If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort snack, look no further than these Potato Cheese Sticks. Crispy on the outside, irresistibly gooey and cheesy on the inside, they’re the kind of treat that disappears as fast as you can serve them. Whether you’re using up leftover mashed potatoes or whipping up a fresh batch just for this recipe, these sticks are sure to be a runaway hit at any gathering, family movie night, or simply as a cozy snack to enjoy yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Potato Cheese Sticks lies in their simple yet brilliant combination of everyday ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to bring the right flavor, texture, and crunch, making every bite a little celebration of comfort food at its best.
- Mashed potatoes (2 cups): Cold mashed potatoes work best, as they hold their shape and help bind everything together.
- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully for that stretchy, cheesy interior everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a punch of savory flavor and a hint of nuttiness.
- Chopped green onions or parsley (2 tablespoons): Brings a pop of color and a fresh, herby lift.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a subtle garlicky kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the delicious flavors in every bite.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and depth.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Helps the sticks hold their shape before breading.
- Egg (1, beaten): Acts as the glue that keeps the breadcrumb coating in place.
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup, plain or seasoned): Creates that irresistible golden, crispy crust.
- Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for frying up perfectly crunchy Potato Cheese Sticks.
How to Make Potato Cheese Sticks
Step 1: Mix the Filling
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and combining the mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, Parmesan, green onions or parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until you have a well-mixed, cohesive mixture. This is where the magic begins, as all the savory flavors and gooey cheese come together with the creamy potatoes.
Step 2: Shape into Sticks
With clean hands or a spoon, scoop out portions of the potato mixture and shape them into stick-like logs, about 3 inches long. Place each stick on a tray or plate. This step is where you can get a little creative with the size and shape, but keeping them uniform helps them cook evenly.
Step 3: Chill to Firm Up
Pop the tray of shaped Potato Cheese Sticks into the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. Chilling helps them firm up, making them much easier to handle and bread later. If you’re in a hurry, even a quick 10-minute chill helps, but longer is better for the best results.
Step 4: Set Up the Breading Station
While the sticks are chilling, set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs. This classic breading process is the secret to that irresistible crunch on the outside, while keeping the inside creamy and cheesy.
Step 5: Bread the Sticks
Take each chilled potato stick and roll it gently in flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it thoroughly in breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs in gently to make sure they stick and form a protective, crispy shell. This triple-coating ensures your Potato Cheese Sticks fry up golden and crisp.
Step 6: Fry Until Golden
Heat about an inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test with a breadcrumb — it should sizzle), add the sticks in batches, being careful not to crowd the pan. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning with tongs, until they’re beautifully golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot for maximum gooeyness!
How to Serve Potato Cheese Sticks
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Potato Cheese Sticks with a little extra chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh finish. Add a light dusting of grated Parmesan for a savory boost, or even a pinch of smoked paprika for a pop of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
These sticks are fantastic on their own, but they also shine alongside a crisp green salad, a bowl of tomato soup, or a platter of fresh-cut veggies. For a true party platter, serve them with a variety of dipping sauces like cool ranch, tangy marinara, or creamy sour cream for dipping delight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Potato Cheese Sticks in a tall glass or mug, like cheesy fries, or arrange them in a starburst pattern on a platter. Stack them Jenga-style for a playful appetizer tower, or skewer them on toothpicks for easy party bites. However you serve, they’ll be the first thing to disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers, allow the Potato Cheese Sticks to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty for up to three days, making them a perfect snack to reheat and enjoy later.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooled sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep for up to a month, making them a great make-ahead option for parties or busy weeks.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Potato Cheese Sticks in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until hot and crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose some of that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in Potato Cheese Sticks?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match cheeses based on what you have or your flavor preferences. Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack can all work beautifully in this recipe.
Are Potato Cheese Sticks gluten-free?
As written, this recipe uses all-purpose flour and regular breadcrumbs, which contain gluten. To make them gluten-free, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs — they’ll turn out just as delicious!
Can I bake or air fry instead of frying?
Yes, you can easily bake them at 425°F (220°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway, or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. Both methods yield a crispy outside without the mess of frying.
How do I keep Potato Cheese Sticks from falling apart while frying?
Chilling the shaped sticks before breading and frying helps them hold together. Also, be gentle when flipping and avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent breaking.
What’s the best dipping sauce for Potato Cheese Sticks?
You can’t go wrong with classic marinara, ranch, or sour cream, but don’t be afraid to try spicy ketchup, chipotle mayo, or even a creamy blue cheese dip for extra flavor excitement!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a snack that’s as easy to love as it is to make, Potato Cheese Sticks are your new best friend. They’re crispy, cheesy, and endlessly customizable — perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Give them a try, and get ready to watch them disappear faster than you can say “more, please!”
Print
Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16–18 sticks
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, cheesy Potato Cheese Sticks are a delightful appetizer or snack made from creamy mashed potatoes combined with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then coated in breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a kid-friendly treat, these sticks offer a satisfying crunch with a gooey, flavorful center.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably cold)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Coating Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
Other
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, Parmesan, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape the Sticks: Scoop out portions of the mixture and shape them into stick-like logs, about 3 inches long. Place the sticks on a tray and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to firm up, which helps them hold their shape during frying.
- Set up Breading Station: Arrange three bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs. This setup ensures an even coating on the sticks.
- Bread the Sticks: Dip each potato stick first in the flour, then in the beaten egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well for a crispy crust.
- Fry the Sticks: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat until hot. Fry the sticks in batches, cooking each side for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried sticks and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot with your choice of dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or sour cream.
Notes
- You can alternatively bake the sticks at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through for a healthier option.
- Using an air fryer, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes to achieve crispiness without deep frying.
- Leftover mashed potatoes make perfect prep for this recipe, reducing waste and saving time.
- For extra flavor, add cooked, crumbled bacon to the mixture before shaping the sticks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sticks
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 270 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
