The Story Behind This Comforting Dish
Imagine a dish that combines the earthy goodness of potatoes, the vibrant nutrition of spinach, and the irresistible allure of melted cheese. This recipe is more than just a meal – it’s a culinary hug that brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table. Inspired by rustic European comfort food, these spinach and potato cheese balls are about to become your new favorite go-to dinner.
Ingredients (US and Metric Measurements)
- 4 medium potatoes / 4 mittlere Kartoffeln (approximately 600g / 21 oz)
- 300g (10.5 oz) fresh spinach
- 2 garlic cloves / 2 Knoblauchzehen
- 30ml (2 tablespoons) olive oil
- 50g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 70g (1 cup) breadcrumbs
- 100g (3.5 oz) mozzarella cheese
- 500ml (2 cups) whole milk
- 40g (3 tablespoons) butter
- 40g (1/3 cup) all-purpose flour
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel and boil potatoes until tender
- Mash thoroughly, removing any lumps
- Prepare the Spinach:
- Wash spinach thoroughly
- Chop finely
- Sauté with minced garlic in olive oil
- Drain excess moisture
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan
- Add flour to create a roux
- Gradually whisk in milk
- Cook until sauce thickens
- Stir in Parmesan cheese
- Combine Ingredients:
- Mix mashed potatoes with sautéed spinach
- Add breadcrumbs
- Form into compact balls
- Baking:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Place potato balls in a baking dish
- Pour cheese sauce over balls
- Top with mozzarella cheese
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Pro Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Squeeze out excess water from spinach to prevent soggy balls
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform-sized potato balls
- Let the mixture cool slightly before forming balls for better texture
- For a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking
Delicious Variations and Substitutions
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes
- Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard
- Make it gluten-free by using almond flour instead of breadcrumbs
- Add crispy bacon bits for extra flavor
- Use plant-based cheese for a vegetarian version
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I prepare these in advance? A: Yes! Assemble the balls and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Are these freezer-friendly? A: Absolutely. Freeze unbaked balls for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking.
Q: Can I make this vegan? A: Substitute dairy milk with plant milk, use vegan cheese, and replace butter with olive oil.
Q: What can I serve with these potato balls? A: A light salad or roasted vegetables complement them perfectly.
Q: How do I prevent the balls from falling apart? A: Ensure potatoes are well-mashed and mix in breadcrumbs thoroughly.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days
- Reheat in the oven at 160°C (320°F) to maintain crispiness
- Not recommended to freeze after baking due to sauce separation
A delightful, nutritious dinner that brings comfort and excitement to your table – these spinach and potato cheese balls are sure to become a family favorite!
