Potato Cheese Sticks: Crispy Homemade Snack Recipe
Introduction
Potato Cheese Sticks are a crispy, delicious homemade snack perfect for any occasion. With a crunchy exterior and gooey melted mozzarella inside, they satisfy cravings for both comfort and crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
- 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into sticks
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the peeled and cut potato sticks in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly tender but still firm. Drain and let them cool completely.
- Step 2: Set up three bowls for breading: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Coat each potato stick first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick well. Repeat until all sticks are coated.
- Step 4: Create a small slit along each coated potato stick. Insert about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella into the slit and gently seal the edges to prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
- Step 5: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and sizzling (test by dropping in a breadcrumb), carefully fry a few cheese sticks at a time for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 6: Remove the fried sticks and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Step 7: Serve warm, sprinkled with chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce like ketchup, ranch, or garlic aioli.
Tips & Variations
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- If you prefer baking over frying, bake the coated sticks at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Make sure potatoes are cooled completely before coating to help the breading stick better.
- Try different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for varied flavors.
Storage
Store leftover potato cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, russet potatoes work best for their starchy texture, but you can also use Yukon Gold for a slightly creamier result.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking during frying?
Make sure to seal the slit edges gently but firmly after stuffing the cheese. Also, avoid overstuffing and fry at the proper oil temperature to minimize leakage.
PrintPotato Cheese Sticks: Crispy Homemade Snack Recipe
These Potato Cheese Sticks are a crispy, golden, and delicious homemade snack, stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese and perfectly seasoned for a tasty treat. Ideal for parties, snacks, or an indulgent appetizer, they combine tender potato sticks with a flavorful breadcrumb crust, fried to perfection.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into sticks
Coating
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Frying
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep)
Filling and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Place the peeled and cut potato sticks into a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the potatoes are slightly tender but still firm enough to hold their shape. Drain thoroughly and let them cool completely.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three separate bowls: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Potato Sticks: Coat each potato stick first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat fully. Repeat for all sticks ensuring an even coating.
- Stuff with Cheese: Create a small slit along each coated potato stick. Insert about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella into each slit and carefully seal the edges to prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
- Fry the Cheese Sticks: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to medium-high heat, about 2 inches deep. Test the oil by dropping in a breadcrumb; it should sizzle. Fry the potato cheese sticks in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried sticks with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve Warm: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce such as ketchup, ranch, or garlic aioli for the best flavor.
Notes
- Ensure potatoes are cooled completely before coating to help the breading stick better.
- Sealing the cheese inside well helps prevent it from leaking during frying.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.
- Maintain the oil temperature to avoid greasy or undercooked sticks.
- These can be kept warm in a low oven (around 200°F) for short periods before serving.
Keywords: Potato Cheese Sticks, crispy snack, mozzarella cheese sticks, homemade appetizer, fried potato sticks, cheesy snack
