Potato Cheese Sticks are a delectable appetizer or snack that combines the creamy richness of cheese with the crispy texture of golden-brown potatoes. Perfect for parties, game day, or a fun family snack, these sticks are easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Here’s how you can create your own Potato Cheese Sticks from scratch.
Ingredients:
For the Potato Mixture:
2 large russet potatoes (about 1 pound or 450 g)
1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
¼ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon (2.5 g) garlic powdera
½ teaspoon (2.5 g) onion powder
1 teaspoon (5 g) dried parsley (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Coating:
1 cup (100 g) all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups (200 g) panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
For Frying:
Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Cook the Potatoes:
Peel and cut the russet potatoes into chunks. Boil them in a large pot of salted water until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Mash the Potatoes:
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes until smooth. Let them cool slightly.
2. Make the Potato Mixture:
Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Form the Sticks:
Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into sticks, about 3-4 inches long and ½ inch thick. Place the formed sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Coat the Potato Sticks:
Prepare Coating Stations:
Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
Coat the Sticks:
Dredge each potato stick in the flour, ensuring it is fully coated. Dip it into the beaten eggs, then coat it thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the sticks to adhere well.
4. Fry the Potato Sticks:
Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of bread into the oil. If it sizzles and bubbles, the oil is ready.
Fry the Sticks:
Fry the coated potato sticks in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sticks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve Warm:
Serve the Potato Cheese Sticks warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch, or spicy ketchup.
Tips for Success:
Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the potato sticks in batches to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the potato sticks and freeze them before frying. To cook from frozen, fry them directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning in the potato mixture to your taste. Feel free to add herbs or spices for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Potato Cheese Sticks are a crunchy and cheesy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a crispy exterior and a gooey cheese-filled interior, these sticks are sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or enjoying them as a snack, they offer a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that are hard to resist. Enjoy these delicious Potato Cheese Sticks with your favorite dips and savor every bite!