Meat and Cottage Cheese Bacon Rolls are a savory and protein-packed dish that combines the richness of minced meats, the creaminess of cottage cheese, and the irresistible flavor of crispy bacon. This hearty meal is perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings, as the rolls are both filling and delicious. These rolls are simple to prepare but create a visually impressive dish that will wow your guests. The addition of dried dill and garlic gives the rolls a lovely aromatic touch, making them flavorful inside and out. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 300 grams minced meat (beef or pork)
- 300 grams minced chicken
- Salt, to taste
- Dried dill, to taste
- Pepper mix, to taste
- Dried garlic, to taste
- Meat seasoning, to taste
- 2 potatoes, peeled and grated
- 300 grams cottage cheese
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 20 grams dried dill
- 2 teaspoons flour
- 250 grams bacon, sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Minced Meat Mixture
- Mix the Meat: In a large bowl, combine the minced beef or pork and minced chicken. Mix well until the two types of meat are evenly distributed.
- Add Seasoning: Crack two eggs into the meat mixture, followed by the grated potatoes. Season with salt, pepper mix, dried dill, dried garlic, and your preferred meat seasoning. Use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly mix the ingredients until they form a uniform mixture.
Step 2: Prepare the Cottage Cheese Filling
- Mix the Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese, minced garlic, dried dill, and two teaspoons of flour. Mix the ingredients well until the filling becomes smooth and easy to spread.
Step 3: Assemble the Bacon Rolls
- Form Meat Rolls: Take a handful of the minced meat mixture and flatten it into a rectangular shape in your hand or on a flat surface.
- Add the Filling: Spoon a portion of the cottage cheese filling onto the flattened meat mixture and spread it evenly. Be careful not to overfill.
- Roll the Meat: Gently roll the meat up with the cottage cheese filling inside, making sure the edges are sealed properly to prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Wrap with Bacon: Once the meat is rolled, take a slice of bacon and wrap it around the meat roll. The bacon will help hold the shape and add a crispy, savory layer to the outside.
Step 4: Cook the Bacon Rolls
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake the Rolls: Place the bacon-wrapped rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the meat is cooked through. You can also finish the rolls under the broiler for a few minutes to ensure the bacon is extra crispy.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Once the rolls are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley for an extra pop of color.
Cooking Tips:
- Customize the Meat: You can use any combination of meats, such as ground turkey or lamb, depending on your taste preferences. Mixing different types of meat can enhance the texture and flavor of the dish.
- Potato Texture: Grating the potatoes finely ensures they cook evenly within the meat mixture. Make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the potatoes before adding them to the mix to avoid making the rolls too soggy.
- Extra Crispiness: For a crispier bacon layer, use thinner slices of bacon or finish the rolls under the broiler for a few minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover bacon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: These bacon rolls can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the rolls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to cook, bake from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approximate):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
FAQs:
- Can I use other types of cheese for the filling?
- Yes, you can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta, cream cheese, or even shredded mozzarella for a different texture and flavor.
- What type of bacon works best for this recipe?
- Thinly sliced bacon works best as it wraps easily around the meat rolls and crisps up nicely during baking. You can use smoked or unsmoked bacon depending on your preference.
- How do I prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking?
- Make sure to seal the edges of the meat rolls tightly before wrapping them in bacon. This will help keep the filling intact while baking.
- Can I cook the rolls in a skillet instead of baking them?
- Yes, you can cook the bacon rolls in a skillet over medium heat, but you may need to turn them frequently to ensure even cooking. Baking is recommended for a hands-off cooking method and even crispiness.
- What side dishes go well with these bacon rolls?
- These rolls pair well with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce like sour cream or a spicy mustard.
Conclusion: Meat and Cottage Cheese Bacon Rolls are a satisfying and flavorful dish that will be a hit with anyone who enjoys hearty, savory meals. The combination of minced meats, creamy cottage cheese filling, and crispy bacon creates a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. With minimal prep and cooking time, this recipe is great for busy weeknights or a special occasion. Serve it with your favorite side dishes, and you’ll have a complete meal that’s sure to please the whole family. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the deliciousness of these irresistible bacon rolls!