Hello there! Have you ever craved a snack that combines the crispy goodness of fried treats with the irresistible cheesy pull of melted cheese?
Look no further, because I have just the perfect recipe for you – potato cheese sticks! In this blog post, I will take you on a culinary journey to discover the secret behind the delectable potato cheese sticks that will leave you craving for more.
What is potato cheese sticks?
Potato cheese sticks are a delightful snack made with a savory potato dough filled with gooey cheddar cheese strips, coated in a crispy panko breadcrumb crust, and deep-fried to golden perfection.
These cheesy delights are a popular appetizer or snack that will surely impress your family and guests with their irresistible taste and texture.
Why this recipe works?
The magic of potato cheese sticks lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The potato dough provides a soft and pillowy exterior, while the melted cheddar cheese inside adds a gooey and rich center.
The crispy panko breadcrumb coating adds a satisfying crunch that complements the savory filling. Together, these elements create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that make potato cheese sticks simply irresistible.
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What You’ll need to make this dish:
Potato Dough:
Salt & Pepper:
Enhances the overall flavor of the dish, providing a balanced seasoning.
Green Onion, Diced:
Adds a subtle onion flavor and a pop of color to the potato mixture.
Sour Cream:
Creates a creamy texture in the potato mixture, making it rich and flavorful.
Russet Potatoes:
Serve as the base of the dish, providing a starchy texture and earthy flavor.
Bacon:
Infuses a savory, smoky taste into the potato mixture, elevating its overall deliciousness.
Cheddar Cheese:
Melts beautifully in the center of the sticks, creating a gooey, cheesy filling that everyone loves.
Coating:
Cornstarch:
Helps to bind the ingredients together and creates a crispy outer coating when fried.
Panko Breadcrumbs:
Adds crunch and texture to the outer layer of the potato sticks when fried or baked.
Flour:
Used in the dredging process to help the egg stick to the potato sticks before coating with breadcrumbs.
Egg:
Acts as a binder, helping the flour and breadcrumbs adhere to the potato sticks.
Deep Frying:
Vegetable Oil or Canola, Peanut:
Used for deep frying the potato sticks, resulting in a crispy and golden exterior.
How to make potato cheese sticks?
Before we jump into the step-by-step instructions, let me give you a brief overview of the process.
Making potato cheese sticks involves preparing the potato dough, stuffing it with cheddar cheese strips, coating it in a crunchy panko breadcrumb mixture, and deep-frying until golden brown and crispy. Are you ready? Let’s get cooking!
Creating Potato Cheese Sticks:
Preparation:
Step 1. Mix Ingredients:
In a big bowl, combine the cooked and cubed russet potatoes, diced bacon, diced green onions, sour cream, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Use a potato masher or fork to mash everything together until mostly smooth. It’s okay to have some small potato chunks for texture.
Step 2. Prepare Cheese:
Cut the block of cheddar cheese into strips about ¼ inch thick.
Step 3. Form Potato Balls:
Take a spoonful of the potato mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a strip of cheddar cheese in the center and wrap the potato mixture around it, forming a ball. Make sure the cheese is fully covered by the potato mixture. Repeat until all the potato mixture is used.
Step 4. Coat the Sticks:
Set up three bowls for coating: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with a mixture of cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs. Roll each potato stick in flour, then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally coat it in the panko breadcrumb mixture.
Deep Frying:
Step 1 Heat Oil:
Pour the vegetable oil or canola oil into a deep fryer or a large pot, making sure it’s at least 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (180°C).
Step 2 Fry the Sticks:
Carefully place the coated potato sticks into the hot oil using tongs. Fry them for about 3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Step 3 Drain and Season:
Once the sticks are golden brown, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Sprinkle them lightly with salt while they’re still hot.
Baking Option:
Step 1 Preheat Oven:
If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2 Bake the Sticks:
Place the coated potato sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle them with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted in the middle and the outside is a light golden brown.
Step 3 Cool and Serve:
Let the potato cheese sticks cool for a few minutes before serving, as they will be very hot straight out of the oven or fryer. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy potato sticks as a tasty snack or appetizer!
Tips:
1. Use cold mashed potatoes for a firmer dough texture.
2. Refrigerate the stuffed potato cheese sticks for about 30 minutes before frying to prevent them from falling apart.
3. Replace cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
4. Double coat the potato cheese sticks for an extra crispy crust.
5. Experiment with different seasonings in the potato dough for a unique twist.
How to store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftover potato cheese sticks (which is a rare occurrence!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Nutrition Information:
-Carbs 7g
-Calories 65
-Fat 3g
-Sugar 0g
-Fiber 0g
-Protein 1g
How would I recommend serving potato cheese sticks?
