Name: Potato Pie with Tomato and Fontina Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2½ lb Baking Potatoes; 1 oz tomatoes; 1¼ tsp salt; 4 tbsp olive oil; fresh ground black pepper; ¾ lb Fontina; 3 cloves garlic; 5 anchovy fillets; 2 tsp dried oregano; 1 cup parmesan

This recipe takes the humble potato and elevates it to new culinary heights. It combines the earthy flavors of potatoes and rich, creamy fontina with the tangy bite of tomatoes. The aromatic addition of garlic and oregano adds depth to the dish, and the salty, umami boost from anchovy fillets rounds it all off perfectly.

Photos of Potato Pie with Tomato and Fontina Recipe

The key ingredient that you might not have in your pantry is fontina. This is a creamy Italian cow's milk cheese that melts beautifully. It's worth seeking out, but if you can't find it, a good substitute would be Gruyere or a mild provolone. Anchovies are another ingredient that some people don't commonly use. These small, oily fish add a unique flavor that isn't fishy at all when cooked. They're usually sold in small tins or jars.

Ingredients for Potato Pie with Tomato and Fontina

Baking potatoes: These are the star of the show. Opt for a starchy variety like Russet potatoes which will give a fluffy texture.

Tomatoes: Fresh and ripe ones will give the best flavor. They balance the richness of the cheese and potatoes with their acidity.

Salt: An essential seasoning in any dish.

Olive oil: Used for its flavorful contribution as well as its non-stick properties.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and depth to the dish.

Fontina: A creamy, mild cheese that has an excellent melting quality.

Garlic: Lends a warm, earthy flavor.

Anchovy fillets: They provide a rich, umami flavor.

Dried oregano: Adds an aromatic, slightly bitter touch.

Parmesan: A hard, salty cheese that adds a savory note.

One reader, Drucy Harrell says:

This potato pie with tomato and fontina recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The crispy potato base with the gooey fontina and tangy tomatoes is a match made in heaven. It's a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food with a gourmet twist.

Drucy Harrell

Techniques Required for Making Potato Pie with Tomato and Fontina

How to prepare the potatoes: Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, then drain and push them through a food mill, ricer, or strainer back into the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring, until the potatoes start to stick to the pan, then stir in olive oil, salt, and pepper.

How to assemble the potato pie: Spread the potato mixture onto an oiled baking sheet, forming two 6x11-inch rectangles. Top the potato with fontina, leaving a ¼-inch border, then sprinkle with garlic, anchovies, drained tomatoes, oregano, and parmesan. Drizzle with olive oil.

How to bake the potato pie: Bake the potato pies in the lower third of the oven at 450 degrees F for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the edges are golden brown.

How To Make Potato Pie with Tomato and Fontina

Enjoy this savory potato pie that offers a delicious crust made of mashed potatoes, filled with tomatoes, fontina, and a hint of garlic and anchovies.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 50 minutes

Total: 1 hour 5 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2½lbbaking potatoes,(about 5 pieces)
1oztomatoes,(1 can)
1¼tspsalt
4tbspolive oil
fresh ground black pepper
¾lbfontina,(about 3 cups) grated
3clovesgarlic
5anchovy fillets
2tspdried oregano
1cupparmesan,grated

Instructions

Heat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Put the potatoes in a medium saucepan of salted water.
Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 20 minutes until tender.
Meanwhile, put the tomatoes in a strainer set over a medium bowl.
Toss with ¾ teaspoon of the salt and let drain for 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and push them through a food mill, ricer, or strainer back into the saucepan.
Cook over moderately low heat, stirring, for about 5 minutes until the potato starts to stick to the pan.
Stir in 2 tablespoons of the oil, the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of pepper.
Remove from the heat.
Oil a large baking sheet.
Spread the potato mixture onto the baking sheet, forming 2 6×11-inch rectangles.
Top the potato with the fontina, leaving a ¼-inch border.
Sprinkle the garlic and anchovies over the cheese.
Top with the drained tomatoes followed by the oregano and parmesan.
Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil.
Bake the potato pies in the lower third of the oven for about 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the edges are golden brown.

Nutrition

Calories: 839.61kcal
Fat: 50.39g
Saturated Fat: 24.50g
Monounsaturated Fat: 20.24g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.32g
Carbohydrates: 55.94g
Fiber: 4.36g
Sugar: 3.61g
Protein: 42.96g
Cholesterol: 128.19mg
Sodium: 1390.91mg
Calcium: 975.09mg
Potassium: 1347.64mg
Iron: 3.61mg
Vitamin A: 303.29µg
Vitamin C: 17.84mg

Helpful Technique for Perfecting Potato Pie with Tomato and Fontina

When preparing the potatoes, ensure they are thoroughly drained after boiling. Any excess water can result in a soggy potato pie. For a crispier crust, you can also pre-bake the potato base before adding the toppings. This will help to ensure that the base is fully cooked and firm before the addition of the fontina, tomatoes, and other toppings.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Savory Pie Recipe

Prep ahead: You can boil the potatoes and prepare the tomato and fontina mixture a day in advance. This will save you time on the day of cooking.

