Potatoes with Meatballs And Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food—Potatoes with Meatballs and Cheese! This recipe combines hearty potatoes, savory meatballs, and gooey cheese to create a meal that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or as a party appetizer, these golden-fried potato balls stuffed with cheesy meatballs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 shallot – Finely diced for a mild onion flavor.
25 g parsley – Chopped to add freshness to the meat mixture.
500 g ground meat – Use beef, pork, or a blend for added flavor.
1 egg – Acts as a binder for the meatballs.
100 g Parmesan cheese – Grated for a nutty, cheesy touch.
Salt and pepper – To taste, for seasoning.
1 slice of bread – Crumbled for texture.
150 g diced cheese – Choose a cheese that melts beautifully, like mozzarella or cheddar.
For the Potatoes:
1 kg potatoes – Peeled and mashed for the outer layer.
Salt – To season the potatoes.
4 slices of bacon – Cooked and chopped for a smoky flavor boost.
For Coating and Frying:
Flour – For the first coating layer.
Eggs – Beaten, for dipping the potato balls.
Panko breadcrumbs – For a crispy outer crust.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture
Finely chop the shallot and parsley. Add them to a bowl with the ground meat, egg, grated Parmesan, and crumbled bread.
Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper, then combine thoroughly until everything is evenly mixed.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Take a small handful of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm.
Place a cube of cheese in the center and carefully wrap the meat around it, forming a ball. Ensure the cheese is completely enclosed to prevent leaks during cooking. Repeat until all the meat mixture is used.
Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and boil them in salted water until fork-tender. Drain and mash them while still warm.
In a skillet, fry the bacon slices until crispy, then chop them into small pieces.
Mix the mashed potatoes with the chopped bacon for added flavor.
Step 4: Encase the Meatballs in Potatoes
Take a portion of the potato mixture and flatten it in your hand.
Place a meatball in the center and wrap the potato mixture around it, forming a ball. Make sure the meatball is fully encased in the potatoes.
Step 5: Coat the Potato Balls
Roll each potato ball in flour, ensuring an even coating.
Dip the ball into beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
Finally, roll the ball in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 6: Fry the Potato Balls
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the coated potato balls in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3–5 minutes.
Transfer the fried balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the crispy potato balls on a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or as they are—the cheesy, savory goodness will shine on its own!
Notes
Cheese Selection: Use a cheese that melts well, like mozzarella, cheddar, or Gouda. Avoid hard cheeses like Parmesan as they won’t create that gooey center.
Potato Consistency: Make sure the mashed potatoes are firm enough to hold their shape. If too soft, refrigerate for 15 minutes before shaping the balls.
Customize the Filling: Feel free to add herbs, spices, or even a pinch of chili flakes to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the balls in advance and refrigerate them. Fry just before serving for maximum crispiness.
Baking Alternative: For a healthier version, bake the coated potato balls at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutrition
Calories: 320
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 420mg