Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the bake gets perfectly crispy and golden on the outside while staying tender on the inside. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large cast-iron skillet with olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. This will give your potato crust a wonderful crispy texture.
Step 2: Grate the Potatoes
Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly. You don’t need to peel them; the skin adds texture and flavor. Using a box grater or a food processor, grate the potatoes finely. Once they are grated, place the potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, and squeeze out any excess moisture. This step is crucial because excess water can make the bake soggy instead of crispy.
Step 3: Prepare the Potato Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes with finely chopped onions. Add the eggs, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated and the ingredients are fully combined. The egg and cheese help to bind the mixture and give it that satisfying texture when baked.
Step 4: Form the Potato Base
Transfer the potato mixture into your greased baking dish or skillet. Use a spatula to evenly spread the mixture into the pan, pressing it down gently to compact the potatoes into a solid base. This will form the crust of your bake, which will crisp up beautifully as it bakes. Make sure the surface is level and evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake the Potato Crust
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. You’ll see the edges crisp up, and the cheese in the crust will start to melt and bubble. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn, but let it bake until you get a beautiful, crunchy base.
Step 6: Add the Pizza Toppings
Once the potato crust is golden and crispy, remove it from the oven. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the top of the baked potato crust, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Add your desired pizza toppings—whether it’s classic pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, or sausage, the choice is yours! You can even throw in some olives or anchovies for an extra flavor punch.
Step 7: Bake the Topped Potato Bake
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is gooey and the toppings are heated through.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added flavor. If you like extra cheese, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top. Slice it up just like you would a pizza, and enjoy the perfect marriage of crispy potatoes, melty cheese, and delicious pizza toppings!
Why This Grated Potato Bake Is Better Than Pizza:
- Crispy, Cheesy, and Satisfying: The grated potato crust gives you a crunchy base that’s packed with cheesy goodness, creating a satisfying texture with every bite.
- Customizable: Just like pizza, you can personalize this dish with all your favorite toppings. Whether you prefer a classic margherita or a loaded meat-lover’s delight, this bake can be adapted to any craving!
- Comfort Food with a Twist: This potato bake offers all the comforting, indulgent flavors of pizza, but with the added goodness of potatoes. It’s a hearty and filling meal that’s perfect for cozy nights in.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is much faster than making a traditional pizza from scratch. The grated potato base bakes up quickly, so you can get your meal on the table in under an hour!
Serving Suggestions:
This Grated Potato Bake makes an incredible meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side salad to balance out the richness. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a Caesar salad would complement the dish perfectly. You could also serve it with a side of garlic bread or even some roasted vegetables for extra texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts:
The Better Than Pizza Grated Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort dish that combines everything you love about pizza and potatoes into one easy, delicious meal. Whether you’re serving it as a family dinner, a party dish, or just a casual weekend treat, this recipe will undoubtedly become a new favorite. The crispy potato base, melted cheese, and flavorful toppings create a combination that’s hard to resist. So next time you’re craving pizza, skip the dough and try this potato-based alternative—you’ll be hooked after the first bite!
Now, get ready to dig in and enjoy a slice (or two!) of this comforting, cheesy, and utterly delicious potato bake.