEZE THIS EASY RECIPE?
Freezing may affect the texture of the squash, making it less desirable upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
WHAT CAN I DO TO CUSTOMIZE THIS BASIC RECIPE?
1. Pizza Toppings: You can choose from a wide array of pizza toppings to suit your preferences. Here are some popular options:
- Meats: Pepperoni, sausage, ground beef, or bacon.
- Vegetables: Additional veggies like bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, onions, spinach, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, or jalapeños.
- Fresh Herbs: Add fresh basil, oregano, or thyme for a burst of flavor.
2. Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheese types to change the flavor profile. Besides mozzarella, consider using cheddar, Parmesan, goat cheese, or dairy-free options for a vegan twist.
3. Spicy Kick: If you love spice, sprinkle red pepper flakes or add slices of fresh jalapeños for a fiery touch.
4. Sauces: While marinara sauce is a classic choice, you can try pesto, barbecue sauce, or even a white Alfredo sauce for a unique spin.
5. Vegetarian or Vegan: To make the dish vegetarian, skip the meat toppings and use vegetarian-friendly cheese. For a vegan version, use dairy-free cheese and ensure the marinara sauce is vegan.
6. Mediterranean Twist: Incorporate Mediterranean flavors by adding ingredients like Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
7. Greens: Boost the nutritional value by adding fresh greens like arugula, baby spinach, or kale just before serving.
8. Drizzles: Enhance the presentation and flavors by drizzling balsamic glaze, pesto, or extra-virgin olive oil over the pizza boats.
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Spaghetti Squash Pizza Boats Recipe (Easy Dinner)
Savor the best of both worlds with Spaghetti Squash Pizza Boats, a low-carb twist on classic pizza that's bursting with flavor. Customizable and healthy, these delectable "boats" deliver a guilt-free pizza experience you'll love.
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized spaghetti squash
- Olive oil spray
- Salt and black pepper
- 3/4 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your favorite pizza toppings (e.g., pepperoni, bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, onions, etc.)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- With a sharp knife, cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and discard them.
- Lightly brush the insides of spaghetti squash with olive oil, and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Place the squash halves, cut side down, on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the squash is tender and you can easily scrape the flesh with a fork.
- While the squash cooks, prepare your pizza toppings. Sauté any veggies you'd like to use and set them aside.
- Once the squash is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, use a fork to scrape the flesh to create spaghetti-like strands.
- Spread a generous amount of marinara sauce inside each squash boat.
- Add your sautéed veggies (if desired), shredded mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and pepperoni slices. Any of your favorite toppings.
- Return the boats to the oven at 450 degrees F and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Cooking time may vary depending on your oven.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat.
- Serve your Spaghetti Squash Pizza Boats hot and enjoy your pizza-inspired dinner that the whole family will love.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 259Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 660mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 5gSugar: 9gProtein: 11g
The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.
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About Bailey
I love to bake, cook, exercise, and document all of the above. Nutrition is not low fat. It is not low calorie. It’s not feeling deprived or being hungry all the time. It’s nourishing your body with real, whole foods so that you are consistently satisfied and energized to live your life to the fullest! Read more…
