If you’re craving a cozy, melty comfort dish, Mozzarella Potato Pie is exactly what you need. Picture creamy, buttery Yukon Gold potatoes mashed with mellow garlic, then baked beneath a bubbling blanket of fresh mozzarella and golden Parmesan. This pie is a hug in every bite—perfect for family dinners or when you want to wow your friends with something unexpectedly delicious and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Creamy Potato Layers: Yukon Gold potatoes create a rich, velvety mash that forms the perfect base for this pie.
- Melty, Gooey Cheese Topping: Generous slices of fresh mozzarella melt into cheesy perfection, bubbling up with every bake.
- Family-Friendly Comfort Food: This crowd-pleaser satisfies everyone at the table—from picky kids to gourmet adults.
- Easy to Make, Hard to Resist: No fancy equipment or complicated steps: Mozzarella Potato Pie is simple to assemble but delivers big on flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Mozzarella Potato Pie is that it comes together with just a handful of humble, easy-to-find ingredients. Each component adds its own special magic—whether it’s the creaminess of the potatoes or the satisfying stretch of mozzarella—resulting in a dish that feels both rustic and indulgent.
- Yukon Gold potatoes (or red skinned potatoes): Their natural creaminess ensures your mash is silky and flavorful.
- Garlic cloves: Simmers alongside the potatoes, mellowing out to infuse gentle, aromatic depth without overwhelming bite.
- Unsalted butter: The dreamy richness every comfort pie needs—use unsalted for control over your flavor.
- Milk: Just a splash makes the potatoes extra creamy and fluffy.
- Parmesan cheese, grated: Sprinkled on top for that essential salty-savory finish and a little golden crisp after baking.
- Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced: The star that melts and bubbles, transforming this pie from simple to spectacular.
- Dried basil and dried oregano: Classic herbs that wake up the potato base and punch up the cheesy topping.
- Salt and pepper: Don’t be shy—well-seasoned potatoes and cheese are truly the heart of this recipe.
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the pie dish): Ensures your pie lifts out in pristine, golden, cheesy wedges.
Variations
This Mozzarella Potato Pie absolutely loves a little personalization. Whether you’re working around what’s in the fridge or adjusting for allergies, it’s so easy to adapt this dish and truly make it your own, no matter your preferences or dietary needs.
- Add Vegetables: Fold in sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, or even roasted red peppers to sneak extra nutrition and color into the pie.
- Try Different Cheeses: Swap some of the mozzarella for fontina, provolone, or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar for a more robust cheesy bite.
- Make It Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, but double-check ingredient labels to be sure!
- Herb Swaps: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley work beautifully if you prefer them to dried basil and oregano.
How to Make Mozzarella Potato Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes & Garlic
Preheat your oven and grease a 9″ pie dish. Peel your Yukon Gold potatoes (or leave the skins for a rustic vibe!), then cut them into evenly sized chunks. Toss them in a pot with thickly sliced garlic and cover generously with cool water. This is where the flavors begin to mingle and the potatoes start soaking up that garlicky aroma.
Step 2: Boil and Drain
Bring the pot to a rolling boil, then reduce to a simmer and season with a hearty pinch of salt. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender and the garlic is soft—usually about 15–20 minutes. Drain thoroughly, then return everything to the warm pot for a moment or two. Stir constantly to help any excess moisture evaporate (this prevents soggy mash and gives you that perfect, fluffy base).
Step 3: Mash and Season
Add the butter and milk directly to the hot potatoes and garlic. Mash until smooth and creamy (or leave a few lumps for texture, if that’s your thing!). Season generously with salt and pepper—taste as you go so the flavors really pop.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Spread your fluffy mashed potatoes into the prepared pie dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the surface, then arrange slices of fresh mozzarella over the top. Add an extra pinch of salt, pepper, dried basil, and oregano above the cheese, creating irresistible savory layers in every bite.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden & Bubbling
Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is beautiful, golden, and bubbling with little brown spots. The aromas will signal dinner is close! Let the Mozzarella Potato Pie rest for several minutes before slicing—you want those cheesy layers to set for the perfect wedge.
Pro Tips for Making Mozzarella Potato Pie
- Potato Choice Matters: Yukon Golds mash up creamy and buttery, but if you prefer, use red-skinned potatoes for extra texture and a pop of color.
- Dry Out the Potatoes: Letting excess steam off after draining is the secret to a fluffy mash that stands up under all that oozy cheese.
- Layer the Cheese Generously: Don’t skimp on fresh mozzarella—cover the top edge-to-edge for the full, gooey pie effect.
- Season the Top, Too: Even after seasoning the mash, a final sprinkle of salt on top of the mozzarella brings out those milky, fresh flavors.
How to Serve Mozzarella Potato Pie
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil, parsley, or chives adds a pop of color and a touch of fresh flavor when serving your Mozzarella Potato Pie. For a bolder finish, a light dusting of extra Parmesan over the melted cheese just before serving is pure magic.
Side Dishes
This pie is a superstar alongside crispy green salads, roasted vegetables, or simply steamed broccoli. If you want something heartier, serve it with baked chicken, Italian sausages, or even a zippy tomato soup for a truly comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, bake the pie in individual ramekins for personal portions—adorable and perfect for dinner parties. Stack slices with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a few cherry tomatoes on the side for an elegant appetizer, or make it the centerpiece of a festive brunch buffet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mozzarella Potato Pie keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure the pie is completely cool before wrapping it up to maintain its creamy texture and cheesy topping.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze, assemble the pie but bake just until set—then let it cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake uncovered until the cheese is bubbly and golden again.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. For extra crispy cheese, remove the foil for the last 5–10 minutes. Individual slices can even be microwaved in a pinch, though the oven yields the best texture.
FAQs
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Can I make Mozzarella Potato Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep and assemble the pie (even up to the cheese layer) a day ahead. Just cover well, refrigerate, and bake as directed when you’re ready to serve—add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
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What potatoes work best for this recipe?
Yukon Gold potatoes deliver the best lush, creamy texture, but red-skinned potatoes are a solid alternative. Avoid russets if you can; they’re a bit too starchy for this mash-heavy pie.
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How do I prevent soggy potatoes in my pie?
Once the potatoes are boiled and drained, return them to the pot over low heat and stir until the steam stops rising. This step removes any extra moisture and ensures your Mozzarella Potato Pie is fluffy, not watery.
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Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella instead of fresh slices?
You can, but fresh mozzarella melts into gorgeous pools and gives you that classic gooey stretch. If all you have is pre-shredded, use it generously, but expect a slightly different (though still delicious!) texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably heartwarming about sharing a slice of Mozzarella Potato Pie—gooey, golden, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a family supper or a cozy get-together with friends, this dish never fails to bring big smiles and empty plates. Give it a try and see how easy comfort food can seriously impress!
PrintMozzarella Potato Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Mozzarella Potato Pie, a delightful twist on traditional mashed potatoes. With layers of creamy mashed potatoes, gooey mozzarella cheese, and a hint of herbs, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture:
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, or red skinned potatoes
- 3 – 4 cloves garlic, sliced thick
- 5 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- salt and pepper
Toppings:
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat oven to 400°F. Butter or coat a 9″ pie dish with cooking spray.
- Prepare potatoes: Peel and chunk potatoes, place in a pot with garlic, cover with water, boil until tender, then drain and mash with butter and milk.
- Assemble pie: Transfer mashed potatoes to the dish, top with Parmesan, mozzarella slices, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bake: Bake for 30 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. Let sit before serving.
Notes
- Fresh mozzarella may need extra salt, so adjust seasoning accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 235 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 116mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.23g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 31mg