Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe
Crispy and cheesy Potato Cheese Sticks are a delightful snack made with mashed russet potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and a crunchy panko breadcrumb coating. Perfect as an appetizer or party treat, these golden sticks can be deep-fried for extra crispiness or baked for a healthier alternative.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16-20 potato cheese sticks 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Potato Mixture
- 3 russet potatoes, cooked and cubed
- ¼ cup green onion, diced
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Cheese
- 1 block cheddar cheese, cut into ¼ inch thick strips
Coating
- Flour (for dredging, quantity as needed)
- 1 egg, beaten
- ⅔ cup cornstarch
- 100 g panko breadcrumbs
Oil for Frying
- 1 litre vegetable oil or canola oil or peanut oil
- Prepare the Potato Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cubed russet potatoes, diced green onions, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Using a potato masher or fork, mash the mixture until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky for texture.
- Cut the Cheese Strips: Cut the block of cheddar cheese into strips about ¼ inch thick, preparing them to be wrapped in the potato mixture.
- Form Potato Cheese Balls: Take a spoonful of the mashed potato mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cheddar cheese strip in the center, then wrap the potato mixture around it fully, forming a ball. Repeat with all the mixture.
- Prepare Coating Stations: Arrange three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with a mixture of cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs combined. Roll each potato ball first in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the panko-cornstarch mixture.
- Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot, ensuring at least 2 inches depth. Heat the oil to 350°F (180°C) for frying.
- Fry the Cheese Sticks: Carefully place the coated potato sticks into the hot oil using tongs. Fry for about 3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Drain and Season: Remove the fried sticks with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt while still hot.
- Optional Baking Method: To bake instead of fry, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle lightly with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake for about 15 minutes until cheese is melted and outside is lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the potato cheese sticks to cool for a few minutes before serving, as they will be hot. Enjoy these crispy, cheesy sticks as a delicious snack or appetizer!
Notes
- Ensure cheese strips are fully covered by the potato mixture to prevent cheese leakage during frying or baking.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for even frying and crispy texture.
- For a healthier option, baking is recommended though frying provides a crispier outer coating.
- Customize seasoning by adding herbs or spices to the potato mixture for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately for best texture and taste.
Keywords: Potato Cheese Sticks, crispy potato snacks, fried cheesy sticks, appetizer, panko coated cheese sticks