Use a food processor: Instead of pushing the potatoes through a food mill or ricer, you can use a food processor to quickly mash the potatoes.

Multi-task: While the potatoes are boiling, you can prepare the tomato and fontina mixture to make the most of your time in the kitchen.

Pre-cut ingredients: Pre-slice the fontina and garlic, and have the anchovy fillets ready to go to streamline the assembly process.

Bake in batches: If you're making multiple potato pies, consider baking them in batches to save time and ensure even cooking.

Substitute Ingredients For Potato Pie with Tomato and Fontina Recipe

baking potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes can provide a similar texture and flavor, adding a hint of sweetness to the pie.
tomatoes - Substitute with red bell peppers: Red bell peppers can offer a similar color and a slightly sweet flavor, complementing the dish well.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a similar level of salinity and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
fontina - Substitute with Gruyère: Gruyère cheese has a similar nutty flavor and melts well, making it a good substitute for fontina in the potato pie.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic, adding a unique twist to the dish.
anchovy fillets - Substitute with Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce can add a savory, umami flavor similar to anchovy fillets, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme can provide a similar earthy and slightly floral flavor, complementing the other ingredients in the recipe.
parmesan - Substitute with Pecorino Romano: Pecorino Romano cheese has a similar sharp and salty flavor, making it a suitable substitute for parmesan in this recipe.

Presenting Potato Pie with Tomato and Fontina

Elevate the plating: Arrange the potato pie slices in a circular pattern on the plate, ensuring that the layers of fontina, tomatoes, and oregano are visible. This will create an elegant and visually appealing presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley or basil over the potato pie just before serving. The vibrant green color will add a pop of freshness and enhance the overall presentation.
Incorporate a drizzle design: Use a small squeeze bottle to create a decorative drizzle of olive oil on the plate, adding a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Utilize a complementary side: Serve the potato pie with a side of mixed greens dressed in a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pie.
Add a touch of color: Place a few edible flower petals, such as pansies or nasturtiums, strategically around the plate to introduce a visually stunning and delicate element to the presentation.
Consider the plate selection: Opt for a simple, white, or neutral-toned plate to allow the vibrant colors of the dish to stand out and take center stage.
Emphasize precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate, ensuring that the presentation reflects a high level of attention to detail and culinary artistry.

Essential Tools for Making a Delicious Savory Pie

Medium saucepan: A medium-sized pot with a lid used for boiling, simmering, and cooking various ingredients.
Strainer: A kitchen tool with a perforated surface used for draining liquids from food items.
Food mill: A kitchen tool used to puree and mash soft food items, such as potatoes, by pressing them through a perforated disk.
Ricer: A kitchen utensil used to mash cooked potatoes or other vegetables into a fine, rice-like consistency.
Baking sheet: A flat, metal sheet with raised edges used for baking and roasting foods in the oven.
Food processor: A versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.

Storing and Freezing Potato Pie for Later Enjoyment

Let the potato pie cool completely before storing or freezing.
To store in the refrigerator, wrap the cooled pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the potato pie:
- Wrap the cooled pie tightly with plastic wrap, then cover it with aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container.
- Label the package with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
To reheat the frozen potato pie:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the pie from the freezer and unwrap it.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly. If the pie is thawed, reduce the reheating time accordingly.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual slices of the potato pie in the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.

How To Reheat Leftover Potato Pie

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover potato pie on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.
For a quicker reheat, use your microwave. Place a slice of the potato pie on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. The microwave method may result in a softer crust.
If you have a toaster oven, it's perfect for reheating individual slices. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a slice of the potato pie on the wire rack. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melted.
For a crispy crust, reheat the potato pie in a skillet. Place a slice in a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and the crust is crispy.
If you want to add some extra flavor, sprinkle some fresh oregano or parmesan cheese on top of the potato pie before reheating. This will give it a fresh taste and aroma.

Interesting Trivia About Potato Pie with Tomato and Fontina

Potato pie with tomato and fontina is a delicious and hearty dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It combines the creamy texture of the potatoes with the tangy flavor of the tomatoes and the rich, nutty taste of fontina cheese. This dish is a great way to use up leftover potatoes and can be easily customized with different herbs and spices. It's a perfect comfort food for a cozy night in or a special dinner with friends and family. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile and flavorful recipe!

