When I made these Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks, the kitchen smelled buttery and warm.
They came out golden and crunchy on the outside, with soft, cheesy potato filling inside.
I remember serving them hot—everyone reached for seconds right away.
These sticks are savory, crispy, and full of homemade comfort.
They’re perfect for snacks, appetizers, or cozy weekend treats.
Let’s fry them up together—you’ll love how simple and delicious they are.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves the crispy outside and gooey cheese inside.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients you probably have at home.
- Budget-Friendly: Potatoes and cheese make this an affordable treat.
- Kid-Approved: Children and adults both enjoy these tasty sticks.
- Great for Parties: Perfect finger food for gatherings and celebrations.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: About 35 minutes
Servings: This recipe makes about 20-24 potato cheese sticks, serving 4-6 people as an appetizer or snack. Want more? Just double everything.
Difficulty: Easy for beginners. Even first-time cooks can make these crispy sticks.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large pot for boiling potatoes
- Mixing bowls
- Potato masher or fork
- Cutting board and knife
- Three shallow dishes for breading
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Paper towels for draining
- Slotted spoon or tongs
Ingredients for the Potato Cheese Sticks
These sticks combine soft potatoes with melted cheese, all wrapped in a crispy coating. Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty dish:
For the Potato Mixture:
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella works best)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Breading:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 and 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 cups)
Variations for Potato Cheese Sticks
- Different Cheese: Try pepper jack for spice or Swiss for a milder taste.
- Add Bacon: Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Use Herbs: Add dried oregano or basil to the potato mixture.
- Spicy Version: Include cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Baked Option: Brush with oil and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes instead of frying.
How to Make Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Potatoes
Place peeled potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until soft. Drain and let cool slightly.
2. Mash and Season
Mash the potatoes in a large bowl until smooth. Add the flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix everything together well.
3. Add the Cheese
Fold in the shredded cheese until evenly distributed throughout the potato mixture. The mixture should be thick enough to shape.
4. Shape the Sticks
Take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a stick shape about 3 inches long and 1 inch thick. Place on a plate. Repeat with remaining mixture.
5. Set Up Breading Station
Put flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in a second dish, and breadcrumbs in a third dish. Line them up in order.
6. Bread the Sticks
Roll each potato stick first in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Make sure each stick is completely covered. Place breaded sticks on a clean plate.
7. Fry Until Golden
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 1 inch deep. Test with a small piece of bread – it should sizzle right away. Carefully place 4-5 sticks in the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon.
8. Drain and Serve
Place fried sticks on paper towels to drain excess oil. Continue frying remaining sticks in batches. Serve warm.
Serving and Decoration
How to Serve Potato Cheese Sticks
These crispy sticks taste best right after cooking while still warm and crispy:
- With Dipping Sauces: Serve with sour cream, ranch dressing, ketchup, or spicy mayo.
- As Appetizers: Arrange on a platter with fresh herbs for parties.
- Side Dish: Pair with grilled meats or burgers for dinner.
- Snack Time: Perfect for afternoon snacks or movie nights.
- Game Day Food: Stack on plates for easy finger food at gatherings.
Garnish Ideas: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley on top and serve with lemon wedges for a fresh touch.
Storing Potato Cheese Sticks
- Uncooked Sticks: Place breaded sticks on a tray and freeze for 1 hour. Transfer to a freezer bag and store up to 1 month. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to cooking time.
- Cooked Sticks: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it makes them soggy.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Dry Potatoes Well: After boiling, make sure potatoes are not too wet. Extra moisture makes the mixture hard to shape.
- Chill for Easier Shaping: If the mixture feels too soft, refrigerate for 15 minutes before shaping.
- Right Oil Temperature: Keep oil at medium-high heat. Too hot burns the outside before cooking inside. Too cool makes them greasy.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Fry only a few sticks at a time so oil temperature stays steady.
- Double Bread for Extra Crunch: Dip sticks in egg and breadcrumbs twice for an even crispier coating.
- Uniform Size: Make all sticks the same size so they cook evenly.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per Serving (4 sticks) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 65mg |
| Sodium | 420mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Calcium | 120mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
PrintCrispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 sticks 1x
- Category: Appetizer / Snack / Side Dish
Ingredients
For the Potato Mixture:
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled
- 1 cup (113g) shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Breading:
- 1/2 cup (63g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) breadcrumbs
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: Boil peeled potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain and cool slightly.
- Prepare Mixture: Mash potatoes until smooth. Add flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix well. Fold in shredded cheese.
- Shape Sticks: Take 2 tablespoons of mixture and roll into sticks about 3 inches long and 1 inch thick.
- Bread the Sticks: Set up three dishes with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Roll each stick in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to about 1 inch depth. Heat over medium-high heat until oil reaches 350°F.
- Fry: Place 4-5 sticks in hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain: Remove with slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain. Repeat with remaining sticks.
- Serve: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks FAQs
Yes. Brush breaded sticks with oil and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Cheddar gives strong flavor while mozzarella creates a stretchy, gooey center. You can use either or mix both.
he mixture might be too wet. Make sure potatoes are well-drained and add an extra tablespoon of flour if needed.
Yes. Bread the sticks and freeze them uncooked. Fry directly from frozen when ready to serve.
Drop a small piece of bread in the oil. If it sizzles immediately and turns golden in about 60 seconds, the oil is ready.
Absolutely. This recipe works great with leftover mashed potatoes. Just add the seasonings and cheese.
Conclusion
Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks bring together simple ingredients to create something special. The golden, crunchy outside gives way to a soft, cheesy center that everyone enjoys. Whether you serve these at parties, as side dishes, or just as snacks, they disappear quickly. The best part is how easy they are to make with ingredients you likely have in your kitchen right now. Try making a batch today and watch them become a favorite in your home.
