There’s a simple Italian dish that doesn’t get as much spotlight as pizza or pasta but definitely deserves your attention—Schiacciata di Patate, or Crispy Potato Flatbread. It’s basically what happens when you take potatoes and Parmesan, add them to a simple dough, and bake them until everything’s crispy and golden. This dish is an awesome way to switch up how you serve potatoes and is surprisingly easy to make.
A Bit About Its Roots
Schiacciata means “squashed” or “flattened” in Italian, which is a pretty straightforward way to describe flatbreads or focaccias. Adding potatoes isn’t new; Italians have been throwing whatever they’ve got into dishes for ages, making simple ingredients taste incredible. This potato version probably started out of necessity, using up leftovers or feeding a lot of mouths without spending much. But the result? Pure comfort food that’s stuck around because it’s just that good.
Why It’s Worth Making
First off, it’s a nice change from the usual sides. If you’re tired of mashed, fried, or roasted potatoes, this crispy flatbread is a game-changer. Plus, it’s not that hard to make. Slice some potatoes thin, mix them into a simple batter with Parmesan, spread it out, and bake. That’s it.
The combination of crispy edges, soft potatoes, and the umami kick from the Parmesan is addictive. It’s versatile too—serve it alongside a main dish, chop it up for a snack, or even top it with some fresh veggies or a light salad for a satisfying meal.
Getting it just right might take a try or two, especially getting those potatoes thinly sliced and the batter to the perfect consistency, but the effort is minimal compared to the payoff. Imagine pulling this golden, crispy creation out of your oven and the aroma filling your kitchen. It’s rustic, it’s hearty, and it somehow manages to be both a novel and familiar comfort food all at once.
And here’s the thing about making Schiacciata di Patate—it’s not just about ending up with a delicious dish. It’s about the process, the simplicity of turning basic ingredients into something extraordinary. It’s a little bit of Italian culinary magic that you can whip up with what you’ve probably already got in your pantry and fridge.
How to Make Crispy Potato Flatbread
- Prepare the Batter: Mix all-purpose flour, cold water, grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of fine salt in a large bowl until smooth.
- Slice the Potatoes: Use a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife to slice the potatoes very thinly.
- Mix It Up: Add the potato slices to the batter, making sure each slice is well coated.
- Preheat and Prep: Get your oven heating to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper lightly brushed with olive oil.
- Spread It Out: Pour the mixture onto the tray, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Start with 20 minutes on a lower rack, then move to the middle rack for another 20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool a bit, then slice it up and serve warm.
So next time you’re looking for something a bit different to do with those potatoes, remember the Schiacciata di Patate. It’s proof that sometimes, the simplest ingredients can be transformed into something truly special. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, looking for a new favorite snack, or just want to try your hand at an Italian classic, this crispy potato flatbread won’t disappoint.
Crispy Potato Flatbread (Schiacciata di Patate)
Equipment
- Oven
- Mandolin Slicer
- Mixing bowl
- Baking Tray
Ingredients
- 5 potatoes
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese or 80 grams
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour (00 type) 200 grams
- 1 1/4 cups cold water (add more if needed) 300 grams
- Extra virgin olive oil as needed
- Fine salt as needed
- Fresh rosemary or your favorite aromatic herbs as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour (1 2/3 cups, 200 grams), cold water (1 1/4 cups, 300 grams), grated Parmesan cheese (2/3 cup, 80 grams), a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of fine salt until you get a smooth and homogeneous mixture.
- Slice the Potatoes: Thinly slice the potatoes with the help of a mandolin slicer. Carefully incorporate the sliced potatoes into the batter, mixing thoroughly until the potatoes are well coated.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), using the ventilation setting if available.
- Assemble the Flatbread: Pour and spread the potato and batter mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Ensure the mixture is spread evenly across the tray. For extra flavor, you can add a few more drizzles of extra virgin olive oil and scatter some fresh rosemary leaves (or your chosen herbs) on top.
- Bake: Initially, place the tray in the lower part of the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Then, move the tray to the middle of the oven and continue baking for another 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C) or until the flatbread becomes crispy and golden brown. Adjusting the tray's position helps achieve an evenly crispy texture throughout.
- Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then cut into desired pieces and serve hot.
- Enjoy your delicious and homemade Crispy Potato Flatbread, perfect as a unique snack or a complementary side dish!
This looks delicious. Will definitely give it a try using vegan parmesian. Thank you for the recipe!
What type of potato did you use? Looks like it might be russet (baking) or all purpose? Would yukon gold work as well? Thanks.
Perfect crisp and jummy!!!
Love it as a snack with wine or beer 😋!