Potato Cheese Sticks

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Golden, crispy, and oozing with melty cheese, these Potato Cheese Sticks are a snack-time dream come true. Each bite gives you a buttery crunch on the outside, followed by a creamy, cheesy, savory interior that makes it almost impossible to stop at just one. Whether you serve them as an appetizer for a dinner party or a late-night comfort snack, they disappear fast—so make extra!

This recipe is a perfect fusion of mashed potatoes and mozzarella, seasoned just right and coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust. It’s a budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing option for both kids and adults. You can even prep them ahead and freeze for a quick fry when needed. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, you’ll want to add this one to your regular snack rotation.

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What Kind of Potatoes Work Best for Cheese Sticks?

For the best texture and flavor, starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal. They mash smoothly, hold their shape well when mixed with cheese, and fry up with a crisp outer layer. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or fingerling, which can result in a gummy consistency.

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Ingredients for the Potato Cheese Sticks

Potatoes: The base of the recipe. You’ll want them boiled and mashed until smooth. This is what gives the sticks their creamy interior.

Mozzarella Cheese: For that signature cheese pull. You can use string cheese cut into sections or block mozzarella cut into sticks.

Cornstarch or Flour: Helps bind the mashed potatoes into a pliable dough that won’t fall apart during frying.

Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning your potato mixture.

Paprika or Chili Flakes (Optional): Adds a subtle heat and depth to the flavor.

Breadcrumbs: Gives the cheese sticks that golden, crunchy outer layer. Panko is great for extra crispiness.

Eggs: Used for dredging so the breadcrumbs stick perfectly to the potato sticks.

Oil for Frying: Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil that handles high heat well.

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How To Make the Potato Cheese Sticks

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel and boil your potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and mash them while still warm. Ensure there are no lumps for the smoothest texture. Let the mash cool slightly before adding other ingredients.

Step 2: Season and Bind

To the mashed potatoes, add salt, pepper, cornstarch (or flour), and optional paprika or chili flakes. Mix thoroughly until you get a pliable, dough-like consistency. This will help hold the cheese in place and form the sticks.

Step 3: Shape the Cheese Sticks

Take a small portion of the potato mixture, flatten it in your palm, and place a stick of mozzarella in the center. Wrap and shape the mixture around the cheese, forming a log shape. Ensure the cheese is fully covered to prevent leaking during frying.

Step 4: Bread the Sticks

Set up a dredging station: one bowl with beaten eggs, and one bowl with breadcrumbs. Dip each stick into the egg, then roll it in breadcrumbs until fully coated. For extra crunch, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb process for a double coating.

Step 5: Chill the Sticks

Place the breaded sticks on a tray and chill them in the freezer for 15-20 minutes. This firms them up and helps them hold their shape while frying.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the cheese sticks in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Serve the potato cheese sticks hot and melty, paired with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.

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Best Ways to Serve and Store Potato Cheese Sticks

Potato Cheese Sticks are best served immediately while they’re hot, crispy, and the cheese inside is perfectly melty. Pair them with dips like marinara, spicy ketchup, or garlic aioli to take the flavor up a notch. They make a fabulous appetizer for gatherings, a game day snack, or even a quick dinner side.

For storing, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to bring back the crispiness—the microwave will soften the coating. You can also freeze the uncooked breaded sticks and fry them straight from the freezer for convenience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure the cheese is fully sealed within the potato mixture and the sticks are properly chilled before frying. A double breadcrumb coating also helps lock everything in.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes! Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy but still delicious.

What cheese works best besides mozzarella?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack are great alternatives. Just ensure the cheese melts well and isn’t too runny.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for binding and opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Do I need to freeze them before frying?

It’s highly recommended. Freezing helps them hold shape and prevents cheese from escaping too soon while frying.

What oil should I use?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil are best because they can handle high heat and won’t affect the flavor.

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Want More Snack Ideas with a Twist?

If you can’t get enough of these crispy Potato Cheese Sticks, here are more creative snacks and sides to add to your must-try list:

• Try these ultra-flavorful Funeral Potatoes for a rich, cheesy side dish.
• For something sweet yet savory, you’ll love these Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly.
• Looking for something crunchy and herby? Go for the Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes and Veggies.
• Want a make-ahead crowd pleaser? The Bacon Egg and Hash Brown Casserole is a brunch favorite.
• Or go bite-sized and indulgent with Oreo Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls.

These recipes bring a fun and comforting twist to your table, just like these Potato Cheese Sticks.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest snack board so you can come back to it any time. You can find even more quick and cozy recipes over on my Pinterest: Life with Nina Recipes.

And I’d love to hear how your cheese sticks turned out! Did you stick with mozzarella or mix up the cheese? Did you try baking or go for the fry? Leave a comment and let’s swap snack ideas!

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