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If you are craving a snack that perfectly balances gooey cheese, crispy crust, and hearty potatoes, then you are in for a treat with this Crispy Parmesan Crusted Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe. These delectable bites offer a rich, savory experience where creamy cheddar cheese hides inside a crisp, golden shell infused with bacon and green onion goodness. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, party snack, or comfort food indulgence, these potato cheese sticks bring irresistible texture and flavor that is sure to impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe relies on simple, approachable ingredients that each play a vital role. From the fluffy russet potatoes to the perfectly crisp coating, every component layers flavor, texture, and color to make these sticks shine.
- Russet potatoes: The starchy base that creates the perfect mash, holding everything together with a soft, creamy texture.
- Bacon, diced: Adds a smoky, savory punch and a little crunch to the potato mixture for extra depth.
- Sour cream: Brings a tangy creaminess that enriches and lightens the potato base.
- Green onions, diced: Freshness and subtle sharpness brighten each bite.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors harmoniously.
- Cheddar cheese block: The melty, cheesy heart of each stick, cut into perfect strips for gooey goodness inside.
- Cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs: A mix that creates an extra crispy, golden crust whenever fried or baked.
- Flour: Helps the egg and breadcrumb coating stick tightly to the sticks.
- Egg, beaten: Acts as the glue for the crispy crust.
- Vegetable oil (or canola/peanut oil): Used for frying to achieve that irresistible golden crispiness.
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Crusted Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potato Mixture
In a large bowl, mix the cooked and cubed russet potatoes with the diced bacon, green onions, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Gently mash them mostly smooth but leave a few chunky bits for texture. This balance keeps your sticks delightfully fluffy on the inside with bursts of flavor.
Step 2: Cut the Cheddar Cheese
Slice the cheddar block into long strips roughly ¼ inch thick. These cheese sticks will be the melty surprise hidden inside the crispy coating, so aim for uniform pieces for even melting and easy wrapping.
Step 3: Assemble the Potato Cheese Sticks
Take a generous spoonful of the potato mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a cheese strip in the center and wrap the potato mixture completely around it, encasing the cheese so it doesn’t escape during frying or baking. Repeat until all your potato mixture and cheese strips are used up.
Step 4: Set Up the Breading Station and Coat the Sticks
Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with a mix of cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs. Roll each assembled potato cheese stick first in flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. This triple layer ensures maximum crunch and a golden finish.
Step 5: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat your oil to 350°F (180°C) in a deep pot or fryer. Fry the sticks in batches for about 3 minutes or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels, seasoning lightly with salt before serving.
Step 6: Finish with Oven Baking
For an extra crisp finish and to ensure they’re heated through, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking tray, drizzle a bit of olive oil over them, sprinkle salt, and bake for about 15 minutes until they’re golden and crunchy on every side.
How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Crusted Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or extra finely grated Parmesan over the hot sticks for a bright, fresh finish that complements their richness. A pinch of smoked paprika or a drizzle of garlic aioli can also elevate each bite with added flavor layers.
Side Dishes
These cheese sticks pair wonderfully with a tangy marinara or a cool ranch dipping sauce to contrast the crispy, cheesy texture. Serve alongside a fresh green salad or roasted veggies to balance out the indulgence and add some crisp, fresh elements to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your presentation pop by arranging the sticks in a rustic basket lined with parchment or stacking them neatly on a wooden board alongside small ramekins of various dips. For parties, try threading the sticks onto skewers or serving them in mini cones for easy, mess-free snacking!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover potato cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep their crispiness, reheat them in the oven rather than the microwave.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked, breaded sticks by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freezing until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and keep for up to one month. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat and maintain that amazing crisp, place the sticks on a wire rack over a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, which will make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar gives fantastic flavor and melt, you can experiment with mozzarella for extra stretchiness or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just make sure the cheese sticks are firm enough to hold their shape during cooking.
Is there a baked-only version?
Yes, after coating the sticks, you can skip frying and bake them directly as instructed in Step 6. This yields a slightly lighter, but still delightfully crispy snack with less oil.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so it fits perfectly in the coating mixture for crunch.
How do I get the cheese to avoid leaking out?
Ensuring a tight seal around the cheese with the potato mixture is key. Press firmly and completely cover the cheese with no gaps. Also, chilling the assembled sticks before breading helps them hold shape better during cooking.
What dipping sauce pairs best with these sticks?
Classic choices like marinara, ranch, or a garlicky aioli are fantastic companions. For a twist, try a spicy sriracha mayo or a tangy honey mustard to complement the cheesy, crispy flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe is a joyful celebration of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re sharing with family or hosting friends, these crispy, cheesy bites will bring smiles and satisfy any snack craving. So grab your potatoes and cheese, dive in, and enjoy every delightful bite of this homemade favorite!
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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
These Crispy Parmesan Crusted Potato Cheese Sticks are a delicious appetizer combining creamy mashed potatoes with crispy bacon, green onions, and gooey cheddar cheese. Each stick is coated with a crunchy panko and cornstarch crust, fried to a golden perfection, then finished in the oven for extra crispiness. Perfect for sharing or as a satisfying snack.
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
- 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
- Additional 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 but leave some chunks for texture to keep the potato sticks hearty.
- Cut the Cheese Strips: Cut the block of cheddar cheese into strips approximately ¼ inch thick, which will go inside the potato sticks as a gooey center.
- Form the Potato Cheese Sticks: Take a spoonful of the mashed potato mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a strip of cheddar cheese in the center, then wrap the potato mixture tightly around the cheese, ensuring it is fully enclosed. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used.
- Set Up Breading Station: Prepare three separate bowls or plates: one with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with a mixture of cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs combined. Roll each potato cheese stick first in flour, then dip it in the beaten egg, followed by coating it with the cornstarch and breadcrumb mixture for a crispy crust.
- Fry the Sticks: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (180°C). Carefully fry the sticks in batches for about 3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle immediately with a bit of salt for seasoning.
- Bake for Extra Crispiness: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the fried and coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle a little more salt on top. Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes or until they become extra crispy and golden brown. This step ensures the perfect crunchy texture.
Notes
- You can prepare the potato mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it for convenience.
- Ensure the oil temperature is consistent at 350°F to avoid soggy or greasy sticks.
- Use a thermometer to monitor the frying oil temperature accurately.
- For a crispier crust, make sure the sticks are well coated with the breadcrumb mixture.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add finely chopped mushrooms or smoked paprika for flavor.
- Serve these sticks hot with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, spicy mayo, or ketchup.
