Name: Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe – Hungarian Chef Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Hungarian
Ingredients: 3 russet potatoes, cooked and cubed; ¼ cup diced bacon; ¼ cup diced green onion; ½ cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 1 block cheddar cheese, cut into strips; Flour; Egg; 100g panko breadcrumbs; ⅔ cup cornstarch; 1 liter vegetable oil or canola oil

Jump to Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a true comfort-food classic with a twist, look no further than this Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe – Hungarian Chef. Imagine golden, crispy shells holding a dreamy, cheesy center, dotted with smoky bacon and fresh green onions – every bite is an absolute delight. Inspired by Eastern European flavors and tailored for fuss-free fun, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself to something extraordinary. So let’s bring this Hungarian-inspired treat to your kitchen table!

Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe – Hungarian Chef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this dish magic is how simple the ingredients are, but trust me, each one plays a starring role! Every component layers on flavor, crunch, color, and gooey appeal, ensuring the Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe – Hungarian Chef will steal the show.

Russet potatoes: Their firm texture makes the best base – mash when hot for fluffy results.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty, and bold, cut into strips for that signature molten core.
Bacon: Diced and savory, lending richness and a hint of smoky depth.
Green onion: For fresh color and a subtle bite that balances the filling.
Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess to the potato mixture.
Salt and pepper: The classics – essential for rounding out all the flavors.
Cornstarch: Helps build the crunchy coating and keeps everything crisp.
Panko breadcrumbs: Creates that signature extra-light, irresistibly crunchy crust.
Flour: The crucial first layer of coating to lock everything in.
Egg: Acts as the glue for the breadcrumb layer to adhere perfectly.
Vegetable oil (or canola/peanut oil): For frying up a golden, mouthwatering finish.

How to Make Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe – Hungarian Chef

Step 1: Mash and Mix the Filling

Start by combining your cooked and cubed russet potatoes, bacon, green onions, sour cream, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. A potato masher works wonders here—mix until mostly smooth, but don’t sweat it if there are a few potato chunks left; they bring a rustic bite and great texture to the finished sticks.

Step 2: Prep the Cheese

Slice your block of cheddar cheese into sticks about ¼ inch thick. Uniform pieces make sure every potato stick has that unforgettable, irresistible cheesy pull you’re after.

Step 3: Shape and Stuff the Sticks

Take a generous spoonful of the potato mixture and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Nestle a strip of cheddar in the middle, then wrap it up so the cheese is tucked safely inside. Form the whole thing into a compact ball or stick. Repeat until you’ve used up all of the potato mixture—don’t worry if they’re not all perfectly even, it adds homemade charm!

Step 4: Set Up Your Coating Station

Now for that craveable crunch! Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, another with a beaten egg, and the last with a combo of panko breadcrumbs and cornstarch. Roll each potato stick first in flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally toss it in the panko-cornstarch blend for max crunch and color.

Step 5: Fry or Bake

You have the power to choose! For that authentic golden crisp, heat your oil to 350°F (180°C) in a deep fryer or heavy pot, then fry the coated potato sticks in batches for about 3 minutes—just until they’re deeply golden and the cheese is gooey. If you’d rather bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated sticks on a lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake for about 15 minutes. The outside gets just as crispy, and the inside just as ooey-gooey.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Once golden and glorious, lift the finished potato cheese sticks out and let them drain on paper towels. Hit them with a pinch of salt while still piping hot. Let them cool slightly before eating—trust me, the inside stays hot!

How to Serve Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe – Hungarian Chef

Garnishes

A shower of chopped parsley, extra sliced green onions, or a dusting of smoked paprika makes the Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe – Hungarian Chef utterly irresistible. These little touches add a fresh note and a dash of color that make every plate pop.

Side Dishes

Serve these cheesy delights alongside a tangy sour cream dip, garlicky aioli, or even a classic Hungarian cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. They’re also great with a simple tomato sauce for dipping—a guaranteed hit at every gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the potato cheese sticks like building blocks for a fun appetizer tower, or nestle them in a vintage basket lined with gingham for rustic flair. For game days, set up a DIY dipping bar with an assortment of savory sauces and let guests mix and match their favorites. The Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe – Hungarian Chef is just as much about playfulness as it is about taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (they go fast!), just store the cooled Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe – Hungarian Chef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Their sturdy coating helps them reheat beautifully, so you won’t lose that crunch.

Freezing

Want to stock up for snack emergencies? Arrange uncooked, coated potato sticks on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep well for up to a month—just fry or bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to your cooking time.

Reheating

To bring back their inviting crispness, reheat leftover Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe – Hungarian Chef in a hot oven or air fryer for about 5–8 minutes. They’ll emerge hot, crispy, and ready to be devoured all over again.

FAQs

Can I swap cheddar for another cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar gives these sticks a bold, classic tang, mozzarella or pepper jack are fantastic alternatives if you want a gooey stretch or a spicy kick.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free flour blend for coating and swap the panko breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free variety. The taste and texture stay spot-on.

What’s the best way to make the coating extra crispy?

Double-coating the sticks is a pro move: dip them in flour, then egg, back in the flour, then egg again, and finally into the panko-cornstarch mix. It’s a foolproof method for unbeatable crunch.

Can I prepare the potato mixture ahead of time?

Prepping the potato mixture a day in advance is a smart idea—the flavors meld, and the mixture firms up, making it even easier to shape and coat later. Just keep it chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.

Are these suitable for meal prep or parties?

Definitely! The Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe – Hungarian Chef is perfect for parties because they can be prepped ahead and fried or baked just before serving. They’re always a crowd-pleaser on any buffet or appetizer spread.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving something hearty, cheesy, and totally crowd-pleasing, you can’t go wrong with the Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe – Hungarian Chef. With their ultra-crispy coating and molten center, they’re a snack (or party appetizer) you’ll want to make again and again. Gather your ingredients, call over your favorite people, and give these a try—you’re in for a new kitchen favorite!

Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe – Hungarian Chef Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Makes about 12 sticks 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Potato Cheese Sticks are a delightful and crispy snack or appetizer that combines the creaminess of mashed potatoes with the gooey goodness of melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for parties or as a savory treat, these sticks are sure to be a hit with cheese lovers of all ages.

Instructions

Mash Potato Mixture: Combine cooked potatoes, bacon, green onion, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth.
Prepare Cheese Sticks: Flatten potato mixture, place cheese strip in the center, and wrap potato around it to form a ball.
Coat Sticks: Roll sticks in flour, dip in egg, then coat in cornstarch and panko mixture.
Fry Sticks: Heat oil, fry sticks until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
Bake (Optional): Preheat oven, bake sticks until cheese melts and exterior is golden brown.
Serve: Let cool slightly before enjoying!