Crispy Carbonara Spirals
Indulge in a unique twist on the classic Italian Carbonara with these delightfully crispy spiral-cut fries. This recipe combines the rustic peel of russet potatoes with the savory goodness of pancetta, finished with a generous sprinkling of rich Pecorino or Parmesan. Perfect for sharing with friends or as a decadent snack, these Crispy Carbonara Spirals are sure to impress with their texture and flavor. Whether served as a side dish or a main event, they bring the essence of traditional carbonara straight to your fingertips!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
russet potatoes
2 (peeled)
pancetta
3 ounces (cooked and diced)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
fresh black pepper
to taste (freshly cracked)
pecorino cheese or parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) to ensure even cooking.
2
Prepare the potatoes by peeling them and then using a spiralizer to create long, curly strands. For easier eating, use scissors to cut the longest strings into shorter lengths.
3
On a large baking sheet, combine the spiralized potato strands with the cooked pancetta, olive oil, and freshly cracked black pepper. Ensure that the potatoes are spread out evenly and not overcrowded; you may need two baking sheets for this.
4
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the fries are golden brown and crispy, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
5
Once baked, remove the curly fries from the oven and immediately toss them with the grated pecorino or parmesan cheese. Adjust the seasoning with more black pepper if desired, and serve hot for best flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Carbonara Spirals?
They are a unique twist on classic Italian Carbonara made with spiral-cut russet potatoes, pancetta, and Pecorino or Parmesan cheese.
What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are recommended for this recipe because they are ideal for peeling and spiralizing into crispy curls.
How many potatoes do I need?
The recipe calls for 2 russet potatoes.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Yes, the instructions specify that you should peel the potatoes before spiralizing them.
How do I create the spiral shape?
Use a spiralizer to create long, curly strands from the peeled russet potatoes.
Should I cut the long potato strands?
Yes, for easier eating, it is recommended to use scissors to cut the longest potato strings into shorter lengths.
What is the required oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) to ensure the potatoes cook evenly and become crispy.
How much pancetta is used in the recipe?
You will need 3 ounces of pancetta.
How should the pancetta be prepared?
The pancetta should be cooked and diced before being combined with the spiralized potatoes.
What type of oil is used for baking?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil to help crisp the potatoes.
How are the potatoes seasoned before baking?
The potatoes are combined with the cooked pancetta, olive oil, and freshly cracked black pepper on the baking sheet.
How should the potatoes be arranged on the baking sheet?
Ensure the potato strands are spread out evenly and not overcrowded to achieve maximum crispiness.
Can I use more than one baking sheet?
Yes, you may need two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding the potatoes.
How long do the Crispy Carbonara Spirals bake?
They should bake for approximately 30 minutes in a preheated oven.
Should I stir the fries while they are in the oven?
Yes, stir the potato strands halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking and browning.
What should the potatoes look like when finished?
The fries should be golden brown and crispy when they are ready to be removed from the oven.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
You can use either 4 tablespoons of grated Pecorino cheese or Parmesan cheese.
When do I add the cheese to the dish?
Immediately toss the curly fries with the grated cheese once they are removed from the oven while they are still hot.
Can I add extra pepper after baking?
Yes, you can adjust the seasoning with more freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
How should this dish be served?
Serve the Crispy Carbonara Spirals hot for the best flavor and texture.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is categorized under quick meals and takes less than 60 minutes to prepare and cook.
What can I serve this dish with?
It can be served as a decadent snack, a side dish, or even as the main event of a meal.
What is the flavor profile of this recipe?
It combines savory pancetta, rich cheese, and cracked black pepper to mimic the essence of traditional Italian carbonara.
Is this a good dish for sharing?
Yes, it is described as perfect for sharing with friends or as a party snack.
What type of black pepper should be used?
Freshly cracked black pepper is recommended for the most authentic flavor.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include carbonara, curly fries, pasta, potatoes, snack, comfort food, quick meals, and savory.
Does the recipe use salt?
The recipe relies on the saltiness of the pancetta and the Pecorino or Parmesan cheese rather than added salt.
Why is Pecorino cheese mentioned?
Pecorino is a traditional cheese used in carbonara, providing a sharp and salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
What is the goal of the 425 degree oven temperature?
The high heat is essential for transforming the spiralized potato strands into crispy fries.