Is Making This Savory Pie at Home Cost-Effective?

This potato pie with tomato and fontina recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Potatoes, tomatoes, and fontina are affordable ingredients, and the recipe yields a substantial amount, making it suitable for feeding a family. The dish offers a satisfying and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-20, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall Verdict: 9.

Is This Savory Pie Healthy or Unhealthy?

This potato pie recipe, while delicious, has some elements that could be considered unhealthy:

The recipe is high in calories and fat due to the generous amounts of olive oil, fontina cheese, and Parmesan cheese used
Anchovies are high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues if consumed in excess
The recipe lacks a significant source of fiber, as the potatoes are peeled and the dish contains no other vegetables or whole grains

However, there are also some positive aspects:

Potatoes are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6
Tomatoes provide lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease
Garlic has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Reduce the amount of cheese used, or opt for lower-fat varieties of fontina and Parmesan
Use less olive oil, or substitute some of it with a lower-fat alternative like chicken or vegetable broth
Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
Leave the skin on the potatoes for added fiber and nutrients
Use less salt and fewer anchovies to reduce the sodium content, and instead season with herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, or red pepper flakes for added flavor without the extra salt

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a tasty and more nutritious version of this potato pie recipe. Experiment with different ingredients and proportions to find a balance that works for your taste preferences and health goals.

Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Potato and Fontina Pie

This recipe for potato pie with tomato and fontina is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of fontina and parmesan cheese adds a rich and savory element, while the tomatoes bring a burst of freshness. The anchovies and garlic provide a depth of umami, enhancing the overall taste profile. The dish is well-balanced and visually appealing, making it a great addition to any dinner table. The preparation is straightforward, and the result is a delicious and satisfying potato pie that is sure to impress.

Enhance Your Potato Pie with Tomato and Fontina Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with a hint of garlic and olive oil.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Juicy chicken marinated in a zesty lemon herb sauce and grilled to perfection.

Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Risotto: Creamy risotto infused with the rich flavors of caramelized onions and earthy mushrooms.

Mixed Berry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette: A refreshing salad bursting with the sweetness of mixed berries and drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.

Chocolate Lava Cake with Raspberry Coulis: Indulge in a decadent chocolate lava cake oozing with molten chocolate and accompanied by a vibrant raspberry coulis.

Similar Savory Pie Recipes to Try

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: This creamy mushroom risotto is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of earthy mushrooms and creamy risotto rice makes for a satisfying meal that will leave you wanting more.

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon: This honey garlic glazed salmon is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. The sweet and savory glaze pairs perfectly with the tender and flaky salmon, creating a mouthwatering meal that the whole family will love.

Mixed Berry Cobbler: This mixed berry cobbler is a delightful dessert that is bursting with juicy berries and topped with a buttery, golden crust. It's the perfect way to showcase the fresh flavors of summer and is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Appetizers and Desserts That Complement This Savory Pie

Appetizers:

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Creamy and indulgent, this dip is perfect for sharing with friends and family. The combination of spinach, artichokes, and gooey cheese makes for a delicious appetizer that will leave everyone wanting more.

Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory stuffed mushrooms are a crowd-pleaser. Filled with a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs, they are the perfect bite-sized appetizer for any gathering.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp, with tender baked apples and a crispy oat topping. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Why trust this Potato Pie with Tomato and Fontina Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of potatoes, tomatoes, and fontina, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The use of garlic and anchovy fillets adds depth and complexity, while the parmesan contributes a rich, savory note. The careful layering of ingredients and precise instructions ensure a satisfying and delicious outcome. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the thoughtful preparation to deliver a delightful potato pie that will surely impress your taste buds.

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FAQ:

What type of potatoes should I use for this recipe?

You can use baking potatoes, such as Russet or Yukon Gold, for this recipe. These varieties have a high starch content, which helps create a creamy texture in the potato pie.

Can I substitute fontina cheese with another type of cheese?

Yes, if you can't find fontina, you can substitute it with Gruyère, provolone, or mozzarella. These cheeses will also melt well and add a delicious creaminess to the potato pie.

Is it necessary to drain the tomatoes before using them in the recipe?

Draining the tomatoes before using them helps remove excess moisture, preventing the potato pie from becoming too watery. This step ensures that the pie has a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Can I prepare the potato pie in advance and bake it later?

Yes, you can prepare the potato pie up to the point of adding the toppings, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to a day. When you're ready to bake, simply add the toppings and bake as directed.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the anchovy fillets to make this potato pie vegetarian-friendly while still enjoying the delicious flavors of the tomatoes, fontina, and potatoes.