Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe

Introduction

Potato cheese sticks are a delightful snack combining creamy mashed potatoes with melted cheddar cheese, wrapped in a crispy golden crust. Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a comforting appetizer, they come together quickly and satisfy any cheesy craving.

Ingredients

• 3 Russet potatoes (cooked and cubed)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ cup green onion (diced)
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup bacon (diced)
• 1 block cheddar cheese (cut into strips)
• ⅔ cup cornstarch
• 100 g panko breadcrumbs
• Flour, for coating
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 litre vegetable oil or canola oil (peanut oil is fine too)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cubed potatoes, diced bacon, diced green onions, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Mash together until mostly smooth.
2. Step 2: Cut the block of cheddar cheese into strips about ¼ inch thick.
3. Step 3: Take a spoonful of the potato mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cheddar cheese strip in the center, then wrap the potato mixture around it to form a ball.
4. Step 4: Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with a mixture of cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs.
5. Step 5: Roll each potato ball in flour, dip it in the beaten egg, then coat it thoroughly with the cornstarch and panko breadcrumb mixture.
6. Step 6: Heat the vegetable or canola oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (180°C). Carefully fry the coated sticks for about 3 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Step 7: Use a slotted spoon to remove the sticks from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Step 8 (Optional Baking): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated sticks on a lined baking sheet, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese melts and the exterior turns lightly golden.
9. Step 9: Allow the potato cheese sticks to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add garlic powder or smoked paprika to the potato mixture.
• Use different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist.
• To make these vegetarian, omit bacon or replace it with sautéed mushrooms.
• If baking, spraying or brushing the sticks with a little olive oil helps achieve a crispy texture.

Storage

Store any leftover potato cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the potato mixture in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the mashed potato mixture a day ahead. Keep it covered and refrigerated, then form and coat the sticks just before frying or baking.

What is the best cheese to use for melting?

Cheddar cheese works wonderfully, but other good melting cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack can also be used for a gooey center.

Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 126 reviews

Crispy and gooey Potato Cheese Sticks combine creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, green onions, and melted cheddar cheese, coated in a crunchy panko breadcrumb crust and fried to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these sticks offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors in every bite.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 3 Russet potatoes, cooked and cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ cup green onion, diced
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup bacon, diced
• 1 block cheddar cheese, cut into strips (about ¼ inch thick)

Coating

• Flour, for coating
• 1 egg, beaten
• ⅔ cup cornstarch
• 100 g panko breadcrumbs

For Frying

• 1 litre vegetable oil or canola oil (peanut oil can be used as an alternative)

Instructions

1. Prepare the potato mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cubed russet potatoes, diced bacon, diced green onions, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Mash the mixture together until it becomes mostly smooth with some texture remaining.
2. Cut the cheese: Slice the block of cheddar cheese into strips approximately ¼ inch thick to fit inside the potato balls.
3. Form the potato cheese sticks: Take a spoonful of the potato mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cheddar cheese strip in the center, then wrap the potato mixture around the cheese to fully encase it, forming a ball or stick shape.
4. Set up the coating stations: Prepare three separate bowls: one with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with a mixture of cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs for optimal crunch.
5. Coat the sticks: Roll each potato cheese stick first in flour, then dip in the beaten egg, and finally roll thoroughly in the cornstarch-panko breadcrumb mixture to ensure an even, crispy coating.
6. Heat the oil: Pour the vegetable or canola oil into a deep fryer or large deep pot and heat it to 350°F (180°C), suitable for frying.
7. Fry the sticks: Carefully place the coated sticks into the hot oil and fry for about 3 minutes or until they turn a golden brown color and the cheese inside begins to melt.
8. Drain excess oil: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried sticks and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
9. Optional baking step: For a baked version, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the cheese melts and the sticks turn light golden brown.
10. Cool and serve: Allow the potato cheese sticks to cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burns from hot cheese and to let the crust firm up slightly.

Notes

• You can substitute russet potatoes with Yukon Gold for a slightly creamier texture.
• For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the potato mixture.
• Ensure the oil temperature stays steady at 350°F (180°C) to avoid greasy sticks.
• These sticks can be made ahead and frozen before frying; fry directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the frying time.
• Serve with sour cream, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Keywords: Potato cheese sticks, crispy potato snacks, fried cheesy sticks, cheddar cheese appetizers, bacon potato bites