Potato cheese sticks are a classic appetizer for a reason. Crispy on the outside with cheesy goodness inside, these bite-sized treats are always a crowd-pleaser. Made with only four ingredients in less than 30 minutes, they’re perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.
Peel and wash the potatoes. Dice them into medium cubes.
Cook the potatoes in boiling water for about 12-15 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove them from the pot and let them drain until all water is drained.
Mash the cooked potatoes by pushing them through a strainer.
Add the cornstarch, cheese, and salt to the mashed potatoes and mix until well combined, forming a dough.
Place the mashed potatoes in a Ziplock bag and flatten the mashed potatoes with a rolling pin, and freeze for about 1 hour.
Carefully cut open the Ziplock bag to keep the mashed potatoes intact. Cut the potato dough in half first, then into smaller sticks.
Heat a pan with at least 1 inch of oil and wait until it has reached 350℉.
Once your oil is hot, fry the potato cheese sticks in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden. Make sure the pan is not too crowded. Place them on a plate with a kitchen towel.
Serve while hot with your favorite dip sauce.
Notes
After boiling the potatoes, ensure they’re fully drained to prevent excess moisture, which can make the mixture too soft to shape and fry properly. Let them sit in a colander for a few minutes before mashing.
Use a fine mesh strainer, ricer, or food mill to mash the potatoes for a smooth and lump-free texture. Avoid using a blender or food processor, as this can overwork the potatoes and make them gluey.
Freezing the flattened potato mixture helps firm it up, making it easier to cut and handle. Don’t skip this step, as it prevents the sticks from breaking during frying.
Overcrowding the pan drops the oil temperature, leading to soggy sticks. Fry in small batches, giving each stick enough space to crisp up properly.