Quick & Crispy Loaded Potato and Cheese Sticks Recipe

Crispy potato and cheese sticks bring comfort right to your plate with a golden, mouthwatering crunch that sparks pure delight.

These delectable loaded potato and cheese sticks combine classic flavors in an irresistible handheld treat.

Melted cheese and soft potato intertwine to create a snack that’s both satisfying and indulgent.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of crispy exterior and creamy interior that will have everyone reaching for more.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary appetizer or side dish that disappears quickly at gatherings.

Simple to prepare and impossible to resist, these potato sticks deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Prepare to wow your guests with this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns ordinary potatoes into something extraordinary.

FAQs

• Are these potato sticks suitable for vegetarians?

No, they contain bacon. To make them vegetarian, simply omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon alternatives.

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese. Choose a cheese that melts well for the best results.

• What if I don't have panko breadcrumbs?

Regular breadcrumbs work fine. For extra crunch, you can also use crushed cornflakes or seasoned breadcrumbs.

• How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Ensure the potato mixture completely covers the cheese and seal the edges well. Freeze the sticks for 10-15 minutes before coating to help them hold their shape.

Loaded Potato and Cheese Sticks – Crispy and Cheesy

• Craft Refreshing Flavor: Bursting with zesty lemon goodness, this homemade lemonade captures the classic taste of state fair memories with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes.
• Simplify Drink Preparation: With just a few basic ingredients and minimal steps, anyone can create this delightful beverage without complex kitchen skills or fancy equipment.
• Customize Your Cool Down: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting sugar levels or adding fresh mint, berries, or a splash of sparkling water to make it uniquely yours.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, and casual get-togethers where you want a crowd-friendly drink that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Loaded Potato and Cheese Sticks

Main Ingredients:

• Potatoes: Provide the hearty foundation for these delicious cheese sticks.
• Sour Cream: Adds rich creaminess and helps bind the potato mixture.
• Green Onions: Bring a fresh, mild onion flavor to the potato base.
• Bacon: Contributes a smoky and savory element to the potato mixture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Creates a gooey, melty center that adds intense cheese flavor.

• Flour, Eggs, Panko Breadcrumbs: Provide a crispy, golden exterior that adds texture and crunch to the potato sticks.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Enhance flavor and help with cooking and seasoning of the potato sticks.

Instructions for Preparing Loaded Potato Cheese Sticks

Step 1: Craft the Potato Base

• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions
• Crispy bacon bits
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mash everything together, leaving some potato chunks for an awesome texture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Create Cheesy Centers

Slice cheddar cheese into thin strips. Scoop out a spoonful of potato mixture and roll it into a ball.

Nestle a cheese strip right in the middle, then wrap the potato mixture completely around it. Make sure no cheese peeks out!

Step 3: Build the Crispy Coating

• First dish: All-purpose flour
• Second dish: Beaten eggs
• Third dish: Panko breadcrumbs

Roll each potato stick through each station – first flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs – creating a super crunchy exterior.

Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Adventure

Baking Method:

Crank your oven to 400°F.

Place potato sticks on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 15 minutes until they turn golden brown and the cheese melts into gooey perfection.

Frying Method:

Heat oil to 350°F in a deep pan. Carefully drop potato sticks into the hot oil.

Fry for about 3 minutes until they’re crispy and sporting a beautiful golden-brown color. Transfer to a drying rack and dust with salt.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let the potato sticks cool for a few minutes – they’ll be molten hot inside! Arrange on a plate and watch them disappear faster than you can say “delicious”!

Pro Tips for Crispy and Flavorful Potato Sticks

• Seal potato mixture completely around cheese strips to stop melting cheese from escaping during cooking.
• Press panko breadcrumbs firmly onto potato sticks to create a thicker, crunchier exterior that stays attached during cooking.
• Keep some potato chunks when mashing for a more rustic, homemade feel and varied texture in each bite.
• Use a thermometer when frying to maintain consistent 350F, ensuring golden-brown exterior without burning or undercooking.
• Assemble potato sticks in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before cooking to help them hold their shape better.

Flavor Variations to Customize Loaded Potato Sticks

• Veggie Lover's Delight: Replace bacon with roasted bell peppers and add finely chopped spinach for a vegetarian version that keeps the creamy potato texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond meal, and use gluten-free flour for coating to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Sticks: Mix diced jalapeños into the potato mixture and use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a fiery kick that adds extra excitement to the original recipe.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower, using riced cauliflower as the base and adding extra cheese to bind the mixture together for a lower-carbohydrate version.

Pairing Ideas for Loaded Potato and Cheese Sticks

• Dip into Tangy Ranch: Pair these crispy potato sticks with a cool, creamy ranch dressing that cuts through the richness and adds a zesty kick.
• Sip Refreshing Pilsner: Grab a light, crisp pilsner beer that cleanses the palate and complements the salty, cheesy potato texture with its bubbly brightness.
• Sprinkle Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped chives or parsley to introduce a fresh, green note that balances the heavy, savory potato sticks and adds visual appeal.
• Create Spicy Sriracha Mayo: Whip up a quick dipping sauce mixing sriracha and mayonnaise for those who love a spicy, creamy accompaniment that enhances the potato sticks' flavor profile.

Storage Advice to Keep Potato Sticks Crispy

• Store leftover potato sticks in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crispiness.
• Wrap individual potato sticks tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to preserve their texture and flavor.
• Preheat oven to 375F. Spread potato sticks on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to maintain crunchiness.
• Place potato sticks in the air fryer basket, cook at 375F for 3-4 minutes. Shake basket halfway through to ensure even heating and restore original crispy texture.

Loaded Potato And Cheese Sticks Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crispy potato and cheese sticks blend comfort with gourmet flair, delivering irresistible flavor in every bite. Crunchy exterior gives way to a creamy, cheesy center that will make you crave more.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 russet potatoes, cooked and cubed
• 1 block cheddar cheese, cut into 1/4-inch strips
• 1/4 cup bacon, diced

Binding/Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup green onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Cooking Ingredient:

• Oil, for frying
• Salt, to season

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the potato base by combining mashed potatoes with sour cream, chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, salt, and pepper. Mash until slightly chunky, maintaining a rustic texture that preserves potato pieces.
2. Create potato cylinders by portioning a spoonful of potato mixture and carefully inserting a thin cheese strip into the center. Encase the cheese completely, forming a smooth, sealed potato stick.
3. Create a three-stage coating process: first roll each potato stick in flour, ensuring complete coverage. Next, dip into beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness.
4. For oven method: Preheat to 400F. Arrange potato sticks on a lined baking sheet, lightly drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 15-18 minutes until exterior turns golden brown and cheese melts internally.
5. For frying method: Heat oil to 350F. Carefully submerge potato sticks and fry for 3-4 minutes until exterior becomes deep golden and crispy. Remove and drain excess oil on a wire rack, then season with salt.
6. Allow potato sticks to rest for 2-3 minutes to prevent burning. Serve immediately while cheese remains gooey and exterior stays crunchy.

Notes

• Achieve the perfect potato consistency by mashing gently, keeping some chunks for a rustic texture that adds delightful mouthfeel.
• Ensure cheese is cut precisely to prevent leakage during cooking, creating a gooey molten center that oozes when bitten.
• Try alternative coatings like crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs for different dietary needs and crunch levels.
• Consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the potato mixture for an extra flavor dimension that elevates the basic recipe.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes (oven) or 5 minutes (frying)
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg