Cheese-Stuffed Potato Pancake

Cheese-Stuffed Potato Pancake

Ingredients:

• 2 large potatoes, thinly sliced (use a mandoline for even slices)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:
   • Peel the potatoes and slice them very thinly using a mandoline or a sharp knife.
   • Pat the potato slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help them get crispy.
2. Season the Potatoes:
   • In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
   • Sprinkle this seasoning mix over the potato slices, tossing to coat them evenly.
3. Cook the First Layer:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
   • Arrange a layer of the seasoned potato slices in the pan, slightly overlapping them to cover the entire bottom of the pan.
   • Cook this layer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the bottom.
4. Add the Cheese:
   • Once the first layer of potatoes is crispy, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the potatoes.
5. Add the Top Layer:
   • Arrange another layer of potato slices over the cheese, covering it completely.
   • Press down gently with a spatula to help the layers stick together.
6. Cook the Top Layer:
   • Add another tablespoon of butter or olive oil around the edges of the pan.
   • Cover the pan with a lid and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the top layer of potatoes is golden brown and crispy.
   • Carefully flip the potato pancake using a large spatula or by inverting it onto a plate and sliding it back into the pan (add more butter/oil if needed).
   • Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes on the other side until crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
7. Serve:
   • Slide the potato pancake onto a cutting board or plate.
   • Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
   • Cut into wedges and serve hot, enjoying the melted cheesy center and crispy potato exterior.

Tips:

• You can add some cooked bacon bits or sautéed onions between the layers for extra flavor.
• Experiment with different types of cheese like cheddar, Gruyère, or fontina for varying flavors.

This Cheese-Stuffed Potato Pancake is a delightful dish that’s crispy on the outside with a gooey, cheesy center. It makes for a great side dish, appetizer, or even a light meal when paired with a salad. Enjoy!