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
Scale
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
- â…” 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.
