If there’s one snack that’s guaranteed to disappear fast in my house, it’s these Potato Cheese Sticks. They’re everything you want in a finger food—crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and totally dip-worthy.
Whether you’re whipping them up for an after-school snack, a weekend treat, or a game day bite, they’re always a hit.
The best part? You only need a handful of ingredients and no fancy tools. Kids love helping shape the sticks (kind of like making Play-Doh snakes!), and they freeze beautifully too, so you can make a big batch ahead of time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These potato cheese sticks have the golden crunch of a French fry with the cheesy goodness of mozzarella sticks—but they’re made with mashed potatoes, which makes them heartier and even more comforting.
They’re also super customizable: dip them in ketchup, ranch, or marinara, or serve them plain for picky eaters. Either way, there’s never a crumb left.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (cooled, no butter or milk added)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Oil, for frying
- Optional: parsley flakes for garnish
Pro Tips
- Use starchy potatoes like russets for best texture—they hold together well and crisp nicely.
- Let your mashed potatoes cool completely before mixing or they’ll be too sticky to shape.
- Chill the shaped sticks before frying—10 to 15 minutes in the freezer helps them hold their shape.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch—it helps bind everything together and gives that nice crunch.
- Want less mess? Air fry them! Just spray with oil and cook at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Shallow bowls or plates (for breading)
- Whisk or fork
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Paper towels or wire rack for draining
Substitutions and Variations
- Cheese: Try cheddar, pepper jack, or a mix of cheeses for different flavor profiles.
- Breadcrumbs: Use panko for extra crunch, or gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Add-ins: Stir in chopped green onions, cooked bacon bits, or herbs for extra flavor.
- Baking option: Bake at 425°F on a greased baking sheet for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Make Ahead Tips
Shape the sticks and freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and keep frozen for up to 1 month. Fry or bake straight from frozen—just add a couple extra minutes to the cook time.
Instructions
1. Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Mix until evenly combined and dough-like.
2. Shape the Sticks
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into a log about 3 inches long. Repeat with the rest of the mixture. Chill sticks in the freezer for 10–15 minutes to firm them up.
3. Bread the Sticks
Set up a breading station: one plate with flour, one with beaten eggs, one with breadcrumbs. Dip each stick first in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Place on a tray.
4. Fry Until Golden
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry sticks in small batches, turning as needed, until golden brown and crisp—about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels or a rack.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with parsley flakes if desired and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Leftovers and Storage
Let sticks cool completely before storing. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose their crunch!
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure they’re not too buttery or wet—dry mashed potatoes work best.
Q: Can I make these in the air fryer?
Absolutely. Spray with oil and air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q: What’s the best dipping sauce?
We love marinara, ranch, or spicy ketchup. Cheese sauce is also delicious for double cheesy goodness!
Q: How do I prevent the sticks from falling apart?
Chill before frying and make sure they’re well-coated during breading. Don’t skip the cornstarch in the filling!
You’re Going to Love These
These Potato Cheese Sticks are crunchy, cheesy, and totally kid-approved. Whether you serve them as a snack, appetizer, or fun side dish, they’re a guaranteed hit. Let me know if you try them—drop a comment with your favorite dipping sauce or any fun add-ins you used!
Now go grab those leftover mashed potatoes and let’s turn them into something amazing.