Cheesy Accordion Potatoes

This delightful dish features thinly sliced potatoes, stuffed with creamy goat or sheep cheese, and baked to golden perfection. It's an ideal accompaniment for many main dishes, offering a blend of soft, buttery insides with a crispy outer crust. The use of fresh herbs such as thyme and marjoram elevates the flavors, providing a refreshing aroma to each bite. Butter lends a subtle richness, while the cheese melts to form a luscious, gooey layer. Not only is this dish visually appealing with its unique "accordion" look, but it also serves as a staple comfort food. The preparation might seem intricate, but it's straightforward with a bit of practice. Baked accordion potatoes are sure to impress at any gathering, acting as both a side and a highlight of your meal. Whether it's a casual family dinner or an opulent feast, this dish suits every occasion. Perfectly balanced with spices and seasonings, it is a surefire way to delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1.2 kg potatoes
• 75 g goat or sheep cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Butter for greasing the baking dish

Spices:

• Salt
• White pepper

Garnish:

• Fresh herbs for sprinkling (e.g., thyme and marjoram)

Preparation Time

Total preparation and cooking time: 70 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes, rinsing them quickly under running water, and thoroughly patting them dry with a paper towel.
2. Slice the Potatoes: Slice the potatoes thinly, but ensure not to cut all the way through. A kitchen trick is to position a spoon's handle parallel to the potato, slicing just until the knife touches the handle.
3. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 180°C (356°F) to prepare for baking.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish generously with butter to prevent the potatoes from sticking.
5. Arrange the Potatoes: Gently fan open the sliced potatoes and place them in the prepared dish. Sprinkle them generously with salt and white pepper to taste.
6. Add Butter: Cut the butter into small pieces and distribute them evenly over the potatoes. This will help them achieve a lovely crust as they bake.
7. Initial Baking: Place the potatoes in the preheated oven and bake at 160°C (320°F) for approximately 35 minutes until almost tender.
8. Grate the Cheese: While the potatoes are in the oven, grate the cheese in preparation for the next step.
9. Add Cheese: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the grated cheese over the top of the potatoes.
10. Final Baking: Return the dish to the oven for another 15 minutes until the cheese melts and forms a beautiful golden-brown crust.
11. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish with freshly chopped herbs like thyme and marjoram for added fragrance and flavor.
12. Serve Hot: For best results, serve the accordion potatoes hot, allowing everyone to enjoy the melty cheese and crispy exterior.

Tips

• Use a sharp knife for precise slicing.
• If goat or sheep cheese is unavailable, consider substitutes like mozzarella or cheddar.
• Experiment with different herbs to customize flavors to your liking.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approx. 260 per serving
• Protein: 7g
• Fats: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 36g

Variations

• For a vegan version, substitute dairy cheese with plant-based cheese and use olive oil instead of butter.
• Add garlic or onion powder for a twist in flavor.
• Try sweet potatoes for a sweeter alternative.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with grilled chicken or steak for a complete meal.
• Serve with a side salad to balance the richness of the cheese.
• Garnish with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for an added creamy touch.

Best Places

1. The Potato Place - Known for its diverse potato dishes. Location: 123 Spud Lane, Dublin, Ireland.
2. Tater Heaven - Artisanal potato creations in a cozy café setting. Location: 45 Starch Street, Portland, USA.
3. Cheesy Dreams - Gourmet potato dishes with a cheese focus. Location: 78 Gouda Avenue, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
4. Potato Paradise - Elegant restaurant offering a range of potato-based gourmet dishes. Location: 22 Hash Brown Blvd, Paris, France.
5. Accordion Delights - Specializing in accordion potato recipes. Location: 51 Slice Road, Munich, Germany.
6. Golden Crusts - Famous for its crispy potato creations. Location: 66 Crisp Way, Sydney, Australia.
7. Herb & Pot - Famed for herb-infused potato dishes. Location: 34 Fresh Rue, Montreal, Canada.
8. Cheddar & More - Cheese lovers’ paradise with varied cheesy potato dishes. Location: 91 Brie Street, Zurich, Switzerland.
9. Sliced & Diced - Offers innovative potato presentations. Location: 19 Cut Avenue, Tokyo, Japan.
10. Root to Table - Farm-to-table potato dishes with fresh ingredients. Location: 10 Growth Road, Wellington, New Zealand.