Potato 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
Scale
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
