The *Danubio di patate* is a soft, savory pull-apart bread made of fluffy brioche dough, filled with ham and cheese. This Neapolitan favorite gets an extra dose of tenderness and richness thanks to mashed potatoes and milk in the dough—trust me, it’s a game-changer!
A Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion
Perfect for parties, buffets, or casual dinners, this potato Danubio lets everyone grab a warm, cheesy bite straight from the tray. It’s also great for picnics or road trips—just pack it up and enjoy!
This version is the savory twist on the classic sweet Danubio, which is often stuffed with Nutella or jam.
Ingredients for the Dough:
- 300g (2 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
- 200g (1 ½ cups) bread flour
- 250g (1 cup) boiled and peeled Melrose Armonia Gourmet potatoes (weighed after cooking)
- 10g (2 tsp) fresh yeast (or 4g dry yeast)
- 1 whole egg
- 100ml (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) warm milk
- 50ml (3 ½ tbsp) sunflower oil
- 10g (2 tsp) sugar
- 8g (1 ½ tsp) salt
For the Filling:
- 150g (5 oz) diced or chopped cooked ham
- 150g (5 oz) shredded provola, scamorza, or well-drained mozzarella
Boil and let them cool completely.
In a stand mixer (or a large bowl if kneading by hand), mix the flours with warm milk. Add the egg, yeast, and sugar. Then pour in the oil and, finally, the mashed potatoes. Knead well until you get a smooth, elastic dough that doesn’t stick to your hands. Add the salt and knead a few more minutes.
Form a dough ball, place it in a large bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 2 hours, until doubled in size.
Divide the risen dough into small portions (about 50g each). Flatten each piece slightly, place a spoonful of ham and cheese in the center, and seal it into a smooth ball.
Arrange the stuffed dough balls in a 26cm (10-inch) round baking pan lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them. Cover and let rise for another hour.
Brush the top with a mix of egg yolk and milk, then bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.Let it rest for a few minutes before serving—then pull apart and dig in!
This melt-in-your-mouth potato Danubio is guaranteed to be a hit. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, you’ll love every bite!
