Description
These Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks are a delightful appetizer or snack made with leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb coating. They are fried to golden perfection, offering a warm, cheesy, and crunchy bite that’s perfect for serving with dips like sour cream, garlic sauce, or spicy ketchup.
Ingredients
Scale
Potato Cheese Stick Mixture
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably cold or leftover)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as sharp cheddar or smoked gouda)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Coating and Frying
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- Oil for frying (enough for about 1/2 inch deep in skillet)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, flour, egg, salt, black pepper, paprika, and chopped parsley. Mix thoroughly until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Shape the Sticks: Lightly flour a clean surface and your hands. Roll the potato mixture into a log shape and cut it into sticks about 3 to 4 inches long and 1 inch wide.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll each stick in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating on all sides. Arrange the coated sticks on a tray or plate.
- Chill: Place the coated sticks in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. This chilling step helps the sticks firm up and hold their shape during frying.
- Heat the Oil: In a skillet, heat enough oil to reach about 1/2 inch deep over medium heat, preparing it for frying.
- Fry the Sticks: Fry the sticks in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried sticks with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm with sour cream, garlic dip, or spicy ketchup.
Notes
- For a lighter version, bake the sticks at 425°F (220°C) for 15 to 18 minutes until crispy.
- This recipe is a great way to use leftover mashed potatoes.
- Enhance the flavor by adding cooked bacon or caramelized onions into the potato mixture.
