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.
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)
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.
Notes
Use chilled mashed potatoes for best texture.
Chill shaped sticks before cooking for extra crispiness.
Can be made gluten-free with appropriate breadcrumbs and starch.
Freeze before or after cooking for longer storage.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes as a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