1. Game Day Appetizer: Serve potato cheese sticks alongside other finger foods like chicken wings and sliders for the perfect game day spread.
2. Party Platter: Arrange potato cheese sticks on a platter with dipping sauces such as marinara or ranch for a party-ready snack that will disappear in minutes.
3. Family Movie Night: Make a batch of potato cheese sticks to enjoy during a cozy movie night with loved ones. They are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
4. Brunch Addition: Surprise your brunch guests with a unique addition to your spread by serving potato cheese sticks alongside eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
What alternatives can you use for the ingredients if not available?
1. Potato Dough: Substitute mashed sweet potatoes or cauliflower for a lower-carb alternative.
2. Cheddar Cheese: Try Swiss, gouda, or provolone cheese for a different flavor profile.
3. Panko Breadcrumbs: Crushed cornflakes, crushed pretzels, or crushed crackers can be used as a crunchy coating.
4. Sour Cream: Greek yogurt or cream cheese can be substituted for a tangy twist.
Equipment
- measuring cups, and spoons
- Spoons and Forks
- strainer
- Spatula
- Wooden spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Large pot
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup green onion diced
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 russet potatoes cooked and cubed
- ¼ cup bacon diced
- 1 block cheddar cheese cut into strips
- ⅔ cup cornstarch
- 100 g panko breadcrumbs
- Flour
- Egg
- 1 litre vegetable oil or canola peanut
Instructions
- In a big bowl, combine the cooked and cubed russet potatoes, diced bacon, diced green onions, sour cream, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Use a potato masher or fork to mash everything together until mostly smooth. It’s okay to have some small potato chunks for texture.
- Cut the block of cheddar cheese into strips about ¼ inch thick.
- Take a spoonful of the potato mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a strip of cheddar cheese in the center and wrap the potato mixture around it, forming a ball. Make sure the cheese is fully covered by the potato mixture. Repeat until all the potato mixture is used.
- Set up three bowls for coating: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with a mixture of cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs. Roll each potato stick in flour, then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally coat it in the panko breadcrumb mixture.
- Pour the vegetable oil or canola oil into a deep fryer or a large pot, making sure it’s at least 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (180°C).
- Carefully place the coated potato sticks into the hot oil using tongs. Fry them for about 3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Once the sticks are golden brown, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Sprinkle them lightly with salt while they’re still hot.
- If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the coated potato sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle them with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted in the middle and the outside is a light golden brown.
- Let the potato cheese sticks cool for a few minutes before serving, as they will be very hot straight out of the oven or fryer. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy potato sticks as a tasty snack or appetizer!
Notes
- Use cold mashed potatoes for a firmer dough texture.
- Refrigerate the stuffed potato cheese sticks for about 30 minutes before frying to prevent them from falling apart.
- Replace cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Double coat the potato cheese sticks for an extra crispy crust.
- Experiment with different seasonings in the potato dough for a unique twist.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I bake potato cheese sticks instead of frying them?
A1: While deep frying gives potato cheese sticks that classic crispy texture, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown for a healthier alternative.
Q2: Can I freeze unbaked potato cheese sticks?
A2: Yes, you can freeze unbaked potato cheese sticks on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the frying instructions.
Q3: Can I make potato cheese sticks in an air fryer?
A3: Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, spray the potato cheese sticks with cooking spray, and air fry in batches for about 10-12 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
Q4: Can I use pre-made mashed potatoes for this recipe?
A4: While homemade mashed potatoes are preferred for the best texture, you can use store-bought mashed potatoes in place of homemade ones for convenience.
Q5: Can I customize the fillings in potato cheese sticks?
A5: Of course! Get creative with your fillings by adding cooked ground beef, diced ham, sautéed mushrooms, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick to your potato cheese sticks.
Q6: Can I make a vegetarian version of potato cheese sticks?
A6: Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon from the potato dough and use vegetarian-friendly cheese options to make a delicious vegetarian version of potato cheese sticks.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, potato cheese sticks are a versatile and delicious snack that is sure to impress your taste buds and wow your guests.
With its crispy exterior, gooey cheese center, and savory flavors, potato cheese sticks are a must-try for anyone who loves indulgent treats. Whether you enjoy them as a game day appetizer, a party platter addition, or a family movie night snack, potato cheese sticks are bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make a batch of these irresistible potato cheese sticks that will have everyone asking for more! Happy cooking!
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more