Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe – Hungarian Chef Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- Cut the Cheese Strips: Slice the block of cheddar cheese into strips about ¼ inch thick, preparing them for filling the potato sticks.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
