Description
These melt-in-your-mouth potato cheese sticks are a delightful snack perfect for any occasion. Crispy on the outside and creamy inside, they combine fluffy russet potatoes, crispy bacon, fresh green onions, and melted cheddar cheese for a savory treat. You can deep fry them for a golden, crunchy coating or bake them for a healthier alternative. Serve warm for the best cheesy experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Potato Mixture
- 3 medium russet potatoes, cooked and cubed
- 0.25 cup diced bacon
- 0.25 cup diced green onion
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon pepper
Coating
- Flour, as needed for dusting
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 0.67 cup cornstarch
- 100 grams panko breadcrumbs
Cheese
- Cheddar cheese block, cut into ¼ inch thick strips
Cooking Oils
- 1 litre vegetable or canola oil for deep frying
- Olive oil, as needed for baking
Instructions
- Prepare Potato Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cubed russet potatoes, diced bacon, diced green onions, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the mixture until mostly smooth but still with some small chunks for texture.
- Cut Cheese Strips: Slice the block of cheddar cheese into strips about ¼ inch thick, which will be used as the filling inside the potato sticks.
- Form Potato Balls: Take a spoonful of the potato mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cheese strip in the center and carefully wrap the potato mixture around it, shaping it into a ball to encase the cheese completely.
- Set Up Breading Stations: Prepare three separate bowls: one with flour for dusting, one with the beaten egg, and one with a mixture of cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs for the crunchy coating.
- Coat Potato Balls: Roll each potato ball first in the flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the cornstarch and panko breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Pour vegetable or canola oil into a deep fryer or a large, deep pot to a depth of at least 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (180°C) to achieve the perfect frying temperature.
- Fry the Potato Cheese Sticks: Using tongs, carefully place the coated potato sticks into the hot oil. Fry them for about 3 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried sticks with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Lightly sprinkle with salt while still hot.
- Alternative Baking Method: If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated potato sticks on a baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the cheese inside has melted and the exterior is crisp.
- Serve: Allow the potato cheese sticks to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving to enjoy the perfect melty, cheesy snack.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of bacon and green onions to your taste preference.
- For extra crispiness, make sure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying.
- Baking is a healthier alternative but will result in a slightly different texture than frying.
- Use russet potatoes for the best fluffy texture in the filling.
- If the potato mixture is too loose, add a small amount of flour to help it hold shape better.
