Dough, tomatoes, and cheese are only the beginning of what makes a pizza great.
Potato pizza, it turns out, is more popular than you may expect. When it comes to pizza, here is the place to go if you’re already a fan, but if you haven’t, then read on.
In Rome, ordering a potato pizza, which consists of thinly sliced potatoes on a thin dough foundation, would not raise a red flag. There are numerous varieties of this, and it is becoming increasingly popular throughout the world.
The potato pizza boasts many forms, often smothered in cheese or dripping in some other delectable sauce. It’s a whole lot of yum!
Where Did The Potato Pizza Originate?
Since Americans and the British love potatoes, you would think potato pizza originates from one of them. But potato pizza, in all its glory, hails from none other than Italy.
The name for potato pizza in Italy is “pizza con patate.”
Italy is a rather broad area, and if you want to pin down the exact origin of potato pizza, that would be Naples.
The authentic Italian potato pizza sports a thin crust and an impressive deep-dish base with potato pieces.
If you’re in Naples, the pizzeria will only use high-protein wheat flour, mozzarella cheese, San Marzano tomato sauce, and potato slices that are lovingly squashed into ultra-thin slices of potato.
Sometimes some caramelized onions and sour cream on the side make for a nice added extra!
Sliced Vs Mashed
You might think you have heard there’s a mashed potato version of the potato pizza, and you’d be correct.
Sliced potato pizza includes diced tomatoes with thinly sliced potatoes on a thin dough crust. Mashed potato pizza is quite something different.
In Southern Italy, things are done a little differently.
A delectably tender potato pizza crust is made by creating a “pizza dough” using mashed potatoes. The potato crust is topped with various regular pizza toppings.
You may find a pizza crust pie topped with chunks of potato and smothered in a mix of cheeses, herbs, sea salt, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. While both versions are delicious, sliced potato pizza is more common.
What Are The Ingredients In Potato Pizza?
Sliced potato pizza is all about simple ingredients. It’s all about classic, simple toppings.
Authentic Italian pizzas are not a game – there’s no messing around regarding ingredients. To be considered authentic, an Italian potato pizza must use only San Marzano diced tomatoes and not any other kind of tomato sauce or puree.
The garlic butter base is smothered with mounds of buffalo milk mozzarella cheese. It’s a real delight.
Some varieties include thinly sliced potatoes, herbs, garlic, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. There’s a clincher, though.
If you’re concerned about your health, it’s good to know that regular potato pizza dough has around 50% more salt than regular pizza.
The pie is baked within the confines of a toasty wood-burning oven for around 90 seconds.
The best cheese for potato pizza is undoubtedly buffalo mozzarella, but any mozzarella will do.
Some pizzerias and restaurants use a mix of cheeses with both cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella.
After all, cheese has a way of being delectable, regardless of what kind it is. Check out our pick of best cheeses for pizzas here.
Instructions For Potato Pizza – How to Make Your Own
Making your own potato pizza is easy enough.
This large pizza recipe below serves 4 – 6 people and will take 40 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook – so, although this is not a traditional pizza, it won’t take you hours to make.
Instructions to Make Potato Pizza – A Simple Rustic Pizza
Step 1: Rest the Dough
If your dough ball has been in the fridge, let the pizza dough sit on the table or counter until it reaches room temperature.
While that is underway, place 4 cups of warm water and 1 tablespoon of salt in a medium bowl. Stir until the salt is completely dissolved.
Step 2: Slice Potatoes
Slice the potatoes crosswise into thin slices no more than 1/8 inch thick.
Place the potato slices into the bowl of warm water and allow them to soak for around 60 minutes.
Step 3: Heat the Oven to 500 Degree F
The oven needs to reach a high temperature before you bake your pizza.
Position your oven rack in the center of the oven. If you are using a pizza stone, make sure that your baking stone or pizza stone is clean and prepped for use.
