Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe
There’s just something absolutely irresistible about Potato Cheese Sticks — the way the crispy breadcrumb shell gives way to a gooey, melty cheese and potato center is pure snack magic. Whether you’re feeding a houseful of hungry kids, looking for a fun party appetizer, or searching for your next cozy comfort food, these golden sticks are your ticket to joy. Made from simple pantry staples, they’re endlessly versatile, and every bite delivers creamy, cheesy satisfaction with a hint of garlic and the perfect crunch. Get ready for a new family favorite that disappears in seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Potato Cheese Sticks is their simplicity — each ingredient plays a crucial part in delivering that crave-worthy texture and flavor. From the creamy mashed potatoes to the crisp coating, there’s nothing complicated here, just honest, delicious building blocks for your new favorite snack.
- Mashed potatoes (2 cups, prepared and cooled): The main star, providing the creamy base that holds everything together — make sure they’re cooled for best results!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Gives that signature melty, stretchy pull when you bite in.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds nutty depth and a little salty tang to round out the flavors.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): For a subtle kick of savory aromatics in every bite.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors — taste your mash first, since cheese adds salt too.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): The first layer of the breading station, helping everything stick together beautifully.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a glue in the breading process, so your coating stays crisp.
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup): The golden armor that crisps up perfectly when fried or baked.
- Oil for frying: Use something neutral and heat-safe like canola or vegetable oil for best results.
How to Make Potato Cheese Sticks
Step 1: Mix the Filling
Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl — you’ll want plenty of room. Combine the cooled mashed potatoes, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Use a big spoon or even your hands to mix until everything is seamlessly combined. The cheeses should be evenly distributed so every bite of your Potato Cheese Sticks delivers that cheesy bliss.
Step 2: Shape Into Sticks
Scoop out a heaping tablespoon of the potato mixture and gently shape it into a stick or log, about three inches long. Don’t worry about perfect edges — rustic is charming! Place each stick onto a lined baking sheet as you go. Once all the sticks are formed, refrigerate them for 30 minutes. This chilling step makes the mixture firmer and much easier to handle for coating and frying.
Step 3: Bread the Potato Cheese Sticks
Set up your breading station: one shallow bowl of flour, another with a well-beaten egg, and a third with breadcrumbs. Take each chilled stick and roll it first in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally roll in breadcrumbs to coat it completely. Gently press the crumbs in to ensure they stick well. This triple-layer is what gives Potato Cheese Sticks their signature crunch.
Step 4: Fry (or Bake!) Until Golden
Heat enough oil in a deep skillet or fryer to reach about 350°F. Fry the cheese sticks in batches, being careful not to crowd the pan. Fry them for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crunchy on all sides. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. If you’d rather bake, line your sticks on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy!
Serve your Potato Cheese Sticks straight from the pan while the centers are melty and the crust is crisp. Don’t forget the dipping sauces — anything from tangy ketchup to creamy ranch or herby sour cream is fair game!
How to Serve Potato Cheese Sticks
Garnishes
Top these golden beauties with a scattering of chopped parsley or chives right before serving. A light sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dusting of smoked paprika can also add an extra layer of flavor and make your Potato Cheese Sticks look truly irresistible.
Side Dishes
These sticks are a natural companion to fresh salads with a zingy vinaigrette, a hearty bowl of tomato soup, or even classic coleslaw. Serve them at your next party alongside other finger foods like veggie sticks and sliders, and watch them disappear before your eyes!
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your Potato Cheese Sticks in a tall glass for a snack “bouquet,” or line them up like little soldiers on a board with a rainbow of dipping sauces. For a more playful twist, skewer them individually on wooden sticks, perfect for kids (or anyone young at heart).
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have any Potato Cheese Sticks left (a rare feat!), cool them completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, though the coating may soften slightly over time.
Freezing
Potato Cheese Sticks freeze beautifully! Arrange the breaded (but un-fried) sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then pack them into a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready, fry or bake directly from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
To bring back that signature crunch, reheat Potato Cheese Sticks in a 400°F oven (or air fryer) for 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it tends to make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
You can! Just make sure they’re thick and not watery. Instant mashed potatoes should be prepared according to the package but made slightly thicker so your Potato Cheese Sticks keep their shape.
What cheeses can I substitute for mozzarella?
You can try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any good melting cheese you love. Each brings its own unique flavor, but mozzarella keeps things delightfully stretchy and neutral.
Can I bake instead of fry the Potato Cheese Sticks?
Absolutely! Bake them on a greased baking sheet at 400°F for about 15–18 minutes, flipping once halfway through. They won’t be quite as golden as fried, but they’ll still turn out crispy and delicious.
How do I keep the cheesy filling from oozing out during frying?
Chilling the shaped sticks is vital — don’t skip that step! Also, make sure the coating is solid and that the oil is fully preheated before frying. This ensures the outside crisps up quickly to seal in the cheesy center.
Are Potato Cheese Sticks gluten-free?
As written, no, but you can easily swap the flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions. Just double-check your cheese blends for any unexpected gluten content.
Final Thoughts
Potato Cheese Sticks are the kind of irresistible snack that brings big smiles to any gathering. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and are guaranteed to vanish as soon as they hit the table. Go ahead and give them a try — you’ll wonder how you ever snacked without them!
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Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 12 sticks
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Potato Cheese Sticks are a delightful snack or appetizer featuring a crispy coating and a gooey, cheesy interior. Perfect for parties or as a fun side dish.
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes:
2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared and cooled)
Cheese Mixture:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt
Breading:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 large egg, 1 cup breadcrumbs, oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix Cheesy Potato Mixture: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Shape into sticks.
- Prepare Breading Station: Set up bowls with flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Sticks: Coat each potato stick in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Fry: Fry sticks until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve hot with dipping sauce.
Notes
- For a baked version, bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.
- Enhance flavor by adding herbs like parsley or chives to the potato mixture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
