Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks are the perfect snack that everyone will love! These golden, crunchy sticks are made from tender potatoes and gooey, melted cheese, giving you that amazing mix of crispiness and cheesy goodness in every bite.
I love making these because they’re so easy to prepare and they always disappear fast when I serve them. The smell of frying potatoes fills the kitchen and brings everyone running. They’re great for any time you want a tasty treat that’s a little bit special but still feels like comfort food.
My favorite way to enjoy them is right out of the fryer with a little bit of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce on the side. They’re perfect for movie nights, parties, or just when you need a quick snack that hits all the right spots. Trust me, once you try these crispy, cheesy sticks, you’ll find all kinds of excuses to make more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I always use Russet potatoes because they are starchy and give a fluffy texture perfect for mashing. If you can’t find Russets, Yukon Gold works too but might be a bit creamier.
Cheese: The classic Hungarian cheese sticks use semi-hard cheeses like Edam or Emmental for mild flavor and good melting. Mozzarella is a good easy swap, giving that stretchy, gooey center.
Breading: Panko breadcrumbs give extra crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work but won’t be quite as crispy. For a gluten-free option, try crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Spices: Garlic powder and paprika add nice flavor, but you can skip paprika if you don’t like a smoky note. A pinch of black pepper is always good for a little heat.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crispy Outside and Soft Cheesy Inside?
Getting that crispy crust with a melty cheese center can be tricky, but here’s what helps:
- Make sure potatoes are fully cooled before shaping so the dough holds better.
- Use the three-step coating: flour, egg, then breadcrumbs. This locks in moisture and creates a crispy shell.
- Double dip in egg and breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy layer.
- Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F (175°C). Too hot browns outside too fast; too cool makes sticks soggy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Give sticks space to cook evenly.
With patience and these tips, you’ll get deliciously crispy, golden sticks filled with gooey cheese every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling potatoes evenly until tender.
- Potato masher or fork – helps you mash potatoes smoothly without lumps.
- Mixing bowl – to combine potatoes, cheese, and spices easily.
- Three shallow dishes – for flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs to coat the sticks well.
- Deep frying pan or heavy skillet – lets you fry sticks evenly with enough oil depth.
- Thermometer (optional) – helps keep the oil at the right temperature for perfect crispness.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – to safely turn and lift sticks from hot oil.
- Paper towels – for draining excess oil and keeping sticks crisp.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cheese for spicy pepper jack to add a little heat and melty texture.
- Add finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives to the potato mix for fresh flavor.
- Mix in cooked crumbled bacon or ham for a smoky, meaty twist.
- Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the coating for an extra kick.
Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes (starchy variety like Russet)
- 1 ½ cups grated cheese (traditionally mild semi-hard like Edam, Emmental, or mozzarella)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (plus more for coating)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Optional: marinara sauce or sour cream for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 40 minutes total — 20 minutes to boil and soften the potatoes, 10 minutes to prepare and shape the sticks, and 10 minutes to fry them until golden crispy. It’s a quick and fun snack to make whenever the craving strikes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook and Mash the Potatoes:
Peel the potatoes and boil them in salted water for about 20 minutes, or until they are very tender. Drain well and mash them while still warm until smooth. Then set aside to cool to room temperature, so the mixture holds together better.
2. Mix Ingredients and Shape Sticks:
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with grated cheese, egg, flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix until you get a soft dough. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour. Shape the dough into sticks about 3 to 4 inches long and 1 inch thick.
3. Coat the Potato Cheese Sticks:
Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs. Coat each stick by rolling first in the flour, then dipping in the egg, and finally rolling in the breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating step.
4. Fry Until Crispy and Golden:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the sticks carefully in batches for 3 to 4 minutes, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to turn them gently.
5. Drain and Serve:
Remove the sticks from the oil and set them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara or sour cream.
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy Hungarian potato sticks – the perfect snack for any occasion!
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh potatoes for the best texture and flavor. If you only have frozen potatoes, thaw them completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before mashing to avoid soggy sticks.
How Can I Make These Cheese Sticks Ahead of Time?
You can shape and coat the sticks, then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Store in a freezer bag and fry them straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the frying time for crispy results.
What Cheese Works Best for Melting and Flavor?
Mild semi-hard cheeses like Edam or Emmental are traditional and melt well. Mozzarella is a great substitute for gooey stretchiness, while pepper jack adds a spicy kick if you prefer.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cheese sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness instead of microwaving, which can make them soggy.
