Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks are a delightful snack that brings together the golden crunch of perfectly fried potatoes with the rich, gooey goodness of cheese. These sticks have a wonderful crispy outside that gives way to a soft, cheesy center, making each bite a little celebration of textures and flavor. They’re simple but feel special—something you’ll want to make and share on any casual day or party night.
I love making these because they’re surprisingly easy and always a hit. The trick I found is to make sure the potatoes are nicely shredded and squeezed dry before mixing, so they crisp up beautifully in the pan. And the cheese—oh, using a nice melting cheese like mozzarella or a Hungarian variety if you can find it—makes the whole snack super satisfying. It reminds me of those times when I just want something quick but totally tasty to keep me going through the afternoon.
The best part is how versatile these sticks are. I usually serve them with a little bowl of sour cream or a tangy dipping sauce, and they’re perfect whether I’m watching a game, enjoying a movie night, or even sneaking a few as an after-school treat. Everyone seems to love their crispy edges combined with that melty cheese surprise inside. If you’re looking for a solid, comforting snack that’s a little different and totally fun, these Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks are just the ticket.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold work best due to their starch content, which helps with crispiness. Make sure to squeeze out extra moisture well, or your sticks might get soggy.
Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, giving that gooey center. Traditional Hungarian cheese like Trappista is great if you can find it. For a twist, try cheddar or gouda, but stick to mild melting cheeses.
Breadcrumbs: Panko is my favorite for a crunchy outside. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work fine, or crush some cornflakes for a different crunch.
Oil: Use neutral oils like sunflower or vegetable oil for frying—they tolerate high heat well without changing the flavor.
How Do I Keep the Cheese from Melting Out During Frying?
Coating the cheese well is key to stopping it from leaking during frying. Here’s how:
- After shaping the potato mix firmly around the cheese, make sure each stick is completely covered.
- Use three steps: coat in flour, dip in egg, then breadcrumbs.
- For extra security and crispness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating once more.
- Chill the sticks before frying if you have time; it helps firm everything up.
- Fry in hot oil (about 350°F or 175°C) so the outside crisps quickly while melting the cheese inside, avoiding oil getting inside and breaking the coating.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grater – to shred the potatoes evenly and quickly.
- Clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth – helps squeeze out extra moisture from shredded potatoes.
- Mixing bowl – to combine potatoes with spices and prepare the mixture.
- Three shallow bowls – for the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs; makes coating easier.
- Deep frying pan or deep fryer – needed to fry the sticks until golden and crispy.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – for safely removing sticks from hot oil without breaking them.
- Paper towels – to drain excess oil after frying and keep the sticks crispy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the potato mix for a fresh, fragrant touch.
- Mix in cooked bacon bits for extra smoky flavor and crunch.
- Swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese to add a mild spicy kick inside.
- Stir in a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika in the potato mix for more depth and warmth.
Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks: An Incredible Ultimate Snack Sensation
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Mixture:
- 3 large potatoes (about 600g), peeled and grated
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus extra for seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for Hungarian flavor)
For Coating:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
For Filling & Frying:
- 1 ½ cups Hungarian or mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks (about 1 inch wide and 3 inches long)
- Oil for deep frying (sunflower or vegetable oil recommended)
- Optional: dipping sauce such as ketchup, sour cream, or spicy paprika sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and fry. You’ll spend 15 minutes prepping the potatoes and cheese sticks, and about 15 minutes frying them until golden and crispy. It’s a quick and fun snack you can enjoy almost immediately after cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Grate the potatoes using a box grater or food processor, then place them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This helps the sticks get really crispy. Transfer the dried grated potatoes to a bowl.
2. Mix and Shape:
Add the salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using) to the potatoes. Mix well. Take a cheese stick and firmly shape the potato mixture around it so the cheese is completely covered and held inside.
3. Coat the Sticks:
Set up three shallow bowls—one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Roll each potato-wrapped cheese stick first in flour, then dip it in egg, and finally roll it in breadcrumbs. For a stronger coating and extra crispiness, dip the sticks again in egg and breadcrumbs.
4. Fry the Cheese Sticks:
Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the sticks in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry them for 3-4 minutes until they are golden and crispy all over.
5. Drain and Serve:
Remove the fried sticks with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to soak up excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, like ketchup, sour cream, or a spicy paprika sauce.
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy snack sensation!
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh potatoes because they hold together better and crisp up nicely. If you only have frozen, thaw them completely and squeeze out all moisture before using.
What Cheese Works Best for Potato Cheese Sticks?
Mozzarella is ideal for its melting quality, but traditional Hungarian cheeses like Trappista or mild cheddar also work well. Avoid very hard or crumbly cheeses.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying?
You can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through to crisp all sides. They won’t be as crispy as fried but still tasty and a bit lighter.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to keep them crispy—avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
