If you have yet to meet your new favorite snack, allow me to introduce you to the irresistible Crispy Parmesan Crusted Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe. These golden sticks combine creamy mashed potatoes, smoky bacon, and melty cheddar cheese encased in a crispy, crunchy parmesan-tinged breadcrumb coating that delivers both comfort and excitement in every bite. Whether you’re entertaining friends, satisfying a craving, or simply wanting to treat yourself, this dish is a show-stopping snack that blends textures and flavors in a way that just feels like home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Crispy Parmesan Crusted Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe lies in a few simple but essential ingredients that each play a special role in flavor, texture, and color. From tender potatoes providing a hearty base, to sharp cheddar giving that perfect cheese pull, every element comes together seamlessly.
- Russet potatoes (3, cooked and cubed): Their fluffy texture is perfect for mashing and binding the mixture.
- Bacon (¼ cup, diced): Adds a smoky, salty punch and a satisfying crunch.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Brings creaminess that keeps the potato mixture moist and flavorful.
- Green onion (¼ cup, diced): Offers a fresh, mild onion bite and vibrant color.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) and pepper (½ teaspoon): Essential seasoning that heightens the overall flavor.
- Cheddar cheese (1 block, cut into ¼ inch strips): The gooey heart of each stick, sharp and melty.
- Cornstarch (⅔ cup): Helps achieve that light, crunchy outer layer.
- Panko breadcrumbs (100 g): Provides an airy crispness and beautiful golden color.
- Flour (1 cup): Works to anchor the coating and ensure it sticks perfectly.
- Egg (1, beaten): Acts as a glue for the breadcrumb coating.
- Vegetable oil (1 liter, for frying): Your choice of oil to create that perfect deep-fried crispness.
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Crusted Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Mash the Potatoes
Start by combining the cooked russet potatoes, diced bacon, green onions, sour cream, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mash everything together until mostly smooth but with a few small potato chunks left to keep a bit of texture. This mixture forms the flavorful base that encases the cheesy center.
Step 2: Cut the Cheddar Cheese
Next, slice your block of sharp cheddar cheese into strips roughly ¼ inch thick. These strips are going to turn into the gooey surprise found inside each potato stick, so uniform sizes make rolling and cooking much easier.
Step 3: Wrap Cheese in Potato Mixture
Take a spoonful of the mashed potato mixture and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a piece of cheddar in the center and carefully wrap the potato mixture all around to enclose the cheese completely. Repeat this step until you have used all the mixture and cheese, and your potato cheese sticks are ready for breading.
Step 4: Bread the Sticks
Set up a simple breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with a mix of cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs. Roll each stick in flour first, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb-cornstarch mixture. This three-step breading creates that coveted crispy crust.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat your vegetable oil to 350°F (180°C) and fry the sticks in batches. Give them about 3 minutes or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sticks and set them on paper towels to drain excess oil. A quick sprinkle of salt right away intensifies their flavor.
Step 6: Finish Baking for Extra Crunch
Finally, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the fried sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle them lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle a little more salt. Bake for around 15 minutes until they become even crispier and perfectly golden. This finishing touch ensures that the Crispy Parmesan Crusted Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe hits all the right texture notes.
How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Crusted Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the hot cheese sticks to add a pop of color and a fresh hint that balances the richness. You can also offer a light dusting of extra parmesan for that savory boost.
Side Dishes
These potato cheese sticks pair beautifully with tangy dipping sauces like a garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or classic ranch dressing. A crisp, refreshing salad or sautéed greens can help round out the snack if you want to turn it into a meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve them stuffed into sliders with a side of coleslaw for a fun twist, or arrange them on a platter with an assortment of dips for parties. You could even turn this recipe into bite-sized appetizers by making smaller sticks for easy sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover potato cheese sticks in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To preserve the texture, avoid stacking them to keep the crust crispy on the outside.
Freezing
You can freeze these sticks before frying. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually for a couple of hours, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month and cook straight from frozen with a slightly longer frying time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen fried sticks in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until crisp and warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make them soggy instead of crispy.
FAQs
Can I make the potato cheese sticks without bacon?
Absolutely! Bacon adds a lovely smoky flavor, but you can omit it for a vegetarian-friendly version or substitute with cooked mushrooms or caramelized onions for a different yet delicious twist.
What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar is the classic choice because it melts beautifully and has great flavor, but you can also experiment with mozzarella for stretchiness or a mix of cheeses for complexity.
Is it possible to bake these sticks instead of frying?
Yes! While frying gives the crispiest crust, baking at 400°F for about 15 minutes after breading still yields a crunchy outside with less oil and a slightly lighter taste.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking?
Make sure to wrap the potato mixture completely around the cheese strips without any gaps. Chilling the assembled sticks for 15-20 minutes before breading and cooking can also help them hold their shape better.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes can work, but they are softer and sweeter, so you might want to adjust seasonings accordingly. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious!
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably comforting and downright addictive about the Crispy Parmesan Crusted Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe. It’s a fun, flavorful snack that brings together crispy, creamy, smoky, and cheesy sensations in such an effortless way. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or indulging solo, I promise these sticks will quickly become a go-to favorite you want to make again and again. So roll up your sleeves, dive into this recipe, and prepare to delight every craving with each crispy, cheesy bite!
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Crispy Parmesan Crusted Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Potato Cheese Sticks are a deliciously indulgent snack combining creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, all encased in a crunchy panko and parmesan breadcrumb crust. Perfectly golden and crispy, these sticks are fried and then baked to perfection, making them a crowd-pleasing appetizer or party finger food.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- 3 russet potatoes, cooked and cubed
- ¼ cup bacon, diced
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup green onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Cheese
- 1 block cheddar cheese, cut into ¼ inch thick strips
Breading Station
- ⅔ cup cornstarch
- 100 g panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup flour
- 1 egg, beaten
Frying
- 1 liter vegetable oil (or canola/peanut oil) for frying
Baking
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Potato Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cubed russet potatoes, diced bacon, diced green onions, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Mash the mixture until mostly smooth while leaving some chunkiness for texture.
- Cut the Cheese: Slice the block of cheddar cheese into strips approximately ¼ inch thick.
- Form Potato Cheese Sticks: Take a spoonful of the mashed potato mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cheddar cheese strip in the center and wrap the potato mixture around it completely to encase the cheese. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Set up the Breading Station: Prepare three separate dishes—one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with a mixture of cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs. Roll each potato cheese stick first in flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Fry the Sticks: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (180°C). Fry the coated sticks in batches for about 3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt immediately.
- Bake for Extra Crispiness: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the fried sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle additional salt. Bake them for about 15 minutes or until they achieve a deeper golden color and extra crunch.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature is maintained at 350°F for even frying and to prevent soggy sticks.
- You can substitute cheddar with any firm melting cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella or gouda.
- For a crispier crust, make sure the sticks are well coated at the breading stage.
- These sticks can be served with dips like ranch, marinara, or a spicy aioli.
- Leftover sticks can be reheated in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
