These crispy-on-the-outside, ooey-gooey-inside potato cheese sticks are:
š„ Addictively crunchy (thanks to a double-coating trick)
š§ Maximum cheese pull (with the perfect melting blend)
ā” Surprisingly easy (no fancy tools needed)
Perfect for game day, parties, or when those fast-food cravings hit ā but 100x tastier (and cheaper!) than drive-thru versions.
Ingredients for Cheese-Stuffed Magic
The Potato Base
- 3 largeĀ russet potatoesĀ (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 tspĀ garlic powder
- 1 tspĀ onion powder
- Ā½ tspĀ paprikaĀ (smoked for extra depth)
- 1 egg yolk (binds everything!)
ā The Cheese Filling
- 8 ozĀ mozzarella cheeseĀ (cut into Ā½ā sticks)
- 2 ozĀ cheddar or pepper jackĀ (for extra flavor)
ā The Crunchy Coating
- 1 cupĀ panko breadcrumbs
- Ā½ cupĀ grated Parmesan
- 1 tspĀ Italian seasoning
- Oil for fryingĀ (or baking instructions below)
Step-by-Step Crispy Perfection
1. Prep the Potato Dough
- Peel, boil, and mash potatoesĀ until smoothĀ (no lumps!).
- Mix in spices and egg yolk ā should feel like playdough.
2. Cheese Stick Assembly
- TakeĀ 1 tbsp potato mixture, flatten in your palm.
- Place aĀ cheese stickĀ in center, wrap tightly (no cracks!).
- Roll into a log shape ā seal ends well (cheese escape = messy fry!).
3. Double-Coating for Extra Crunch
- First dip:Ā Light flour dusting (helps coating stick)
- Second dip:Ā Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water)
- Final coat:Ā Panko-Parmesan mixture (press firmly!)
4. Fry (or Bake!) to Golden Glory
š„ Deep Fry Method (Ultra-Crispy):
- Heat oil toĀ 350Ā°F (175Ā°C).
- Fry sticks in batches forĀ 2-3 minutesĀ until deep golden.
- Drain on wire rack (keeps them crispy!).
š Healthier Bake Option:
- Brush with oil, bake atĀ 425Ā°F (220Ā°C)Ā forĀ 20-25 mins, flipping halfway.
Pro Chef Secrets
š§ Freeze cheese sticks first ā Prevents premature melting.
š¶ Spice it up ā Add cayenne to coating or use spicy cheese.
šÆ Dipping sauce trio ā Marinara, ranch, and sriracha mayo.
Enjoy!