Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe
Ingredients
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon pepper
– ¼ cup green onion, diced
– ½ cup sour cream
– 3 russet potatoes, cooked and cubed
– ¼ cup bacon, diced
– 1 block cheddar cheese, cut into strips
– ⅔ cup cornstarch
– 100 g panko breadcrumbs
– Flour (for coating)
– 1 egg (beaten)
– 1 liter vegetable oil (or canola/peanut oil)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Potato Mixture:
– In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cubed potatoes, diced bacon, diced green onions, sour cream, salt, and pepper.
– Mash the mixture with a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth, leaving a few small potato chunks for texture.
2. Shape the Sticks:
– Cut the cheddar cheese into ¼-inch thick strips.
– Take a spoonful of the potato mixture, flatten it in your palm, and place a cheese strip in the center.
– Wrap the potato mixture around the cheese, forming a ball or stick. Ensure the cheese is fully covered. Repeat until all the potato mixture is used.
3. Coat the Sticks:
– Prepare three bowls for coating: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with a mixture of cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs.
– Roll each potato stick in flour, dip it in the beaten egg, and then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Fry the Potato Cheese Sticks:
– Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (180°C).
– Carefully place the coated sticks into the hot oil and fry for about 3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
– Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried sticks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with salt while still hot.
5. Optional Baking Method:
– Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Place the coated potato sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
– Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the cheese melts and the outside turns golden brown.
6. Serve:
– Allow the potato cheese sticks to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as a delicious snack or appetizer!
Notes:
– Use cold mashed potatoes for a firmer texture.
– Refrigerate the shaped potato sticks for 30 minutes before frying to prevent them from falling apart.
– Experiment with different cheeses, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for variety.
– Double-coat the sticks for an extra crispy crust.
