Savory Pork and Potato Bites
These Savory Pork and Potato Bites are a comforting and hearty dish that has delighted generations. Inspired by a classic recipe from a vintage Better Homes and Gardens cookbook, this version substitutes traditional flavors with aromatic onion flakes, making it accessible for picky eaters. The combination of tender ground pork and freshly shredded potatoes creates deliciously moist meatballs, perfect for pairing with creamy mashed potatoes. This easy-to-make dish not only won my husband's heart but will likely have your family going back for seconds, if not thirds!
N/A
Servings
138
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
egg
1 (beaten)
milk
2 tablespoons (none)
dry breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (none)
raw potato
1 cup (shredded and peeled)
onion flakes
1 tablespoon (none)
prepared mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
ground pork
1 lb (none)
shortening
2 tablespoons (none)
chicken bouillon cube
1 (none)
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (none)
water
1 1/3 cups (divided)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten egg, milk, dry breadcrumbs, shredded raw potato, onion flakes, prepared mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
2
Add the ground pork to the mixture and combine thoroughly with your hands or a spatula until everything is evenly mixed.
3
Shape the mixture into approximately 24 meatballs, ensuring they are of uniform size for even cooking.
4
In a large skillet, heat the shortening over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the meatballs in the skillet. Cook until they are evenly browned on all sides.
5
After browning, drain any excess fat from the skillet and carefully remove the meatballs, setting them aside on a plate.
6
In the same skillet, dissolve the chicken bouillon cube in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring to combine. Return the browned meatballs to the skillet.
7
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Allow the meatballs to simmer for 20 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure all sides are cooked evenly.
8
Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet again and set aside. Reserve the drippings in the skillet.
9
In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and 1/3 cup of water until smooth. Stir the mixture into the reserved drippings in the skillet.
10
Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
11
Serve the savory meatballs with the thickened sauce drizzled on top, alongside a generous portion of mashed potatoes.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
11g
Carbs
9g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Pork and Potato Bites?
Savory Pork and Potato Bites are a comforting and hearty dish made of meatballs containing ground pork and shredded potatoes, served with a thickened gravy.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a vintage Better Homes and Gardens cookbook, modified with onion flakes to be more appealing to picky eaters.
How many meatballs does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 24 meatballs.
What is the main protein in this dish?
The main protein used in this recipe is 1 lb of ground pork.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
The potatoes should be peeled and shredded raw to yield 1 cup for the mixture.
What is the calorie count for Savory Pork and Potato Bites?
Each serving contains 138 calories.
How much fat is in a serving of these meatballs?
There are 7g of fat per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 9g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains 11g of carbohydrates.
What seasonings are used in the meatball mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with onion flakes, prepared mustard, salt, and black pepper.
How do I cook the meatballs?
Brown the meatballs in a skillet with shortening, then simmer them in a chicken bouillon broth for 20 minutes.
What kind of broth is used for simmering?
The meatballs are simmered in a broth made by dissolving one chicken bouillon cube in 1 cup of boiling water.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Whisk 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with 1/3 cup of water and stir it into the skillet drippings, cooking until thickened.
What is the total amount of water needed?
You will need a total of 1 1/3 cups of water, divided between the broth and the flour mixture.
What should I serve with Savory Pork and Potato Bites?
They are best served alongside a generous portion of creamy mashed potatoes with the sauce drizzled on top.
Do I need to use fresh onions?
This version specifically uses onion flakes to provide flavor while remaining accessible for picky eaters.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of dry breadcrumbs.
What is the purpose of the egg and milk in the recipe?
The beaten egg and milk act as binding agents to help hold the meatballs together.
How long do the meatballs need to simmer?
The meatballs should simmer on low heat for 20 minutes while covered.
Can I use a different fat for browning?
The recipe calls for shortening, but you can use an equivalent amount of oil or butter if preferred.
Are these meatballs easy to make?
Yes, the recipe is categorized as an easy, family-friendly dinner.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While a specific serving size is not listed, the nutrition is calculated based on the total yield of 24 meatballs.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The provided data indicates fiber is null, though potatoes naturally contain small amounts.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
According to the nutrition facts provided, there is no added sugar.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 13 total ingredients in this recipe.
Can I use ground beef instead of pork?
While this specific recipe uses ground pork for its flavor profile, ground beef could be used as a substitute.
Is the chicken bouillon necessary?
The chicken bouillon provides the savory base for the simmering liquid and the final gravy.
Should the potato be cooked before adding it to the meat?
No, the potato should be shredded raw and added directly to the mixing bowl.
How do I ensure the meatballs cook evenly?
Shape them into uniform sizes and turn them occasionally while they simmer.
What is the heat level for browning the meatballs?
The meatballs should be browned over medium heat in a large skillet.