Description
These Crispy Potato Cheese Sticks are the ultimate comfort food snack, featuring a golden, crunchy exterior and a gooey, melted mozzarella center. Perfect as a party appetizer or a fun family treat, they combine the best of mashed potatoes and classic mozzarella sticks in one irresistible bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 large Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4–6 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small rectangular strips
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (for maximum crunch)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil and Mash the Potatoes: Place potato cubes in a pot of salted water and boil until fork-tender. Drain well and mash until completely smooth with no lumps.
- Create the Dough: While potatoes are warm, mix in cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until a soft, pliable dough forms. Let it cool slightly to make handling easier.
- Assemble the Sticks: Take a small portion of potato dough, flatten it in your palm, and place a mozzarella strip in the center. Carefully roll the dough around the cheese, sealing the edges completely to prevent leaking.
- Bread the Sticks: Roll each stick in a little extra cornstarch, dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with Panko breadcrumbs.
- Fry Until Golden: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the sticks in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until they reach a deep golden brown.
- Drain and Serve: Remove sticks and let them rest on a paper towel-lined plate for a minute. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with marinara or ranch.
Notes
Ensure the cheese is fully encased in the potato dough to prevent it from bursting out during frying. For a healthier version, these can be air-fried at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes. If using leftover mashed potatoes, add extra cornstarch if the mixture is too soft.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop / Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sticks
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg