Crispy Pepperoni Pizza Potato Waffles

Name: Crispy Pepperoni Pizza Potato Waffles Easy Snack Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 Honey Gold Potato; 1/4 C Parmesan Cheese, grated; 1 C Mozzarella Cheese, shredded; 6 Pepperoni Slices; Cooking Spray; 2 tsp Marinara or Pizza Sauce; Italian Seasoning, to taste

Watch Me Make It

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is fantastic for a few reasons. First, using leftover mashed potatoes gives you a great base that’s not only tasty but also a fantastic way to reduce waste. The combination of crispy, cheesy layers with that classic pizza flavor is truly satisfying. Plus, it’s super easy to customize based on what you have in your fridge. Don’t have pepperoni? Try bacon or veggies instead. This is a versatile dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just treating yourself.

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A person wearing a dark shirt holds a potato with small holes in it, standing behind a wooden surface.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need:

1 Honey Gold Potato
¼ C Parmesan Cheese, grated
1 C Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
6 Pepperoni Slices
Cooking Spray
2 teaspoon Marinara or Pizza Sauce
Italian Seasoning, to taste

Trust me, these simple ingredients pack a punch and come together beautifully. I usually keep these on hand for pizza night, so it’s a win-win.

A round waffle maker with an open lid contains a partly cooked, melting mixture of cheese and sauce forming a waffle shape, with some cheese spilling over onto the hot surface.

How to Make It

Let’s dive into the fun part - cooking! Start by preheating your waffle maker to a medium-high setting. This is crucial because you want a good, crisp finish on your potato waffle. While that’s heating up, pop your potato in the microwave until it’s soft. You want it to yield easily when poked with a toothpick. It usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on your microwave. Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes so you don’t burn your hands.

Now, slice the potato in half lengthwise. It’s like creating two little boats for all that cheesy goodness. Next, spray your waffle maker with cooking spray to prevent sticking - don’t skip this part!

On the bottom plate of the waffle maker, sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese. This is where it gets fun. Top that with half of your shredded mozzarella. Then, place one half of the potato cut-side down onto the cheese.

A waffle maker sits open on a wooden counter, with melted cheese and sauce oozing out from a messy waffle inside. The background shows a window and some indoor plants.

Now, here’s the fun part - layer on three slices of pepperoni. I like to fan them out a bit for maximum coverage. Top everything with the remaining mozzarella and then finish with the rest of the Parmesan cheese. It’s starting to look like a pizza party in there!

Close the waffle maker and press down firmly. You’ll want to cook it for about 4 to 6 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’re looking for that golden brown color and a nice crispiness.

Once it’s done, unplug the waffle maker and let it sit closed for a few minutes. This is a little pro tip I picked up; it helps the cheese firm up and creates that irresistible crust that just slides right out.

Carefully remove your potato waffle and transfer it to a serving plate. Now, drizzle about a teaspoon of marinara or pizza sauce on top of each section. I like to sprinkle a little Italian seasoning over the sauce and finish with an extra pinch of Parmesan.

A person holds a black knife above a small potato on a wooden cutting board, preparing to slice it. Only the persons torso and hand are visible.

Tips / Variations

Feeling adventurous? This recipe is super adaptable. Instead of pepperoni, try adding cooked sausage or even some sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a veggie twist. You could also experiment with different cheeses; a bit of cheddar or gouda could add a fun flavor kick.

If you want to make it a little spicier, throw in some jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Don’t be afraid to get creative - this is where you can make it your own.

Serving Ideas

A person stands behind an open waffle maker on a wooden counter. Inside, a raw egg, sliced tomato, and shredded cheese sit on the lower plate, ready to be cooked.

These crispy potato pizza waffles are perfect as a snack or a main dish. I love serving them with a side salad or some grilled veggies to balance out the richness. They also make for an amazing appetizer at parties. Just cut them into smaller pieces, and watch them disappear!

Closing

So there you have it - a simple yet delightful way to enjoy pepperoni pizza on potato waffles. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress your friends and family, and it’s so easy to whip up that it might just become your new go-to recipe. Next time you’re firing up the grill, give this a try. You won’t regret it! Trust me on this one; once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store leftover Crispy Pepperoni Pizza Potato Waffles?

Store leftover potato waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I reheat the potato waffles? If so, how?

Yes, you can reheat the potato waffles in the oven at 350F for about 10 minutes, or in an air fryer at 350F for 5 minutes to regain their crispiness.

What are some good substitutions for the ingredients?

You can substitute sweet potatoes for Honey Gold potatoes, use any type of cheese you prefer, and replace pepperoni with cooked sausage or vegetables for a different flavor.

Can I make the potato waffles ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the potato mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

How can I ensure my potato waffles stay crispy?

Make sure to use enough cooking spray, do not overcrowd the cooking surface, and allow them to cool on a wire rack instead of a plate to prevent steam buildup.

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