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Crispy Potato Cheese Sticks

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These crispy potato cheese sticks feature a golden, crunchy exterior with a gooey melted cheese center, made easily from leftover mashed potatoes. Perfect as a quick snack or appetizer, they are simple to prepare and deliciously comforting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (450 g) mashed potatoes, homemade or store-bought, not too watery
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese (mozzarella preferred, or sharp cheddar, fontina, or a combo)
  • ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • About 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well combined but still fluffy.
  2. Take about 2 tablespoons (~30 g) of the mixture and roll into sticks about 3 inches (7.5 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You should get about 12-15 sticks.
  3. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: flour, beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs. Lightly dust each stick in flour, dip in egg, then coat evenly with breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, double coat by repeating the egg and breadcrumb step.
  4. Chill the coated sticks in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to firm up.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Fry the sticks in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
  7. Serve warm, letting them rest a minute or two before eating to avoid burning from the hot cheese center.

Notes

Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F (175°C) for best results. Chill sticks before frying to prevent cheese leakage and maintain shape. Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Double coating with egg and breadcrumbs helps keep cheese inside. Air fryer can be used at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes with flipping for a lighter crunch. Freeze uncooked sticks on a tray before storing for easy frying from frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy potato cheese sticks, mashed potato snacks, cheesy potato sticks, easy appetizer, fried potato sticks, comfort food, snack recipe

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/crispy-potato-cheese-sticks-recipe-easy-homemade-gooey-melted-center/