Pesto Pizza Baked Potatoes Recipe

This Pesto Pizza Baked Potatoes recipe is a cheesy and loaded recipe, which is made with fluffy baked potatoes, marinara, and mozzarella. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about an hour and 15 minutes.

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Pesto Pizza Baked Potatoes Ingredients

All the classic flavors of pizza, loaded onto a fluffy baked potato.

• 4 medium russet potatoes (10 to 12 ounces each)
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for the potatoes
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed
• 1 1/2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup prepared pesto

How To Make Pesto Pizza Baked Potatoes

A step-by-step guide to this ultimate comfort food mashup.

1. Bake the Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Prick the potatoes all over with a fork, rub them with a little olive oil, and bake on a foil-lined baking sheet for about 1 hour, or until the insides are completely tender when pierced with a knife.
2. Make the Garlic Oil: While the potatoes are almost done, heat the 1/4 cup of olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook gently for about 2 minutes, until tender and fragrant but not browned. Remove from the heat and stir in the oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt.
3. Split and Prep the Potatoes: Remove the baked potatoes from the oven and preheat the broiler. Split the hot potatoes open lengthwise and press the ends to fluff them up. Drizzle the insides with the prepared garlic oil. Use a fork to mash and mix the oil into the fluffy potato interior.
4. Add Toppings and Broil: Top each potato with the warm marinara sauce, then sprinkle generously with the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for about 2 minutes, watching very closely, until the cheese is browned and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve: Top each hot potato with a spoonful of pesto and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

For the fluffiest potatoes and the best pizza flavor.

• How to get the fluffiest baked potatoes? The key is using a starchy Russet potato. Pricking it all over allows steam to escape, and baking it at a high temperature results in a dry, fluffy interior and a crisp skin.
• Can I make the components ahead of time? Yes, this is a great recipe for meal prep. You can bake the potatoes and make the garlic oil up to 2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble and broil just before serving for the best, meltiest result.
• How to customize your pizza toppings? Treat this just like a pizza! Before you add the cheese, you can top the marinara with mini pepperonis, cooked crumbled sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or black olives.
• What if I don’t want to use the broiler? No problem. After topping with cheese, you can simply return the potatoes to the hot 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

What To Serve With Pesto Pizza Baked Potatoes

This loaded potato is a complete meal on its own.

This hearty and satisfying dish is a full meal in one potato. It’s fantastic served with:

• A simple, crisp green salad with an Italian vinaigrette
• A side of steamed broccoli or green beans
• A glass of red wine or a cold beer

How To Store Pesto Pizza Baked Potatoes

Keeping your delicious leftovers fresh.

• Refrigerate: For the best results, it’s best to store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat the baked potato in the oven or microwave. Gently re-warm the sauces. Assemble with the cheese and broil just before serving. If reheating a fully assembled potato, use the oven or an air fryer to help re-crisp the skin.

Pesto Pizza Baked Potatoes Nutrition Facts

An estimated guide per loaded potato.

• Calories: 580 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Fat: 35 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Crispy Hasselback Potatoes Recipe
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
• Baked Mashed Potatoes with Crispy Shallots Recipe