Description
Golden, crispy on the outside and irresistibly melty on the inside, these Potato Cheese Sticks are the ultimate snack or appetizer. Made with seasoned mashed potatoes wrapped around mozzarella, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried to perfection—this easy recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
2 cups mashed potatoes
1 cup mozzarella cheese (cut into sticks or use string cheese)
2 tablespoons cornstarch (or all-purpose flour)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika or chili flakes (optional)
2 large eggs (beaten)
1½ cups breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
1. Peel and boil potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and mash until smooth.
2. Let mashed potatoes cool slightly, then add salt, pepper, cornstarch, and paprika or chili flakes. Mix to form a soft dough.
3. Flatten a portion of the potato mixture in your palm, place a mozzarella stick in the center, and mold the potato around it to form a log.
4. Dip each log into beaten egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, repeat for a second layer.
5. Place the breaded sticks on a tray and freeze for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
6. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the sticks in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with dipping sauce.
Notes
For a firmer texture, freeze the shaped sticks before frying.
Double-coating in breadcrumbs ensures extra crunch and seals the cheese inside.
Air fryer or oven methods work too, but frying gives the best crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: potato cheese sticks, fried cheese sticks, cheesy snacks