These Pizza Baked Potatoes are basically all the best pizza flavors packed into a fluffy, crispy baked potato. I make these all the time when I’m craving comfort food but don’t want to deal with pizza dough.
They’re cheesy, saucy, and loaded with pepperoni (or vegan pepperoni if you prefer). Plus, they’re done in under an hour.
Why I Love This Recipe:
I grew up eating baked potatoes as comfort food. One day I added leftover pizza toppings—boom, Pizza Baked Potatoes were born.
It’s easy, cozy, and hits those pizza cravings without ordering out.
✅ No pizza dough needed
✅ Totally customizable: use dairy-free cheese, vegan pepperoni, or load on the veggies
✅ One of the fastest ways to feel like you’re eating pizza without the work
✅ So satisfying but surprisingly balanced

🍴 Servings + Cook Time:
Serves: 4
Cook time: 50 minutes total
🛒 What You’ll Need:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 cup marinara sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or vegan mozzarella)
- 16 pepperoni slices (or vegan pepperoni)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Olive oil (for rubbing on potatoes)
- Kosher salt (for sprinkling on potatoes)

👩🍳 Pro Tips:
- Prick the potatoes all over before baking so they don’t explode in the oven.
- Rub them with olive oil and salt for crispy skins (you’ll thank me later).
- Use a fork to fluff the inside before adding toppings—it makes everything melt in better.
- If you want it super melty, pop them back in the oven for 3-5 minutes after assembling.
- Go wild with toppings! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives work great too.
🔧 Tools You’ll Need:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Fork
- Tongs
- Small bowls for toppings
- Knife
🔄 Substitutions & Variations:
- Swap mozzarella for vegan mozzarella or cheddar.
- Use BBQ sauce instead of marinara for a fun twist.
- Skip pepperoni and load up veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Try sweet potatoes instead of russets for a sweeter spin.
⏱️ Make-Ahead Tips:
- Bake the potatoes ahead of time and refrigerate. Reheat and top when ready to eat.
- Shred your cheese and portion toppings in advance for easy assembly.
👨🍳 How to Make Pizza Baked Potatoes:
Step 1: Prep & Bake the Potatoes
Scrub potatoes clean. Prick them all over with a fork. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake at 400°F for 45-50 minutes until fork-tender.

Step 2: Slice & Fluff the Potatoes
Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Slice each one down the middle and fluff the insides with a fork to make space for the toppings.

Step 3: Add Marinara Sauce
Spoon warm marinara sauce into the fluffed potato centers. Spread evenly across the potato.

Step 4: Add Mozzarella Cheese
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese all over the marinara sauce, letting it spill into the fluffy potato.

Step 5: Add Pepperoni & Herbs
Lay 4 pepperoni slices on each potato and sprinkle with dried Italian herbs.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese (Optional but recommended)
Put the potatoes back in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Remove from the oven, let cool a minute, and serve hot.

🍽️ Leftovers & Storage Tips:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave for 2 minutes.
- Freeze baked, un-topped potatoes for up to 1 month. Add toppings fresh when reheating.
❤️ Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science):
- Baking the potato instead of microwaving gives you crispy skin and fluffy insides.
- The hot potato steams the marinara and melts the cheese evenly.
- Adding fat (olive oil and cheese) + acid (marinara sauce) = big flavor payoff.
🥗 Meal Plan Ideas:
- Lunch: Serve with a simple Caesar salad.
- Dinner: Pair with roasted broccoli and garlic bread.
- Meal Prep: Bake the potatoes ahead and add toppings when ready to eat.
🚨 Common Mistakes:
- Skipping the fork pricks—this causes steam to build up and potatoes to burst.
- Overbaking until dry—check at 45 minutes.
- Not fluffing the potato, which leaves you with a dense, flat base for toppings.
🍴 What to Serve With Pizza Baked Potatoes:
- Garlic knots or breadsticks
- Caesar salad or mixed greens
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- Fruit salad for a lighter touch
❓ FAQ:
Can I microwave the potatoes instead of baking them?
Yes, but the skin won’t be crispy. Microwave on high for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
What’s the best marinara sauce for this?
Any jarred marinara you love—Rao’s, Classico, or homemade works great.
Can I use sweet potatoes?
Yes! The flavor will be sweeter but still delicious with the pizza toppings.
How spicy is this recipe?
It’s mild, but you can use spicy pepperoni or add red pepper flakes for heat.
🥔 Ready to Try It?
These Pizza Baked Potatoes are pure comfort on a plate. If you make them, drop a comment below and tell me how they turned out—or ask any questions! Happy cooking!