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
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
- 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.