Step 4: Stretch the Pizza Dough, Salt & Oil it
Put the pizza dough on a large baking sheet and stretch it out into the required shape using your hands. It should reach the edges of your baking pan or large rimmed baking sheet, but will probably shrink a little.
Allow it to rest for 4 minutes, and then try stretching it again until it is the desired size.
Sprinkle the leftover salt over the dough, and then drizzle with olive oil. It’s starting to take shape now – this is the food dreams are made of!
Step 5: Add Herbs
Pull the leaves from the sprigs of your rosemary and thyme and sprinkle them over the pizza dough.
Add the green onions too. If this is your first time, don’t be nervous about adding herbs – be generous.
Step 6: Prepare the Potatoes
Drain the water off the potatoes and dry them by patting them with a kitchen cloth.
Dry out the bowl and then place the potato slices back inside it.
Add the leftover olive oil and gently toss to ensure all the potatoes are well coated. This potato mixture will be the star of the show.
Step 7: Add Potato to the Dough
Add the slices of potato to the pizza dough. Overlap them to form a pattern. Then, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any remaining herbs.
If you’re adding any meat to your pizza (many opt for this), now is the time to add it.
Step 8: Bake the Potato Pizza for 15-20 Minutes
The pizza needs to bake until the potatoes start to turn golden brown and the potato pizza crust is golden and crispy.
This takes around 15 to 20 minutes. Then slice and serve.
This is undoubtedly the ultimate loaded baked potato pizza. Don’t let the carb content scare you.
Tips For Making Potato Pizza – Best Results
- Always soak the potato slices before making the pizza. This makes the potatoes softer for cooking and helps them absorb salt better.
- Ensure that your dough has risen to a medium height before you use it (whether store-bought or homemade).
- To stop the dough from sticking to your fingers when stretching, wipe a little oil on your fingers/hands first. You can also work on a floured surface to stop the dough from sticking or use parchment paper.
- The thinner you slice the potatoes, the better the pizza will come out.
- Let the pizza cool for around 5 minutes before you cut and serve it. This helps everything settle and makes for easier, cleaner cutting. For best results, use a sharp, smooth knife.
- Using a mandoline slicer to slice the potatoes can save time and ensure a paper-thin slice.
- If you have leftovers you wish to reheat, avoid using the microwave. Rather reheat pizza in the oven to retain crispiness.
- Cook the pizza at a lower temperature to ensure it doesn’t burn and the potato slices cook through.
- Place leftover pizza slices in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge.
- Adding garlic powder to the pizza dough can give it a beautiful flavor.
What Goes Best With Potato Pizza?
Potato pizza is delicious alone, but we all know that adding bacon or having our favorite pizza with something can make it even better. Below are a few things that may go best with your potato pizza – time to head to the grocery store!
Beers
Pilsners are frequently regarded as the best all-around beer to accompany a potato pizza because their taste and aroma complement the potato.
Salads
Potato pizza already has enough potatoes, so hold off on the potato salad. Instead, if you’re looking to pair a few slices with something fresh and crispy, a Caesar salad or coleslaw is your best bet.
Smoked Mac ‘n Cheese
If you’re throwing caution to the dietary wind, you can double up on all things delicious by serving potato pizza with smoked mac and cheese and a bit of extra bacon.
Cocktails
Let’s face it, any cocktail goes well with pizza, but for those who find pizza and all that cheese too heavy, you may want to stick with cocktails that aren’t cream-based.
Some great options to pair with your potato pizza include Manhattans, Aperol Spritz, Daquiries, and Sherry Cobblers, to name a few.
Final Thoughts
As potato pizza climbs the popularity charts, it only makes sense to add your own recipe to the family recipe book.
If you love good pizza, this is the best in terms of flavors and crispiness! Don’t be surprised if you get orders for more when you make it for the family.
Check out Roberta’s Pizza Dough – The Ultimate Guide and leave a comment today.
