The Celata Potato

The Celata Potato is an original, tasty, and fun recipe, born as a game thanks to an initiative launched by the TV show Propaganda Live. After the viral success of Jova Eggs, the program invited its viewers to invent new recipes inspired by the iconic characters of the cast. I couldn’t resist the challenge and immediately thought of creating a dish dedicated to the journalist Paolo Celata.
Just like him, this recipe is simple but with an unexpected twist: I used julienne-cut potatoes, seasoned them well, and transformed them into a sort of crispy and stringy rösti. In the center, a heart of mozzarella melts with the heat, while on the surface, grated parmesan creates an irresistible golden crust. The result? A special potato, perfect as an appetizer, vegetarian main, or a treat for a dinner with friends.
If you too love creative recipes that are born with a smile, don’t miss The Celata Potato: it will surprise you at the first bite! Meanwhile, here are other tasty snacks

  • Difficulty: Very Easy
  • Cost: Economical
  • Preparation time: 10 Minutes
  • Portions: 2
  • Cooking methods: Oven, Electric Oven
  • Cuisine: Italian
590.67 Kcal
calories per serving
Info Close
  • Energy 590.67 (Kcal)
  • Carbohydrates 74.47 (g) of which sugars 3.06 (g)
  • Proteins 23.66 (g)
  • Fat 23.43 (g) of which saturated 11.26 (g)of which unsaturated 5.52 (g)
  • Fibers 7.74 (g)
  • Sodium 951.41 (mg)

Indicative values for a portion of 350 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.

* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov

Ingredients

  • 4 potatoes (medium/small)
  • 1 mozzarella (ball)
  • salt
  • pepper
  • thyme
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 to taste grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 drizzle extra virgin olive oil

Tools

  • 1 Springform Pan
  • 1 Grater

Preparation

  • Peel the potatoes, rinse them under running water, and grate them into julienne strips with a coarse grater. Gather them in a large bowl and season with a pinch of salt, pepper, a few thyme leaves, and two tablespoons of cornstarch. Mix thoroughly with your hands to distribute the seasoning evenly.

  • Line a baking pan with parchment paper and spread an even layer of seasoned potatoes over the base. Slice the mozzarella and place it on top of the potatoes, leaving some space from the edges to prevent leakage during baking.

  • Cover the mozzarella with another layer of potatoes, making sure to seal the edges well. Drizzle the surface with a little extra virgin olive oil and top with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Bake at 392°F (200°C) in a preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the surface is golden and crispy.

NOTES

The Celata Potato is a simple yet flavorful dish, perfect to serve as a tasty appetizer or vegetarian main course. For the best results, choose yellow-fleshed potatoes, which remain firm when cooked. Mozzarella can be replaced with scamorza or provolone for a stronger flavor. You can prepare it in advance and reheat it just before serving: it will be even more delicious! Ideal for a buffet or a casual dinner with friends.

If you liked the recipe or have any questions, feel free to comment here or on social media FacebookPinterestInstagram and X.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

  • Can I prepare the Celata Potato in advance?

    Yes, you can prepare the Celata Potato a few hours ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator, covered, and reheat it in the oven before serving. This way, it will be even more flavorful, and the texture will remain crispy outside and stringy inside.

Author image

Debora

"In Cucina con Zia Debby" is a blog featuring quick and easy recipes designed for those seeking reliable dishes, explained clearly and with accessible ingredients. From sweet to savory, the blog offers step-by-step tutorials, practical tips, and ideas for every occasion. It's perfect for those who want tried-and-tested recipes, immediate and optimized for simple and tasty everyday cooking.

Read the Blog