Imagine a dish that combines the crispy comfort of golden potatoes, the savory richness of chicken, and the irresistible allure of melted cheese. These Cheesy Potato and Chicken Rolls are more than just a recipe – they’re a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will become an instant family favorite.
Originating from a creative home cook’s kitchen, this recipe is a perfect blend of comfort and creativity. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, filling the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and creating memories around the dinner table. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a hearty dinner option, these rolls are guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients: A Perfect Blend of Flavors
For the Potato Base
- Potatoes: 5 medium (approximately 750g / 1.65 lbs)
- Eggs: 3 large (150g / 5.3 oz)
- Flour: 2 tablespoons (30g / 1 oz)
- Parsley: 2 tablespoons finely chopped (10g / 0.35 oz)
- Onions: 1 medium, finely chopped (150g / 5.3 oz)
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon (2g / 0.07 oz)
- Vegetable Oil: For greasing
For the Chicken Filling
- Chicken Fillet: 1 (approximately 250g / 8.8 oz)
- Bell Peppers: 2 (approximately 200g / 7 oz)
- Garlic: 2 cloves (10g / 0.35 oz)
- Cheddar Cheese: 50g / 1.8 oz
- Mozzarella Cheese: 50g / 1.8 oz
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
For the Creamy Sauce
- Sour Cream: 3 tablespoons (45g / 1.6 oz)
- Mayonnaise: 1 tablespoon (15g / 0.5 oz)
- Garlic: 1-2 cloves, minced (5-10g / 0.2-0.35 oz)
- Dill: 1 tablespoon chopped (5g / 0.2 oz)
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes
- Begin by thoroughly rinsing the potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Carefully peel the potatoes using a sharp vegetable peeler.
- Using a box grater or food processor, grate the potatoes into fine shreds.
- Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out any excess liquid. This step is crucial for achieving crispy rolls.
Make the Potato Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes with eggs.
- Add flour, finely chopped parsley, and diced onions.
- Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Prepare the Chicken Filling
- Dice the chicken fillet into small, uniform pieces.
- Chop bell peppers into fine cubes.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté the chicken pieces with bell peppers and garlic.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook until the chicken is fully done and has a slight golden color.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Assemble the Rolls
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a baking sheet with vegetable oil or line with parchment paper.
- Divide the potato mixture into 6 equal portions.
- Flatten each potato portion into a thin, even layer.
- Place a portion of the chicken filling in the center of each flattened potato base.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar and Mozzarella cheese over the filling.
- Carefully roll up each potato base, enclosing the filling completely.
Bake the Rolls
- Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden and crispy.
- Optional: Sprinkle additional cheese during the last 15 minutes of baking for extra cheesiness.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce
- In a small mixing bowl, combine sour cream and mayonnaise.
- Add minced garlic and chopped dill.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Stir well to create a smooth, flavorful sauce.
Nutritional Information and Timing
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6 rolls
Approximate Nutritional Values per Roll:
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 15-18g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fat: 12-15g
- Fiber: 2-3g
Pro Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Potato Moisture Control: Removing excess moisture from grated potatoes is key to achieving crispy rolls. Use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out liquid.
- Cheese Selection: Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting properties and flavor.
- Filling Distribution: Ensure even distribution of chicken and cheese for consistent flavor in each bite.
- Rolling Technique: Work with slightly cooled potato mixture to make rolling easier.
- Sauce Enhancement: Let the sauce sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with mushrooms or tofu
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour or almond flour
- Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the filling
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use plant-based cheese and yogurt
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I prepare these rolls in advance? A: Yes! You can prepare the rolls and refrigerate them before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Q2: How can I make the rolls crispier? A: Ensure potatoes are well-drained and bake on a wire rack for maximum crispiness.
Q3: Can I freeze these potato and chicken rolls? A: Absolutely! Cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Q4: What can I serve with these rolls? A: They pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or as a standalone meal with the creamy dill sauce.
Q5: How do I prevent the rolls from falling apart? A: Make sure the potato mixture is well-mixed and not too wet. Chilling the mixture for 15 minutes before rolling can help with cohesion.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days
- Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 2 months
- Reheating: Best reheated in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes
- Prep Ahead: Prepare filling and potato mixture a day in advance
- Sauce Storage: Keep sauce separate and refrigerate for up to 3 days
Enjoy these delightful Cheesy Potato and Chicken Rolls – a true testament to comfort food at its finest!