Description
These Butternut Squash Mini Pizzas offer a cozy and delightful twist on traditional pizza night, featuring tender roasted butternut squash rounds that serve as a naturally gluten-free crust. Topped with flavorful marinara sauce, melty mozzarella cheese, and fresh herbs, these bite-sized treats are perfect as an appetizer or snack during fall gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and sliced into ¼–½ inch rounds
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Toppings
- ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella or dairy-free cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (205°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Squash Rounds: Peel the butternut squash and slice it into ¼ to ½ inch thick rounds. Carefully remove the seeds from the center of each round to create a flat surface for toppings.
- Season the Squash: Arrange the squash slices evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the slices with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper over them to infuse flavor.
- First Bake: Place the squash in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. This initial roasting softens the squash, creating a tender base for the mini pizzas.
- Flip and Top: After 20 minutes, carefully flip each squash round. Spoon a tablespoon of marinara or pizza sauce onto each slice, followed by a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or your preferred dairy-free cheese.
- Second Bake: Return the topped squash rounds to the oven and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, garnish the mini pizzas with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve warm for a comforting and flavorful snack or appetizer.
- Optional Air Fryer Method: For a quicker method, air fry the squash rounds at 380°F (193°C) for 10–12 minutes. Then add sauce and cheese toppings and air fry for another 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Notes
- For extra flavor, brush squash rounds with pesto prior to adding the marinara sauce.
- Enhance the pizzas with additional toppings like mini pepperoni slices, mushrooms, or olives for a more classic pizza feel.
- If using the air fryer, closely monitor cooking times as they can vary based on device and squash thickness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
