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Crispy Hungarian potato cheese sticks make a perfect snack or side for any meal. They bring together creamy mashed potatoes and melty cheese into golden crunchy sticks that are satisfying and simple to make at home. Whether you fry them or bake them, these sticks deliver comforting flavor and crispy texture that kids and adults both love.
I first made these on a quiet weekend and they quickly became a favorite in my house. They are my go-to when I want something indulgent but easy.
Ingredients
- Two cups of cooled mashed potatoes: bring creaminess and structure. It is best if they are not warm to avoid a sticky dough.
- One cup shredded cheese: adds melty richness. Emmental or cheddar work great for their meltability and flavor. Choose fresh cheese that shreds easily.
- One egg: binds the dough and helps with browning.
- Half a teaspoon salt: enhances all the flavors.
- Quarter teaspoon black pepper: adds mild heat and depth. Freshly ground is best for a brighter flavor.
- One cup all-purpose flour plus extra for rolling: holds the dough together. Use good quality unbleached flour for best texture.
- Half teaspoon paprika: adds subtle smoky warmth if you like. Fresh paprika will give the brightest color and flavor.
- Breadcrumbs for coating: create the crispy outer crust. Plain or seasoned work depending on taste.
- Oil for frying or baking spray: to get that golden crust without sticking when baking.
Instructions
- Build The Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, egg, salt, pepper, paprika if using, and flour. Mix thoroughly until a soft but not sticky dough forms. It should hold together without crumbling or sticking excessively to your hands.
- Roll Out and Shape:
- Sprinkle a clean surface with flour. Roll the dough out evenly to about half an inch thickness. Keep your hands floured to prevent sticking. Cut the rolled dough into sticks approximately three inches long and half an inch wide. Try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly.
- Coat The Sticks:
- Roll each stick in breadcrumbs until fully coated. Press gently so the crumbs adhere well. This coating is key for that crispy texture on the outside.
- Cook To Crispy Perfection:
- If frying, heat oil in a pan over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Fry the sticks about two to three minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. If baking, place coated sticks on a baking tray lined with parchment or foil. Spray them lightly with oil. Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes flipping halfway through to brown evenly.
My favorite part of this recipe is how the cheese melts inside forming pockets of gooey richness contrasted with the crisp crust. When I first shared these at a family gathering, the sticks disappeared almost immediately — they are a crowd-pleaser every time.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, crisp them up in a hot oven or toaster oven rather than the microwave so they don’t get soggy. If you plan to keep them longer, freezing the cooked sticks on a tray before placing in a container works well. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven for best results.
Ingredient Swaps
You can swap the cheese variety depending on what you have. Mozzarella or gouda create a milder flavor while sharper cheeses intensify richness. For a dairy-free option, try plant-based cheese that melts or leave cheese out and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to adapt for gluten intolerance.
Serving Ideas
Serve these sticks as a fun appetizer or alongside a bowl of soup for a hearty meal. They pair well with dips such as herbed sour cream, spicy mustard, or smoky barbecue sauce. For a full meal, add a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
Serve right away while warm for the best taste and texture.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What type of cheese works best for these sticks?
Cheeses that melt well like Emmental, cheddar, or other melting varieties create a creamy texture inside while frying or baking.
- → Can these sticks be baked instead of fried?
Yes, baking at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, yields a crispy exterior with less oil usage.
- → How do you prevent the dough from sticking when rolling out?
Sprinkle flour lightly on the work surface to keep the dough from sticking and ensure easy cutting of the sticks.
- → What gives the sticks their golden color?
The breadcrumb coating crisps up during cooking, while paprika in the dough adds a warm hue enhancing the golden appearance.
- → How can I add extra flavor to the sticks?
Incorporating spices like paprika or black pepper in the dough adds subtle heat and depth, complementing the cheese and potato base.