Ah, spaghetti squash—nature’s noodle and an unexpected hero in the quest for a healthier pizza. Picture this: a cozy autumn evening, leaves dancing outside your window, and in the kitchen, the tantalizing aroma of an unconventional yet utterly delightful pizza crust. It’s like a friendly culinary rebellion against the mundane, where spaghetti squash steps up to the plate, quite literally, proving that sometimes, the best things come from the most unlikely places.
Steps
- Pierce the spaghetti squash with a knife and microwave it for 5 minutes. Continue microwaving in 2-minute intervals until the skin yields to pressure. Cut it open, discard the seeds, and use a fork to scrape out the flesh.
- Place the spaghetti squash in a clean cheesecloth or dishcloth and squeeze out all excess moisture. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper, lightly spraying them with oil.
- In a bowl, combine the spaghetti squash with the egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder. Form four 7-inch circles on the prepared sheets, pressing them thinly for a crispier crust.
- Lightly spray the crusts with olive oil and bake for 15 minutes until golden. Carefully flip them with a spatula and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until they are crisp.
- Spread 1 1/2 tablespoons of sauce on each crust, leaving a small border around the edge. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of each pizza.
- Bake the pizzas for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the toppings are hot.
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Olive oil spray
- 1/3 cup tomato-basil marinara sauce or pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Nutritional Values
Calories: 606 kcal | Carbohydrates: 36 g | Protein: 56 g | Fat: 34 g | Saturated Fat: 17 g | Cholesterol: 278 mg | Sodium: 1710 mg | Fiber: 11 g | Sugar: 11 g
FAQ
- How can I cook spaghetti squash using a microwave?
- To cook spaghetti squash in the microwave, pierce it all over with a knife. Heat it for five minutes, then continue cooking in two-minute increments until the skin becomes soft. Cut it open, remove the seeds, and use a fork to scrape out the squash. Remember to squeeze out excess water using a clean cloth.
- What are some tips for achieving a crispy spaghetti squash pizza crust?
- For a crispier crust, make sure it is as thin as possible. Using parchment paper instead of a Silpat can also help in achieving a crisper texture. Lightly spray the crust with olive oil before baking, and flip it during baking to ensure even crisping.
- Can I modify the seasonings and toppings for the Spaghetti Squash Crust Pizza?
- Yes, you can customize the flavors by adding different dried herbs to the crust mix. As for toppings, feel free to add your preferred ingredients such as pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
- What are the nutritional details of this Spaghetti Squash Crust Pizza?
- The pizza serves two, with each serving containing approximately 303 calories, 18 grams of carbohydrates, 28 grams of protein, and 17 grams of fat. It also includes 8.5 grams of saturated fat, 139 mg of cholesterol, 855 mg of sodium, 5.5 grams of fiber, and 5.5 grams of sugar.
- How is spaghetti squash beneficial in this pizza recipe?
- Spaghetti squash is a great way to incorporate more vegetables and fiber into your meal. It serves as a grain-free alternative to traditional pizza crusts and adds nutritional value without compromising on taste.
Tips
- For a crispier crust, make sure to spread the spaghetti squash mixture as thin as possible and use parchment paper instead of a silicone baking mat.
- To quickly prepare the spaghetti squash, pierce it with a knife and microwave it for five minutes, then continue in two-minute intervals until the skin is tender.
- Ensure you squeeze out as much water as possible from the cooked spaghetti squash using a clean cheesecloth or dishcloth for a better texture.
- Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and toppings to customize the pizza to your taste preferences.
Equipment
- Microwave (if not already available and needed for cooking spaghetti squash quickly)
- Cheesecloth or dishcloth (specifically for squeezing out water from the spaghetti squash)
- Parchment paper (to help achieve a crispier crust)
