Potato Cheese Sticks Snack (Printable View)

Crispy, golden potato sticks filled with cheddar cheese and bacon, ideal for snacking or party appetizers.

# Ingredient List:

→ Potato Mixture

01 - 3 russet potatoes, cooked and cubed
02 - 1/4 cup diced green onions
03 - 1/2 cup sour cream
04 - 1/4 cup diced bacon
05 - 1 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Cheese Filling

07 - 1 block cheddar cheese, cut into 1/4-inch thick strips

→ Coating

08 - All-purpose flour, as needed
09 - Eggs, beaten, as needed
10 - 2/3 cup cornstarch
11 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

→ Cooking Oil

12 - 4 cups (about 1 quart) vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil

→ For Baking (Optional)

13 - Olive oil, for drizzling
14 - Extra salt, for finishing

# Preparation Steps:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked russet potatoes, diced bacon, diced green onions, sour cream, salt, and black pepper. Mash with a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth, leaving a few small chunks for texture.
02 - Cut cheddar cheese into strips approximately 1/4-inch thick. Take a spoonful of the potato mixture, flatten it in your palm, and place a cheese strip in the center. Wrap the potato mixture around the cheese, forming a ball and ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed. Repeat with remaining mixture.
03 - Set up three separate bowls—one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs. Roll each potato stick first in flour, then in egg, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
04 - Pour oil into a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of at least 2 inches and heat to 350°F (180°C). Carefully place coated potato sticks into the hot oil using tongs and fry for 3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt while hot.
05 - For a baked variation, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place coated potato sticks onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the exterior turns golden and the cheese is fully melted.
06 - Allow potato cheese sticks to cool for several minutes before serving, as the filling will be very hot. Enjoy as a snack or appetizer.

# Supplementary Details:

01 - Keep potato cheese sticks warm on a wire rack in a low oven if preparing in batches.