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Cheesy Peri Peri Potato Melt with Mozzarella and Gouda
Cheesy Peri Peri Potato Melt brings creamy potatoes, mozzarella and Gouda together with a spicy kick. This quick potato snack makes an easy lunch or side dish.
This potato melt gets a generous topping of mozzarella and Gouda. Which cheese would you use if you were making your own version? The cheese is definitely not an afterthought here.
Why You Will Love and Enjoy This Cheesy Peri Peri Potato Melt
- If you like potatoes with plenty of creamy sauce and melted cheese, this little recipe has your name all over it. It’s quick, flexible and has just enough peri peri heat to make a humble potato much more interesting.
- Quick: You can have it on the table in about 20 minutes.
- Creamy: Mayonnaise, cream cheese and Greek yogurt make a rich, tangy sauce.
- Cheesy: Mozzarella and Gouda melt beautifully over the potatoes.
- Easy to customize: Add more chili, change the cheese or swap the herbs.
- Snack or meal: It works for a quick lunch, a satisfying snack or an easy side.
Cheesy Peri Peri Potato Melt
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1–2 servings depending on size 1x
- Category: Breakfast and Brunch
- Method: Easy Cooking
Description
These creamy potatoes are loaded with a tangy, cheesy sauce, a little chili and plenty of peri peri flavour. They’re quick enough for a snack but satisfying enough to turn into an easy little meal when you’re hungry
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 large potato, peeled, washed and cut into small cubes
- 5 T mayonnaise
- 1 T cream cheese
- 2 T Greek yogurt
- Salt, to taste
- Crushed black pepper, to taste
- 2 T finely chopped green pepper
- 1 T Nando’s hot peri peri sauce, plus extra for serving
- 1/4 tsp finely chopped chili
- 1 tsp finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Gouda cheese
- 1 T fresh coriander leaves, roughly chopped
Instructions
- In a saucepan, cover 1 large peeled, washed and cubed potato with water and bring it to a boil. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the potato cubes are tender when pierced with a fork. Don’t overcook them until they’re falling apart, because you still want some bite once they’re tossed in the sauce. Drain well and let the potatoes steam for a minute or two so they aren’t watery.
- In a bowl, stir together 5 T mayonnaise, 1 T cream cheese and 2 T Greek yogurt until smooth. Add salt to taste, crushed black pepper to taste, 2 T finely chopped green pepper, 1 T Nando’s hot peri peri sauce, 1/4 tsp finely chopped chili and 1 tsp finely chopped onion. Mix everything well.
- Add the warm drained potatoes to the creamy peri peri sauce and gently toss until every potato cube is coated. Taste before adding more salt or peri peri sauce, because the mayonnaise, cheese and sauce already bring quite a bit of flavour.
- Transfer the saucy potatoes to a microwave safe dish and spread them out so the cheese can cover the top evenly. Sprinkle over 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup grated Gouda cheese.
- Microwave on high for about 1 to 2 minutes, checking after 1 minute, until the mozzarella and Gouda are melted and bubbling around the edges. Microwave times vary, so keep an eye on it rather than letting the cheese turn rubbery.
- Sprinkle with 1 T roughly chopped fresh coriander leaves and drizzle with a little extra Nando’s hot peri peri sauce before serving. It’s best eaten while the potatoes are hot and the cheese is still beautifully melty.
Notes
Prepared, tried, and tested by Nazley
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Additional Information
- Can I use a different potato? Yes. Yukon Gold, Russet or another potato that holds its shape when boiled will work well. Cut the potato into evenly sized cubes so they cook at roughly the same rate.
- How soft should the potatoes be? They should be fork tender but not falling apart. Overcooked potatoes can become mushy when they’re tossed with the creamy sauce.
- Why should I drain the potatoes well? Extra water can thin the sauce and make the finished dish watery. After draining, let the potatoes sit for a minute or two so excess moisture can steam away.
- Can I adjust the heat? Absolutely. Reduce or leave out the 1/4 tsp chopped chili for a milder version. You can also use less Nando’s hot peri peri sauce, then add more at the table if needed.
- Can I make it hotter? Yes. Add extra peri peri sauce or a little more fresh chili. Add it gradually because the heat can build quickly when both are used together.
- Can I substitute the Greek yogurt? Sour cream can be used instead of the 2 T Greek yogurt. Plain unsweetened yogurt is another option, although Greek yogurt gives the sauce a thicker consistency.
- Can I substitute the cream cheese? Yes. Soft goat cheese can add a tangy flavour, or you can use a little extra Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce. The texture will vary slightly depending on the substitute.
- Can I use different cheese? Definitely. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Emmental or a mozzarella blend can replace the mozzarella and Gouda. Choose cheeses that melt well for the best topping.
- Can I substitute the fresh chili? A small pinch of chili flakes can replace the 1/4 tsp fresh chili. Add a little at a time and taste the sauce before adding more.
- Can I use another herb? Yes. Fresh parsley or chopped chives work well if you don’t have coriander or prefer a different flavour.
- Can I prepare it ahead? The potatoes can be cooked and the sauce mixed a few hours ahead. Refrigerate them separately where possible, then combine, top with cheese and heat when you’re ready to serve.
- How long can leftovers be stored? Keep leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave and stop once the potatoes and cheese are hot, as overheating can make the sauce separate and the cheese chewy.
- Can it be frozen? Freezing isn’t recommended. The mayonnaise and Greek yogurt based sauce may separate after thawing, while the potatoes can become soft or grainy. This dish is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short period.
- What can I serve with it? Cheesy Peri Peri Potato Melt can be served as a quick snack, light lunch or side dish. For a fuller meal, pair it with grilled chicken, fish, a simple salad or steamed vegetables.
Cheesy Peri Peri Potato Melt turns tender potatoes into a creamy, cheesy dish with a lively peri peri kick. It comes together quickly, uses familiar ingredients and delivers melted mozzarella and Gouda in every bite. It’s an easy choice when a snack or light meal needs to be satisfying without taking much time.
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