These Potatoes Are Better Than Pizza (Ultimate Loaded Crispy Potato Bake)
Get ready for a game-changer. This is not a side dish—it’s a main event. Layers of crispy, golden potatoes loaded with cheese, bacon, herbs, and garlic, baked until irresistibly decadent. It’s the potato dish that might just make you forget about pizza night.
Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
· 3 lbs (1.4 kg) russet potatoes, peeled and very thinly sliced (1/8-inch thick) – a mandoline is ideal
· 4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter, melted
· 3 tbsp olive oil
· 4 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 tsp smoked paprika
· 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
· 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
· ½ tsp black pepper
For the Loaded Topping:
· 6 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
· 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella or Oaxaca cheese (for meltiness)
· 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
· 3 green onions, thinly sliced
· ½ cup (115g) sour cream (for serving)
· Optional extras: Pickled jalapeños, crispy fried onions, chopped chives
For the Garlic-Herb Drizzle (Optional but Recommended):
· ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil or melted butter
· 2 cloves garlic, grated
· 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prep & Season the Potatoes
· Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or large cast-iron skillet.
· In a large bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
· Add the thinly sliced potatoes. Use your hands to toss very thoroughly, ensuring every slice is coated. This is the key to flavor and crispiness.
- Layer for Maximum Crisp
· Arrange potato slices vertically (like dominoes) or in tight, slightly overlapping layers in your dish. Pack them in snugly—this helps them hold together.
· Pour any remaining seasoned butter/oil from the bowl over the top.
· Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Add Cheese & Crisp Up
· Remove foil. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a knife.
· Sprinkle both cheeses evenly over the top. Add the crumbled bacon.
· Return to oven, uncovered, for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden brown, bubbly, and the edges are crisping.
- Broil & Finish
· Optional: Switch to broil for the final 1-2 minutes to get a deeply golden, blistered cheese top (watch closely!).
· Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes—this lets the layers set.
- Serve
· Drizzle with the optional garlic-herb oil or melted butter.
· Top with green onions and dollops of sour cream.
· Slice into squares or scoop out servings. Serve hot and watch it disappear.
Why These Potatoes Are Better Than Pizza
· Texture Nirvana: The bottom and edges get crispy like the best pizza crust, while the interior stays tender and creamy.
· Flavor Bomb: Potatoes soak up garlic, herbs, and smoky paprika like a sponge. The cheese and bacon add salty, savory, umami depth.
· Customizable: Like pizza, you can top it with anything—think pulled pork, roasted veggies, buffalo chicken, or different cheeses.
· Comfort Food Elite: It’s pure, unapologetic, shareable comfort in a dish.
Pro-Tips for Perfection
· Slice Thin & Even: Use a mandoline for consistent 1/8-inch slices. This ensures even cooking.
· Dry Potatoes: Pat rinsed potato slices very dry before seasoning to maximize crispiness.
· Pack Them Tight: Loose slices will cook but won’t form that cohesive, sliceable layer.
· Rest Before Serving: Letting it sit for 5-10 minutes helps the cheese set so you can slice it cleanly.
· Make It a Meal: Add a fried egg on top, or serve with a simple green salad to balance the richness.
Variation Ideas (Your “Toppings”)
· Breakfast Pizza Potatoes: Top with scrambled eggs and hot sauce after baking.
· Taco Potatoes: Use taco seasoning on the potatoes, top with pepper jack, ground beef, pico de gallo, and avocado.
· French Onion Potatoes: Caramelize onions and mix with Gruyère cheese.
· Everything Bagel Potatoes: Top with everything bagel seasoning before baking.
Warning: This dish is known to cause extreme satisfaction and may temporarily replace pizza cravings. Enjoy responsibly (with friends, if you’re willing to share).