Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Crispy Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 24 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12-16 sticks
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These crispy Potato Cheese Sticks transform mashed russet potatoes and melted mozzarella into golden, crunchy snacks perfect for dipping or snacking. Coated lightly with cornstarch and fried to perfection, their creamy, cheesy centers contrast beautifully with the crispy exterior. Easy to make with simple ingredients and customizable seasonings, they’re an ideal way to use leftover mashed potatoes or create a comforting side dish.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 russet potatoes
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ tsp salt
  • vegetable oil, enough for deep frying (approx. 2-3 cups)

Optional Toppings

  • grated Parmesan cheese
  • chopped fresh parsley
  • flaky sea salt


Instructions

  1. Boil Potatoes: Peel and cube the russet potatoes. Place them in a large pot filled with water, ensuring the potatoes are covered by at least 1 inch. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are soft and tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the water and return the potatoes to the pot. Mash well with a potato masher until smooth. Allow the mashed potatoes to cool slightly before proceeding.
  2. Prepare Dough: To the cooled mashed potatoes, add ½ cup cornstarch, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and ½ teaspoon salt. Optionally, add pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly with a spoon, then knead by hand until a soft, pliable dough forms.
  3. Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Place each portion inside a quart-sized resealable plastic bag, press out excess air, and seal tightly. Flatten the dough evenly inside the bags by hand. Lay the bags flat and side by side (not stacked) in the freezer and chill for 30 minutes to firm up, making slicing easier.
  4. Heat Oil: While the dough chills, pour vegetable oil into a saucepan to a sufficient depth for frying and heat over medium heat to approximately 350°F (175°C). A deep fryer can also be used if available.
  5. Slice Potato Sticks: Remove the chilled dough from the freezer and discard the plastic bags. Slice the dough into ½-inch strips, then cut each strip in half to create shorter sticks.
  6. Fry Sticks: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, gently lower each potato stick into the hot oil using tongs. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per batch, or until the sticks develop a golden brown and crispy exterior. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the fried sticks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  7. Serve: Serve the Potato Cheese Sticks hot and immediately. Garnish with flaky sea salt, grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation. Enjoy while crisp.

Notes

  • Ensure the mashed potatoes are fully cooled before adding cornstarch and cheese to prevent a gummy texture.
  • Do not overcrowd the frying pan to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
  • Leftover sticks can be reheated in an air fryer or oven to restore crunch.
  • Customize with your favorite herbs or spices, such as garlic powder or smoked paprika, for extra flavor.
  • If you prefer baking, these sticks can be baked at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, but frying yields a crispier result.