Baked potato and cheese croquettes

Potato and cheese oven balls

There are moments in life when a simple recipe becomes a true delight, and potato and cheese oven balls are exactly that kind of dish. These delicious balls are not only a fantastic choice for appetizers, but they can also be a wonderful side dish for any meal. Imagine the enticing aroma of potatoes, cheese, and herbs, all transforming into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6 balls

Ingredients
- 1 large boiled potato
- 200 g cow's telemea (or other preferred cheese)
- 130 g grated cheese (on the small grater)
- 3 tablespoons yogurt
- 1 large egg (or 2 small)
- a pinch of salt
- 1 bunch of green onion
- 1 bunch of green garlic (or 2 cloves of garlic)
- 1/4 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1/4 bunch of dill
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 tablespoons semolina
- 2 tablespoons fine breadcrumbs
- breadcrumbs and parmesan in equal amounts for coating

Preparation

1. Boil the potato: Start by peeling and cutting the large potato into small pieces, as for mashed potatoes. Boil it in a pot of salted water until it becomes soft. This will take about 15-20 minutes. Once boiled, drain it well and let it cool slightly.

2. Prepare the cheese: Meanwhile, crumble the telemea in a large bowl. Make sure it is well crumbled to easily integrate into the mixture.

3. Mix the ingredients: Add the yogurt, grated cheese, boiled and drained potato, egg, finely chopped onion and garlic, herbs, salt, flour, semolina, and breadcrumbs to the bowl with telemea. Mix all the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a homogeneous mixture, similar to dough. Don’t forget to wash your hands before working with the dough!

4. Form the balls: Take a piece of the dough and form small balls. Roll each ball in a mixture of breadcrumbs and fine parmesan for added flavor and a crispy crust.

5. Prepare the baking tray: Place the balls on a tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to bake evenly.

6. Bake the balls: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the balls for 15 minutes. Then, increase the temperature to 200 degrees Celsius and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the balls turn golden and crispy.

Chef's tip
If you prefer a quicker and less caloric version, you can fry the balls in a pan with a little oil. They will have a delicious crust, but remember to drain them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Serving
Potato and cheese balls are served warm, alongside a fresh salad or with a garlic yogurt sauce. You can also add a few slices of lemon to enhance the flavors. These balls are also perfect for parties, being a highly appreciated appetizer.

Possible variations
- Cheese: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, to achieve new flavors.
- Herbs: Add fresh dill or basil for a unique touch.
- Spices: If you like it spicy, you can add a little dried chili or paprika to the mixture.

Nutritional benefits
These balls are a good source of carbohydrates from potatoes, proteins from cheese and eggs, as well as vitamins and minerals from herbs. The combination of ingredients offers a nutritious and delicious meal, perfect for any occasion.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use sweet potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes add a sweet taste and vibrant color to the balls.
- How can I store the balls? You can keep the baked balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to regain their crispy texture.
- Can they be frozen? Yes, uncooked balls can be frozen. Place them on a tray and freeze them before transferring to a freezer bag. When you want to prepare them, let them thaw and then bake them according to the instructions.

Conclusion
Potato and cheese oven balls are a fantastic choice for any meal, being easy to prepare and extremely tasty. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or simply as a snack, these delicious balls will surely be appreciated by everyone who tastes them. Try this simple and quick recipe and enjoy an unforgettable moment in the kitchen!