Crispy Potato Cheese Sticks with Garlic Recipe
These Crispy Potato Cheese Sticks with Garlic are a mouthwatering appetizer, snack, or side dish that will surely satisfy your cravings. Golden, crispy on the outside and loaded with melted cheese on the inside, these potato sticks are perfect for any occasion. And the garlic butter sauce? It’s the finishing touch that makes these even more irresistible!
Ingredients:
For the Potato Cheese Sticks:
- 4 medium potatoes (Russet potatoes work best)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into long, thin sticks (like French fries). Aim for sticks that are about 1/2 inch thick.
- Soak the potato sticks in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps them become crispier when fried.
- Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towels.
2. Stuff with Cheese:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then season with garlic powder, onion powder (optional), salt, and pepper.
- Take each potato stick and carefully make a small slit along the length of the potato. Stuff it with a little of the cheese mixture.
- Press the potato gently so the cheese stays inside, then repeat for the rest of the potato sticks.
3. Dredge the Potato Sticks:
- Set up a breading station:
- In one shallow bowl, place flour.
- In another shallow bowl, place beaten eggs.
- In a third shallow bowl, add breadcrumbs.
- Dip each stuffed potato stick into the flour, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs. Ensure that the potato sticks are evenly coated.
4. Fry the Potato Sticks:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a small piece of bread—if it sizzles, it’s ready), carefully add the potato sticks.
- Fry the sticks in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy (about 3-4 minutes per side).
- Remove the potato cheese sticks from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
5. Make Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
- Stir in chopped parsley and salt. Remove from heat.
6. Serve:
- Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the crispy potato cheese sticks, or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Tips:
Air Fryer Option:
- For a healthier option, you can cook these potato cheese sticks in an air fryer instead of frying them. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the sticks in batches for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and golden.
Cheese Variations:
- Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Gouda, or even spicy pepper jack for a different flavor.
Make Ahead:
- You can assemble these sticks ahead of time and freeze them before frying. Just fry from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cook time.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 180 kcal (varies depending on the cheese and oil used)
- Carbs: 20g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
Q&A Section:
Q1: Can I bake these instead of frying them?
A1: Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), and arrange the coated potato sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and golden.
Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A2: Absolutely! You can swap out mozzarella and Parmesan for other cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack. Just keep in mind that some cheeses might melt differently or have stronger flavors, which can change the overall taste.
Q3: How can I make these vegan?
A3: For a vegan version, use vegan cheese instead of mozzarella and Parmesan. You can also replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Use plant-based butter for the garlic butter sauce as well.
Q4: Can I freeze the assembled potato cheese sticks before frying them?
A4: Yes! After assembling and breading the potato cheese sticks, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. To cook, fry them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the frying time.
Q5: What can I serve with these crispy potato cheese sticks?
A5: These cheesy potato sticks are delicious on their own but also pair well with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, ketchup, or sour cream. For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside grilled chicken, a salad, or vegetable sides.
Final Thoughts:
These Crispy Potato Cheese Sticks with Garlic are an irresistible combination of crispy, cheesy goodness with a hint of garlic. Whether you’re preparing them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Plus, with the option to air fry or bake them, you can enjoy them in a lighter way without sacrificing any flavor! Enjoy!