Cheesy Potato Sticks: A Crispy Snack Everyone Loves
When it comes to comfort food, potatoes never disappoint.
Cheesy potato sticks take that classic favorite and turn it into a crunchy, golden snack that’s perfect for just about any occasion.
With only a handful of ingredients and a simple cooking process, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your back pocket.
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Who Will Enjoy Cheesy Potato Sticks?
These potato sticks are a hit with both kids and adults. If you’re feeding a family, they’re an easy way to put smiles on everyone’s faces.
College students looking for late-night snacks, game-day gatherings with friends, or busy parents who need a quick appetizer—all of them can benefit from this recipe.
What Makes Cheesy Potato Sticks Worth Trying
Homemade cheesy potato sticks stand out because they’re made from real ingredients you already have in your kitchen.
They’re crispy on the outside, soft in the center, and filled with melted cheese.
Unlike store-bought frozen snacks, you control the flavor and the type of cheese, making them more customizable and fresh-tasting.
When to Make Cheesy Potato Sticks
These are great as an afternoon snack, a side dish for a casual dinner, or as party appetizers.
They’re especially popular during football season, holiday get-togethers, or when you need something quick to serve unexpected guests.
Since they can be made ahead and frozen, they’re also a convenient choice for busy weeknights.
Where You Can Serve This Recipe
Cheesy potato sticks aren’t limited to the dinner table.
Serve them at family gatherings, pack them into lunchboxes for a fun surprise, or bring them to potlucks and tailgates.
They also make a great finger food for kids’ birthday parties since they’re easy to grab and dip.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The combination of potatoes and cheese is timeless.
By adding just a little cornstarch, the mixture holds together perfectly, creating sticks that fry up crisp instead of falling apart.
They’re simple, budget-friendly, and versatile enough to pair with any dipping sauce—from ranch to barbecue to marinara.
How to Serve Cheesy Potato Sticks
While they’re great on their own, you can take them up a notch by serving them with different dipping sauces.
Ranch, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo adds extra flavor. They also work as a side dish to burgers, fried chicken, or sandwiches.
If you want to make them more filling, try topping them with bacon bits, sour cream, or chives for a loaded potato version.
Cheesy Potato Sticks
Ingredients:
- 1 lbs. potatoes (Russet or golden potatoes)
- ½ cup corn starch
- ½ cup shredded cheese (I used Gouda, but you can use any kind)
- Salt, to taste
Directions:
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil.
Peel and wash your potatoes.
Medium dice your potatoes.
Cook the potatoes in boiling water for about 12-15 minutes, or until fully cooked.
Remove them from the pot and let them drain until all water is drained.
Then mash your potatoes by pushing them through a strainer.
Add the cornstarch, cheese, and a pinch of salt to the mashed potatoes and mix until well combined.
Place the mashed potatoes in a Ziplock bag and flatten the mashed potatoes with a rolling pin, and freeze for about 1 hour.
Carefully cut open the Ziplock bag to keep the mashed potatoes intact.
Cut your sticks by cutting them in half first, and then smaller sticks.
Heat a pan with at least 1 inch of oil and wait until it has reached 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once your oil is hot, fry your potato cheese sticks in batches for about 2-3 minutes. Make sure your pan is not too crowded.
Place them on a plate with kitchen towel, so it will absorb most oil.
Serve while hot with your favorite dip sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are Cheesy Potato Sticks?
Cheesy Potato Sticks are a type of snack made from grated potatoes and cheese. The ingredients are mixed together, shaped into sticks, and then fried or baked until crispy.
What type of cheese is best for Cheesy Potato Sticks?
You can use a variety of cheeses depending on your taste preference. Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby are excellent choices as they melt well and give a rich flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses.
Can I bake Cheesy Potato Sticks instead of frying?
Yes, you can definitely bake Cheesy Potato Sticks if you’re looking for a healthier alternative. Just preheat your oven to around 200 degrees Celsius (around 400 degrees Fahrenheit), arrange the sticks on a baking sheet, and bake until golden and crispy.
How can I add more flavor to my Cheesy Potato Sticks?
While the base recipe is quite simple, you can customize your Cheesy Potato Sticks by adding herbs, spices, or even finely chopped vegetables. Consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat. You could also mix in some chopped chives, parsley, or even spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
How long will Cheesy Potato Sticks last, and how should I store them?
Cheesy Potato Sticks are best enjoyed fresh, but if you do have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use an oven or toaster oven to restore their crispiness.
Can Cheesy Potato Sticks be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture, shape the sticks, and store them in the refrigerator a day in advance. Just be sure to cover them well to prevent the potatoes from discoloring. When you’re ready to serve, simply fry or bake as directed.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, you can use sweet potatoes to make Cheesy Potato Sticks. The process is the same, but keep in mind that sweet potatoes have a distinct flavor and softer texture, which will result in a slightly different taste and feel.
What can I serve with Cheesy Potato Sticks?
Cheesy Potato Sticks can be served with a variety of dips and sauces. Ketchup, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, or a spicy salsa all make great pairings. You could also serve them alongside a salad for a light meal.
Can I make Cheesy Potato Sticks vegan?
Yes, you can make vegan Cheesy Potato Sticks by using a vegan cheese substitute and replacing the egg (if used in the recipe) with a vegan binder like flaxseed meal or a bit of cornstarch and water.
Are Cheesy Potato Sticks gluten-free?
This depends on the recipe. If you use flour or breadcrumbs, then the Cheesy Potato Sticks would not be gluten-free. However, you can easily make them gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour or breadcrumb alternative.
Cheesy Potato Sticks
Ingredients
- 1 lbs. potatoes (Russet or golden potatoes)
- ½ cup corn starch
- ½ cup shredded cheese (I used Gouda, but you can use any kind)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil.
Peel and wash your potatoes.
Medium dice your potatoes.
Cook the potatoes in boiling water for about 12-15 minutes, or until fully cooked.
Remove them from the pot and let them drain until all water is drained.
Then mash your potatoes by pushing them through a strainer.
Add the cornstarch, cheese, and a pinch of salt to the mashed potatoes and mix until well combined.
Place the mashed potatoes in a Ziplock bag and flatten the mashed potatoes with a rolling pin, and freeze for about 1 hour.
Carefully cut open the Ziplock bag to keep the mashed potatoes intact.
Cut your sticks by cutting them in half first, and then smaller sticks.
Heat a pan with at least 1 inch of oil and wait until it has reached 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once your oil is hot, fry your potato cheese sticks in batches for about 2-3 minutes. Make sure your pan is not too crowded.
Place them on a plate with kitchen towel, so it will absorb most oil.
Serve while hot with your favorite dip sauce.
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