Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe – Hungarian Chef Recipe

Introduction

Potato cheese sticks are a delightful Hungarian-inspired snack that combines creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese. These crispy, golden sticks are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a comforting treat any time of day.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ cup green onion, diced
• ½ cup sour cream
• 3 russet potatoes, cooked and cubed
• ¼ cup bacon, diced
• 1 block cheddar cheese, cut into strips
• ⅔ cup cornstarch
• 100 g panko breadcrumbs
• Flour (for coating)
• Egg (beaten, for coating)
• 1 litre vegetable or canola oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cubed russet potatoes, diced bacon, diced green onions, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Mash the mixture using a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth, leaving some small chunks for texture.
2. Step 2: Cut the cheddar cheese block into strips about ¼ inch thick.
3. Step 3: Take a spoonful of the potato mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a strip of cheddar cheese in the center, then wrap the potato mixture around it to form a ball, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
4. Step 4: Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with a mix of cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs. Roll each potato ball first in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Step 5: Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (180°C), ensuring it is at least 2 inches deep.
6. Step 6: Carefully place the coated potato sticks into the hot oil using tongs. Fry for about 3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
7. Step 7: Remove the sticks with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle lightly with salt while still hot.
8. Alternative Step: To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Bake for approximately 15 minutes until the cheese melts and the outside is lightly golden.
9. Step 8: Let the potato cheese sticks cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burns. Enjoy warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives into the potato mixture.
• Use smoked cheddar or a mix of cheeses for a richer taste.
• Serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, spicy mayo, or sour cream with chives.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

Storage

Store leftover potato cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may soften the coating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the potato mixture in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the potato mixture a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Shape and coat the sticks just before frying or baking for the best texture.

What can I use if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

If panko is unavailable, regular breadcrumbs can be used, though the sticks may be slightly less crispy. For extra crunch, you can crush cornflakes as a substitute.

Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe – Hungarian Chef Recipe

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4.7 from 60 reviews

These Hungarian-style Potato Cheese Sticks are crispy on the outside, with a creamy cheddar cheese center and a flavorful potato mixture infused with bacon, green onions, and sour cream. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they can be deep-fried for an extra crispy texture or baked for a lighter version.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12–15 potato cheese sticks 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potato Mixture

• 3 russet potatoes, cooked and cubed
• ¼ cup green onion, diced
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup bacon, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Coating

• Flour, for coating
• 1 egg, beaten
• ⅔ cup cornstarch
• 100 g panko breadcrumbs

Other Ingredients

• 1 block cheddar cheese, cut into ¼ inch thick strips
• 1 litre vegetable oil or canola oil (for frying)
• Salt, for sprinkling
• Olive oil (for baking option)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potato Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked cubed potatoes, diced bacon, green onions, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Mash everything together using a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth, leaving some small chunks for texture.
2. Cut the Cheese Strips: Slice the block of cheddar cheese into strips about ¼ inch thick, preparing them for filling the potato sticks.
3. Shape the Potato Cheese Sticks: Take a spoonful of the potato mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cheese strip in the center and wrap the potato mixture around it, forming a solid ball or stick shape with the cheese completely enclosed. Repeat until all mixture is used.
4. Set Up the Coating Stations: Arrange three bowls: one with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with a mixture of cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs.
5. Coat the Sticks: Roll each potato cheese stick first in flour, then dip in the beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the cornstarch and panko breadcrumb mixture.
6. Fry the Sticks: Heat the vegetable or canola oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (180°C). Carefully place the coated sticks into the hot oil using tongs and fry for about 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
7. Drain the Fried Sticks: Remove the sticks with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt while still hot.
8. Baking Option (Optional): Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the exterior is lightly golden.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the sticks to cool a few minutes before serving as they will be very hot. Enjoy your crispy and cheesy potato sticks as a snack or appetizer!

Notes

• Ensure the cheese strips are fully wrapped by the potato mixture to avoid leakage during cooking.
• For extra crispiness when frying, maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (180°C).
• The baking option offers a healthier alternative with a slightly lighter texture.
• Use fresh panko breadcrumbs for the crispiest coating.
• Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Keywords: Potato cheese sticks, Hungarian recipe, crispy potato snack, fried cheese sticks, appetizer, finger food