Here’s a tasty and indulgent recipe for Crispy Potato Cheese Sticks with Garlic. These golden, crispy potato sticks are stuffed with melted cheese and infused with savory garlic, making them a perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish.
Crispy Potato Cheese Sticks with Garlic Recipe
Ingredients:
- 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 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).
- Place the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese in a bowl, and season with garlic powder, onion powder (if using), 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, and repeat for the rest of the potato sticks.
3. Dredge the Potato Sticks:
- Set up a breading station: In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In another shallow bowl, place the beaten eggs. In a third bowl, add the 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. Make sure the potato sticks are evenly coated.
4. Fry the Potato Sticks:
- Heat the 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 the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
- Stir in the 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: 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 a 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.
These Crispy Potato Cheese Sticks with Garlic are a delicious, cheesy, and flavorful treat that will be a hit at any gathering. The crispy exterior and melted cheese interior, combined with the savory garlic butter sauce, make for an irresistible snack! 🧀🧄