Description
Loaded Potato and Cheese Sticks are crispy, golden brown snacks made from mashed potatoes mixed with cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions, coated in a crispy breadcrumb exterior and fried to perfection. Perfect as a savory appetizer or party snack, these cheesy potato sticks deliver a delicious combination of creamy, crunchy, and flavorful bites.
Ingredients
Scale
Potato Mixture
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (cooled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Breading Station
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
For Frying
- Oil for frying (enough to deep fry)
Instructions
- Prepare the potato mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix all ingredients until thoroughly combined to create a flavorful mixture.
- Shape the potato sticks: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape each into a stick-like log or small cylinder using your hands. Place the shaped sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for 20–30 minutes to help them firm up, making them easier to handle during breading and frying.
- Set up the breading station: Arrange three shallow bowls side by side. Fill the first with all-purpose flour, the second with the beaten egg, and the third with breadcrumbs. This setup allows for an efficient coating process to ensure a crispy exterior.
- Bread the potato sticks: Take each frozen potato stick and dip it first into the flour, coating all sides evenly. Then dip it into the beaten egg, followed by rolling it thoroughly in the breadcrumbs. Make sure each stick is well coated to achieve a crispy texture when fried.
- Heat the oil: Pour enough oil into a deep skillet or fryer to submerge the sticks. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even frying without absorbing excess oil.
- Fry the potato sticks: Fry the sticks in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each side for 2–3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the hot loaded potato and cheese sticks immediately with your choice of dipping sauces such as sour cream, ranch dressing, or any preferred sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- Use leftover mashed potatoes for easy preparation and added flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the potato mixture before shaping.
- Alternatively, air-fry or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until crispy for a healthier version.
- Make sure the potato sticks are well chilled before breading to prevent them from falling apart during frying.
- Use seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor, or plain breadcrumbs if you prefer to control seasoning.
