Cheesy Potato & Pepper Bake

Introduction

This Cheesy Potato & Pepper Bake is the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort dish that combines tender potatoes with sweet bell peppers, savory ham, and plenty of melted cheese. The crispy golden top gives way to a creamy, flavorful interior that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you need a hearty side dish, this casserole is remarkably easy to prepare yet delivers impressive results. The combination of smoky scamorza cheese and sharp Parmesan creates a complex flavor profile that elevates this humble potato dish to something truly special.

Ingredients

For the Base:

1 kg (2 lb 4 oz) potatoes
1 medium onion, chopped
2 small bell peppers (any color), diced
3 slices of ham, chopped
Salt to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

200g (7 oz) scamorza cheese (or substitute with mozzarella, provolone, or Gouda)
40g (1½ oz) Parmesan cheese, grated, plus extra for topping

For Seasoning:

½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt to taste

For the Topping:

3-4 tablespoons breadcrumbs
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
Additional grated Parmesan cheese (about 20g/¾ oz)
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preparing the Potatoes:

Wash the potatoes thoroughly. You can peel them or leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrition.
Cut the potatoes into medium-sized chunks (approximately 2 cm/¾ inch cubes).
Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt.
Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and cook for about 12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender but still hold their shape when pierced with a fork.
Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander and set aside.

Preparing the Vegetables:

While the potatoes are cooking, finely chop the onion and dice the bell peppers into small pieces.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften.
Add the diced bell peppers to the skillet along with a pinch of salt.
Cook the vegetables for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
Season the vegetable mixture with black pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano, then remove from heat.

Assembling the Dish:

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Lightly grease a baking dish (approximately 20×30 cm/8×12 inches) with olive oil.
Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs over the bottom of the baking dish.
Place half of the cooked potatoes in an even layer in the baking dish.
Spread half of the sautéed vegetable mixture over the potatoes.
Chop the ham slices into small pieces and scatter half of them over the vegetables.
Slice or grate the scamorza cheese and distribute half of it over the ham layer.
Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the scamorza.
Repeat the layers: remaining potatoes, vegetables, ham, scamorza, and Parmesan.
For the topping, combine the breadcrumbs with a bit more grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
Drizzle olive oil over the breadcrumb topping to help it brown.

Baking:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the top begins to turn golden.
For an extra crispy top, switch the oven to the grill/broiler setting for the final 5 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh herbs such as thyme, parsley, or dill if desired.

Nutritional Information and Timing

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Per Serving (approximate):

Calories: 330 kcal
Protein: 14g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Fat: 16g
Sodium: 520mg

Cooking Tips and Tricks

Potato Selection: For this recipe, use waxy potatoes such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, as they hold their shape better during boiling and baking.
Perfect Boiling: Start potatoes in cold water to ensure even cooking. Don’t overcook them – they should be just tender when pierced with a fork, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
Cheese Choices: While scamorza gives a wonderful smoky flavor, you can substitute other melting cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or fontina. For extra flavor, consider adding a bit of smoked Gouda or Gruyère.
Make It Crispy: For an extra-crispy topping, mix the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling over the dish.
Even Cooking: Allow the baking dish to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing it in the oven if you’ve assembled it in advance and refrigerated it.
Flavor Boost: For deeper flavor, add a clove of minced garlic to the onions and peppers when sautéing.
Testing Doneness: The dish is ready when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Insert a knife into the center – it should come out hot to the touch.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegetarian Version: Skip the ham and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You could also add pre-cooked lentils for protein.
Meat Alternatives: Substitute ham with bacon, pancetta, cooked ground beef, or shredded rotisserie chicken.
Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based cheese alternatives. There are several varieties that melt well and would work in this recipe.
Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a spicy paprika to give the dish some heat.
Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage can be added to the vegetable mixture for additional flavor.
Creamy Addition: For an even more indulgent dish, add ½ cup of cream or half-and-half before baking.
Potato Swap: For a twist, use sweet potatoes for half of the white potatoes for added color and nutrition.

Common FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s still cold.

My dish turned out watery. What went wrong?

This typically happens if the potatoes release too much moisture during baking. Make sure to drain the boiled potatoes thoroughly and let them cool slightly before assembling the dish. You can also sprinkle a small amount of flour over the potatoes to absorb excess moisture.

Can I freeze this potato bake?

Yes, you can freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the dish but don’t add the breadcrumb topping. Wrap well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, add the topping, and bake as directed, adding an extra 15 minutes to the baking time. If freezing after baking, allow the dish to cool completely, wrap well, and freeze. Reheat in a 350°F (180°C) oven until hot throughout.

What can I serve with this potato bake?

This hearty side dish pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted chicken, grilled steak, or fish. For a vegetarian meal, serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh tomato salad.

How do I know when the potato bake is done?

The dish is done when the top is golden brown and crispy, the edges are bubbling, and the center is hot. If you insert a knife into the center and hold it there for a few seconds, the knife should feel hot when you pull it out.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftover potato bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may result in soggy breadcrumbs.
Freezing: To freeze, cool the baked dish completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Make-Ahead Components: You can boil the potatoes and sauté the vegetables up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the dish.
Preventing Discoloration: If preparing the potatoes in advance, toss them in a little olive oil or lemon juice to prevent discoloration.
Reheating Leftovers: To refresh the crispy top when reheating leftovers, sprinkle with a bit more breadcrumbs and Parmesan, then broil for a few minutes.
Portioning: Consider making this dish in individual ramekins for easy portioning and serving. Reduce the baking time to about 15-20 minutes for smaller portions.

This Cheesy Potato & Pepper Bake is the definition of comfort food – simple to prepare, adaptable to what you have on hand, and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table. The combination of creamy potatoes, sweet peppers, savory ham, and the perfect blend of cheeses creates a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. With its golden, crispy top and molten cheesy interior, it’s sure to become a regular feature in your dinner rotation. Whether served as a hearty side dish or the star of a casual meal, this potato bake delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.