Oh, potato cheese sticks — crispy on the outside, melty and cheesy inside — are the ultimate snack or party finger food! 🧀🥔✨
They’re basically mashed potatoes mixed with cheese, shaped into sticks, breaded, and fried (or baked/air-fried) until golden and irresistible.
Here’s a simple, foolproof recipe 👇
🧀 Potato Cheese Sticks
Ingredients (makes about 15–20 sticks)
- 2 large potatoes (about 1 lb / 450 g)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (or cheddar, or a mix)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, for flavor)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (or flour)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For coating:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
For frying:
- Oil for deep frying (vegetable, canola, or sunflower)
Instructions
1. Cook the potatoes
- Peel and cut potatoes into chunks.
- Boil in salted water until fork-tender (about 12–15 minutes).
- Drain well and mash until smooth — no lumps!
- Let cool slightly (warm but not hot).
2. Mix the filling
- To the mashed potatoes, add:
- Shredded mozzarella
- Parmesan (if using)
- Cornstarch
- Parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mix until it forms a soft, slightly sticky dough.
3. Shape the sticks
- Take a small handful of the mixture and shape it into stick-like logs (about finger length).
- Place on a tray and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes — this helps them hold their shape.
4. Bread the sticks
- Roll each stick in flour.
- Dip into beaten egg.
- Coat evenly with breadcrumbs.
(For extra crunch, double dip: egg → breadcrumbs again.)
5. Fry (or bake/air-fry)
- Frying: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry sticks 2–3 minutes, turning until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Baking: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Air fryer: 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, until crispy and golden.
6. Serve
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce — great options include:
- Marinara sauce
- Garlic aioli
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy mayo or ketchup
Tips
- Use cold mashed potatoes for easier shaping.
- Add chili flakes or paprika for a spicy kick.
- If you love cheese pulls, tuck a small mozzarella stick inside each potato stick before breading! 🧀🔥
Would you like me to give you a baked version with garlic butter (crispy but lighter — no frying)?
