These Potato Cheese Sticks are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside—just the way we like it! Made with tender potatoes and gooey cheese, they’re a treat everyone loves.
Honestly, who can resist the cheesy goodness? I can never stop at just one! Perfect as a snack or a side dish, they bring smiles to my family’s faces every time. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Look for starchy potatoes like Russet or Idaho. They mash smoothly and are perfect for this recipe. For a twist, try sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor.
Cheese: Mozzarella and cheddar blend wonderfully, but feel free to swap in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a bit of spice. Just make sure they melt well!
All-purpose flour: This helps bind everything together. If you want a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or chickpea flour instead.
Breadcrumbs: Panko offers a crispier texture, but regular breadcrumbs work too. For a healthier version, use crushed cornflakes or bake them instead of frying!
Egg: If you want to skip eggs, a mixture of mashed banana or applesauce can work as a binder. Alternatively, use a flaxseed meal (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water, let sit for a few minutes).
How Do I Make Sure My Potato Cheese Sticks Are Crispy?
Getting that crispy exterior is all about proper breading and frying technique. Start by ensuring your oil is hot enough before adding the potato sticks. If the oil is too cool, they may become soggy.
- Use a thermometer. The oil should be around 350°F (175°C).
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Let the fried sticks drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, which also helps keep them crispy.
How to Make Potato Cheese Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Mixture:
- 2 large potatoes
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Breading and Frying:
- 1 egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- Oil for frying
- Ketchup or your preferred dipping sauce (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time. You’ll spend a little time boiling and mashing the potatoes, then shaping and frying the cheese sticks. In total, you can expect to spend about 30 minutes to make a delicious snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Potatoes:
Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into chunks for faster cooking. Place them in a pot of boiling water and cook until they’re tender, about 15-20 minutes. Once they’re done, drain the water and let the potatoes cool slightly before mashing.
2. Mash and Mix:
When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, mash them in a bowl until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps! Let them cool completely before moving on. Once cooled, add the shredded mozzarella, cheddar cheese, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until well combined.
3. Shape the Sticks:
Take a portion of the cheesy potato mixture and shape it into sticks that are about 4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. Repeat this process until all the mixture is shaped into sticks. It’s fun and easy!
4. Prepare for Breading:
In a separate small bowl, beat the egg. Set up your breading station by placing the beaten egg and breadcrumbs next to each other. Dip each potato stick in the egg, then roll it in the breadcrumbs, making sure to coat it evenly. This will give them a nice crunchy texture when fried!
5. Fry the Cheese Sticks:
Heat a good amount of oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a breadcrumb in and seeing if it bubbles), carefully add the breaded potato sticks in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure they fry evenly. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain and Serve:
Once they are golden brown, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil. Serve these hot, crispy potato cheese sticks with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy your delicious snack!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix it up with different cheeses based on your preference. Pepper jack adds a nice kick, while gouda or swiss can give a creamy texture. Just make sure to stick to a similar quantity to maintain the consistency of the mixture.
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No problem! Regular breadcrumbs can be used instead; however, you might miss out on that extra crunch. To enhance the crunchy texture, you could toast regular breadcrumbs in a pan with a bit of oil before using them for breading.
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake them for a healthier option! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the breaded potato sticks on a lined baking sheet and lightly spray or brush them with oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
How to Store Leftover Potato Cheese Sticks?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to get them crispy again, as microwaving might make them soggy.
