Name: Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Hungarian
Ingredients: 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably chilled leftovers); 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup cornstarch (or potato starch); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional); 1 egg (for binding); 1 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed); Oil for frying (or spray oil for baking)

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Golden, cheesy, and irresistibly crisp, these Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks are a delightful twist on classic comfort food. I love how the creamy mashed potatoes blend with sharp cheddar and Parmesan, creating a melt-in-your-mouth interior wrapped in a golden, crunchy crust. Whether baked or fried, these sticks make the perfect snack, appetizer, or party treat.

Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably chilled leftovers)

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup cornstarch (or potato starch)

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

1 egg (for binding)

1 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)

Oil for frying (or spray oil for baking)

Directions

I start by combining mashed potatoes, cheddar, Parmesan, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and parsley in a large bowl. Once mixed, I add the egg and stir until a stiff dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, I simply mix in a bit more cornstarch.

Next, I roll the dough on a floured surface into a ½-inch thick rectangle and slice it into sticks. Each stick gets a generous coating of breadcrumbs for that crispy finish.

To fry: I heat about an inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the sticks for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Then, I drain them on paper towels.

To bake: I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the sticks on a parchment-lined tray, spray them lightly with oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

I love serving them hot with sour cream, ketchup, or spicy aioli.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes roughly 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook, totaling around 40 minutes. Each serving has about 190 calories, making it a satisfying yet reasonable indulgence.

Variations

I like to experiment with different cheeses — mozzarella gives a gooey pull, while gouda adds a buttery touch. For a spicy twist, I sometimes mix in a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne. I can also swap breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes or panko for extra crunch. If I’m making it for a gluten-free crowd, I use gluten-free breadcrumbs and potato starch.

Storage/reheating

I store leftover potato cheese sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore their crispiness. Freezing works well too — I freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Reheating directly from frozen keeps them deliciously crunchy.

FAQs

Can I make these potato cheese sticks ahead of time?

Yes, I can prepare the sticks up to a day in advance and refrigerate them before frying or baking. That makes it easy to cook them fresh when I need them.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Absolutely, as long as they’re thick and not too watery. I find that chilled mashed potatoes give the best texture.

What’s the best oil for frying?

I like using neutral oils with high smoke points, like sunflower, canola, or vegetable oil, for even crisping.

Can I air fry these sticks?

Yes, I can air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They turn out wonderfully crisp with less oil.

How can I make them extra crispy?

Double-coating in breadcrumbs or chilling the shaped sticks before cooking helps them crisp up beautifully.

Conclusion

These crispy Hungarian potato cheese sticks are everything I love in a snack — cheesy, crunchy, and comforting. They’re easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether baked or fried, they deliver that perfect balance of creamy inside and crispy outside that I can never resist.

Recipe:

Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Golden, cheesy, and irresistibly crisp, these Hungarian-inspired potato cheese sticks combine creamy mashed potatoes with sharp cheddar and Parmesan for a savory snack or appetizer. They can be baked or fried and are perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar, Parmesan, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and parsley.
Add the egg and stir until a stiff dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more cornstarch.
Roll the dough on a floured surface into a ½-inch thick rectangle and cut into sticks.
Coat each stick in breadcrumbs.
To fry: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the sticks for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place sticks on a parchment-lined tray, spray with oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serve hot with sour cream, ketchup, or spicy aioli.