Potato Cheese Sticks
Crispy on the outside and gooey with melted mozzarella cheese on the inside, these Potato Cheese Sticks are a delightful snack or appetizer. Made from tender russet potatoes coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and deep-fried to golden perfection, they offer the perfect combination of textures and flavors. Perfect for serving with your favorite dipping sauces, they’re an irresistible treat for cheese lovers and potato fans alike.
- Author: Lila
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Boiling, Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Potato Sticks
- 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into sticks
Breading
- 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
Cheese Filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Other
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Prepare the Potatoes: Place the peeled and cut potato sticks in a pot of water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are slightly tender but still firm. Drain and let them cool completely to prevent falling apart during frying.
- Set Up Breading Station: In three separate bowls, set the flour in one, the beaten eggs in another, and combine the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in the third bowl to create the flavorful coating mixture.
- Coat the Potato Sticks: For each potato stick, first coat it evenly with flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs to help the breadcrumbs stick better. Finally, press the stick gently into the breadcrumb mixture to fully coat it with seasoning and texture. Repeat this process until all sticks are coated.
- Stuff with Cheese: Using a small knife, carefully create a slit along the side of each coated potato stick. Stuff about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese into each slit. Seal the edges carefully to avoid cheese leaking out during frying.
- Fry the Cheese Sticks: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Test the oil temperature by dropping in a breadcrumb; it should sizzle immediately. Fry the sticks in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried cheese sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, ensuring they remain crispy and not greasy.
- Serve Warm: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve warm alongside your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, ranch, or garlic aioli for an irresistible appetizer.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the potatoes during boiling; they should be tender but firm to hold their shape when frying.
- Using panko breadcrumbs adds extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work well too.
- Seal the cheese well in the slit to prevent leakage during frying.
- Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower oil temperature and result in soggy sticks.
- For a baked version, preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the coated sticks on a lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Enjoy these sticks immediately for the best taste and texture as the cheese inside will be molten fresh out of the fryer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 sticks
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Potato cheese sticks, crispy potato sticks, mozzarella potato sticks, deep fried potato cheese, appetizer, snack, cheesy fries