Description

Welcome, food enthusiasts! If you’re searching for a unique yet comforting Italian dish to try, look no further. Potato and Pancetta Pizza combines the creaminess of fresh mozzarella, the smoky depth of pancetta, and the satisfying texture of thinly sliced potatoes. Whether you’re a pizza lover or simply want to add a twist to your homemade pizza game, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pizza Dough:

500g/4 cups white bread flour
2 tsp salt
7g/2 tsp active dry yeast
½ tbsp sugar
2 tbsp olive oil
325 ml/1 ⅓ cups lukewarm water

For the Toppings:

3 tbsp olive oil
8 pancetta strips or thick-cut bacon (cooked)
3 medium potatoes, boiled and sliced
2 rosemary sprig leaves, chopped
250g/8 oz fresh mozzarella
125g/1/2 cup smoked Gouda or smoked Cheddar, grated

Optional Substitutions:

Replace pancetta with turkey bacon for a lighter option.
Substitute mozzarella with dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

In a bowl, mix sugar, yeast, olive oil, and lukewarm water. Let the yeast activate for 5 minutes.
In a separate large bowl, sift together flour and salt. Combine the yeast mixture with the dry ingredients.
Mix until the dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes.
Transfer the dough into a greased bowl, cover with a tea towel, and let it rise for 2 hours until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Preparing the Toppings

Boil the potatoes until tender. Let them cool, peel, and slice into ¼” thick rounds.
Cook pancetta or bacon until crisp. Cut into strips and set aside.

Step 3: Assembling the Pizza

Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) or its highest setting.
Roll out the dough into three equal portions, stretching each into a thin, round shape.
Brush each crust with 1 tbsp of olive oil.
Layer potato slices evenly over the crust, sprinkle with rosemary, pancetta strips, mozzarella, and grated Gouda.

Step 4: Baking

Place the pizzas onto a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.

Notes

Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly boiled potatoes and high-quality cheese enhance the flavor.
Prevent Dough from Sticking: Use semolina flour or cornmeal on your baking surface.
Crispier Crust Tip: Preheat your baking stone for 30 minutes before placing the pizza in the oven.