Potato Skewers

Name: Potato Skewers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Potatoes (approximately 4) 1.8 lbs; Pancetta tesa 10.5 oz; Scamorza (provola) cheese 8.8 oz; Sage 12 leaves; Extra virgin olive oil to taste; Thyme 1 sprig; Coarse salt to taste

it de fr es br

Gluten Free

Difficulty: Very easy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Makes: 4 pieces
Cost: Low

PRESENTATION

Potato skewers are a much-loved treat in Southern Italy. They just pop up everywhere—really—at gatherings with their laid-back vibe and amazing taste. There's just something about stacking those crispy potato slices with melty scamorza cheese and salty pancetta tesa. Super tasty. These potato skewers get a quick sauté, picking up that golden color and even more flavor. Then, they take a brief trip to the oven. Italians? They enjoy them straight from the stick. No forks, just good friends and maybe a chilled drink. And the spirit of spiedini shines through in each bite. It's so so relaxed, fun, and perfect for sharing. Be it a casual dinner or laid-back party—these deliver. The cheese turns all gooey, the pancetta crisps up, and the potatoes? They soak up those smoky, tender flavors that make each bite better than the last. Really, way better.

Throughout Italy, spiedini come in lots of forms. Each region adds its twist, for sure. You’ll often find grilled potato skewers next to meat or fish versions. Sometimes there are even sweet options like fruit topped with melted chocolate for dessert. And in Southern Italy, the potato, scamorza, and pancetta combo? It's the talk of the town. Seriously good. It’s like a fancier version of potato kebabs with that special Italian flair.

Some folks swap in sausage or chicken for the pancetta, or try vegetarian versions. Thing is, this dish fits any taste. Whether you make crispy potato skewers on the grill or bake them, you end up with something moist in the center, golden on the outside, and always inviting. They really showcase the playful, informal side of Italian food—perfect when you want something tasty without fuss. No question. They capture the essence of enjoying good food with great company, bringing together that casual and convivial spirit making Italian cuisine so cherished worldwide.

How to prepare Potato Skewers

To prepare the potato skewers, first wash the potatoes, pat them dry, and then cut them into slices 0.4 inches thick 1, removing the ends. Do the same with the scamorza cheese 2 and bacon 3.

Cook the potatoes in boiling salted water for 10 minutes 4. In the meantime, sauté the bacon slices in a pan without adding any extra fat 5. Turn off the heat when they are well browned 6.

Transfer the bacon to a plate and in the same pan, sauté the potatoes, previously blanched and drained, for a few minutes on each side 7. Brown the potato slices 8 and set aside. Everything is ready to assemble the skewers 9.

Take a wooden skewer stick, insert the ingredients alternating them: potatoes, bacon, scamorza cheese, and a sage leaf 10. You will have 4 skewers. Place the skewers on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, season with thyme leaves 11, and bake in a preheated static oven at 356°F for 3-4 minutes. Serve the potato skewers hot with a drizzle of oil 12.

Storage

It is preferable to consume the skewers freshly made, but you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 1 day. We do not recommend freezing them.