Better Than Pizza? You Bet! Easy Grated Potato Patties with Gooey Cheese

Pizza is a classic, but sometimes you crave something a little different. Enter these grated potato patties – crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with cheesy goodness. They’re surprisingly easy to make (grating potatoes is the hardest part!), and totally customizable with your favorite toppings.

This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend brunch. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover potatoes you might have lying around.

Ingredients:

• 3 large russet potatoes
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Your favorite pizza toppings (optional): mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, pepperoni, peppers, etc.

Instructions:

1. Grate the potatoes using the coarse side of a box grater. Place the grated potatoes in a colander and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. You can also wrap the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and wring out the moisture.
2. In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, onion, garlic, flour, egg, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
3. Heat a thin layer of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, scoop out about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture and form it into a patty. Gently flatten the patty with a spatula.
4. Fry the potato patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
5. To add pizza toppings, simply spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on top of the cooked potato patties. Top with your favorite toppings (shredded mozzarella, pepperoni, peppers, etc.) and place back in the skillet over low heat. Cover the pan and cook for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, sour cream, or ranch dressing.

Tips:

• For extra crispy potato patties, you can preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the patties for 10-15 minutes after frying, or until golden brown and heated through.
• If you don’t have any cheddar cheese on hand, you can substitute with another type of shredded cheese, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere.
• Feel free to get creative with your toppings! These potato patties are a great blank canvas for all your favorite pizza toppings.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven until warmed through.