I love making these crispy cheese-stuffed potato sticks whenever I want a comforting snack that feels a little extra special. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes, fresh green onions, and tangy sour cream wrapped around melty cheddar cheese is incredibly satisfying. Once coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust and fried until golden, these potato sticks turn into a snack I truly can’t stop eating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy this recipe because it transforms simple ingredients into something irresistible. The outside is perfectly crispy while the inside stays soft and cheesy. I also like how flexible this recipe is, since I can easily switch up the cheese or seasonings depending on my mood. Whether I serve these as an appetizer or a cozy snack, they always feel comforting and homemade.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 russet potatoes, cooked and mashed
2 green onions, finely chopped
1/4 cup sour cream
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
8 oz cheddar cheese block, cut into strips
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil, for frying
Directions
I begin by mashing the cooked russet potatoes in a large bowl until mostly smooth, leaving just a little texture. I mix in the chopped green onions, sour cream, salt, and pepper until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
Next, I take a spoonful of the potato mixture and flatten it gently in my palm. I place one strip of cheddar cheese in the center and carefully wrap the potato mixture around it, sealing the cheese completely inside. I shape it into a stick or oval and repeat with the remaining mixture and cheese.
I prepare three bowls for coating: one with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with a mixture of cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs. I roll each potato stick in the flour, dip it into the egg, and then coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
I heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (180°C). Working in small batches, I fry the potato sticks for about 3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. I remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain before serving.
Servings And Timing
This recipe makes about 10 to 12 potato sticks, depending on size.
I usually spend around 25 minutes preparing everything and about 20 minutes cooking, for a total time of approximately 45 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes use mozzarella cheese for a stretchier, gooier center. When I want extra flavor, I add a pinch of paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder to the potato mixture. For a lighter option, I bake the coated sticks in a 425°F (220°C) oven, flipping halfway through until crispy and golden.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I use an oven or air fryer so the outside crisps up again. I avoid reheating in the microwave because it softens the coating too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
I like using cheddar, but mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend also work well as long as the cheese melts nicely.
What potatoes work best for this recipe?
I prefer russet potatoes because they mash well and hold their shape, but Yukon Gold potatoes also work.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
I often assemble and coat the potato sticks a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until I am ready to fry.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
I make sure the cheese is completely sealed inside a thick layer of potato mixture and avoid making the sticks too thin.
Can I freeze these potato sticks?
I like freezing them before frying. I freeze the coated sticks on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container and fry them directly from frozen.
Conclusion
These crispy cheese-stuffed potato sticks are one of my favorite homemade snacks because they are crunchy, cheesy, and deeply comforting. I love how easy they are to make and how quickly they disappear once served. Every bite reminds me why simple ingredients can create such satisfying results.
Crispy Cheese-Stuffed Potato Sticks are a comforting, cheesy snack made with creamy mashed potatoes wrapped around melty cheddar cheese, coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust and fried until golden brown.
Ingredients
4 russet potatoes, cooked and mashed
2 green onions, finely chopped
1/4 cup sour cream
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
8 oz cheddar cheese block, cut into strips
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
Mash cooked potatoes until mostly smooth, then mix in green onions, sour cream, salt, and pepper.
Flatten a spoonful of the potato mixture in your hand, place a strip of cheese in the center, and wrap the potato around the cheese to form a stick or oval. Repeat with remaining mixture.
Set up three bowls for coating: flour, beaten egg, and a mix of cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs.
Coat each potato stick in flour, dip in egg, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture.
Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (180°C). Fry sticks in small batches for about 3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve warm.
Notes
Use mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavors or textures.
Add spices like paprika or garlic powder to the potato mixture for extra flavor.
Bake instead of fry at 425°F (220°C), flipping halfway through, for a lighter option.
