Potatoes with Meatballs and Cheese: A Comforting Delight

Indulge in this delicious and hearty recipe combining tender potatoes, savory meatballs filled with cheese, and a crisp coating that makes every bite irresistible. With easy steps and simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. Let’s dive into this warm and satisfying meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheese-Stuffed Surprise: These meatballs are filled with diced cheese, melting into gooey perfection.
Bacon-Potato Coating: Mashed potatoes mixed with crispy bacon add an extra layer of flavor to the meatballs.
Golden Crust: Rolling the potato balls in panko creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior that complements the soft filling inside.

Nutritional Benefits

Protein-Rich: This dish offers a great source of protein from ground meat, eggs, and Parmesan.
Calcium Boost: Parmesan and diced cheese contribute calcium for strong bones.
Iron Content: Ground meat and eggs provide iron, supporting good blood health.
Complex Carbs: Potatoes are rich in complex carbs, fueling energy with every bite.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 shallot, minced
25 g parsley, finely chopped
500 g ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
1 egg
100 g Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 slice of bread, crumbled
150 g diced cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)

For the Potatoes

1 kg potatoes, peeled
Salt, for boiling
4 slices bacon, cooked and diced

For Coating

Flour
2 eggs, beaten
Panko breadcrumbs

Directions

Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced shallot, chopped parsley, ground meat, egg, grated Parmesan, and crumbled bread. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Take a small portion of the mixture in your hand, flatten it, and place a cube of cheese in the center. Fold the meat mixture around the cheese, forming a meatball.
Prepare the Potatoes
- Boil the peeled potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain, mash them, and mix in the diced bacon pieces for extra flavor.
Assemble the Potato-Coated Meatballs
- Take a portion of mashed potato in your hand, flatten it, and place a meatball in the center. Wrap the potato mixture around the meatball, forming a larger ball.
Coat the Balls for Frying
- Roll each ball in flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in panko breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.
Fry to Perfection
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry each potato ball until golden brown, turning to ensure an even crust. Once done, remove and drain on a paper towel.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hot: These potato meatballs are best enjoyed fresh and hot to savor the melting cheese inside.
Pairing Options: Serve with a side of fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or a tangy dipping sauce like marinara or ranch for extra flavor.

Storage Tips

In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy exterior.
In the Freezer: You can freeze uncooked potato balls for later. Place on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Recipe Tips

Choose the Right Cheese: Opt for cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for that gooey center.
Keep the Oil Hot: Maintain an even frying temperature to ensure the potato balls turn golden without becoming greasy.
Customize the Seasoning: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or Italian herbs to the meatball mixture for extra flavor depth.

FAQs

Q: Can I bake instead of frying?
A: Yes! Place the balls on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden, flipping halfway through.

Q: What are other filling options?
A: Try filling with blue cheese for a sharp flavor or brie for a creamy texture.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Prepare the potato balls and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Conclusion: A Comfort Food Classic

Potatoes with meatballs and cheese is a recipe worth repeating, bringing together rich, cheesy meatballs with fluffy potato and bacon for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish. With an irresistibly crisp crust, these potato balls are perfect for appetizers, dinners, or special gatherings. Try this recipe to add a unique and flavorful twist to your favorite comfort foods!