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If you're craving pizza but want a healthier twist, this Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole is your answer. Imagine the flavors of your favorite pizza combined with the light, stringy texture of spaghetti squash. It's a delightful, guilt-free dish that's easy to make and packed with cheesy goodness. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests with something a bit different. Let's dive into this delicious, low-carb creation!
What You Will Need
Read more: Spaghetti Pizza Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make spaghetti squash pizza casserole
Spaghetti squash: Acts as a low-carb base, providing a unique texture and mild flavor that absorbs the pizza sauce well.
Pizza sauce: Adds rich tomato flavor and moisture, tying all the ingredients together with its savory and slightly sweet taste.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy layer that makes the casserole taste like a traditional pizza.
Pepperoni: Provides a spicy, savory kick, adding depth and a classic pizza flavor to the casserole.
Dried oregano: Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic, slightly bitter taste, reminiscent of classic pizza seasoning.
Dried basil: Adds a sweet, herbal note that complements the tomato sauce and cheese, enhancing the pizza-like experience.
Tools and Instruments Required
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Baking sheet: Needed to roast the spaghetti squash halves until tender, ensuring the base of the casserole is perfectly cooked.
- Fork: Essential for shredding the cooked spaghetti squash into strands, which forms the main ingredient of the dish.
- Large bowl: Used to mix the shredded squash with pizza sauce, cheese, and seasonings, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Baking dish: Holds the squash mixture and toppings while baking, giving the casserole its final shape and texture.
- Oven: Crucial for baking both the squash and the assembled casserole, ensuring everything is cooked through and cheese is melted.
Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1 large spaghetti squash halved and seeded
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 pinch salt to taste
- 1 pinch black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the spaghetti squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool slightly. Use a fork to scrape out the strands of squash into a large bowl.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the spaghetti squash strands with the pizza sauce, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes:
Read more: Italian Spaghetti Squash Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Keywords:
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the spaghetti squash as directed.
- Mix with pizza sauce, cheese, and seasonings.
- Transfer to a baking dish but don't add the final cheese and pepperoni.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- When ready to bake, add cheese and pepperoni, then bake as directed.
Freezing Instructions
- Follow the make-ahead steps.
- Instead of refrigerating, wrap the dish in plastic wrap and then foil.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Add cheese and pepperoni before baking.
- Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes if needed.
Using spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta not only cuts down on carbs but also adds a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with pizza sauce and pepperoni.
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