Are you looking for the perfect snack food with cheesy flavor and crunch? These delectable morsels of crispy delight are sure to satisfy your taste buds! This one is a favorite in our households due to the perfectly cooked potatoes and gooey melted cheese. It combines the two ideas of crispy cheese sticks and tater tots. It’s an easy recipe and the great thing is, our kiddos are always begging for more!

Table of Contents

• Why We Love This Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make 4-Ingredient Cheesy Potato Sticks
• Optional Variations
• Expert Tips
• FAQs
• More Easy Appetizer/Side Dish Recipes

Why We Love This Recipe

Aside from being finger licking tasty, this cheesy potato sticks recipe is also: 

• Crispy and Cheesy Delight: Ultimate comfort food of perfectly cooked potato sticks with a golden, crispy exterior that reveals a melty, gooey center of shredded cheese. 
• Quick and Easy: This is a simple recipe with simple ingredients.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• 1 lbs. potatoes Russet or golden potatoes – these varieties possess a high starch content, which translates to a light and airy texture when cooked. The result? Potato sticks that are delightfully tender on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside. Both Russet and golden potatoes have a remarkable ability to absorb flavors, making them perfect vehicles for the cheesy goodness in this recipe.
• ½ cup corn starch
• ½ cup shredded cheese – whether you opt for the rich and smoky notes of Gouda (that’s what we use!) or prefer to experiment with other cheese varieties, the choice is yours. The cheese not only adds a burst of flavor but also contributes to the gooey, melty goodness that makes Cheesy Potato Sticks so irresistible.
• Salt to taste

How To Make Cheesy Potato Sticks

Step 1: Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Peel and wash your potatoes before dicing them. Cook the potatoes in boiling water for about 12-15 minutes, or until fully cooked.

Step 2: Remove them from the pot and let them drain until all water is drained. Then mash your potatoes by pushing them through a strainer. Add the cornstarch, cheese, and a pinch of salt to the mashed potatoes and mix until well combined.

Step 3: Place the mashed potatoes in a Ziplock bag and flatten the mashed potatoes with a rolling pin, and freeze for about 1 hour.

Step 4: Carefully cut open the Ziplock bag to keep the mashed potatoes intact. Cut your sticks by cutting them in half first, and then smaller sticks.

Step 5: Heat a pan with at least 1 inch of oil and wait until it has reached 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once your oil is hot, fry your potato cheese sticks in batches for about 2-3 minutes. Make sure your pan is not too crowded. Place them on a plate with kitchen towel, so it will absorb most oil.

Step 6: Serve while hot with your favorite dip sauce.

Optional Variations 

As much as we love these Cheesy Potato Sticks exactly the way we normally make them, we want you to love them, too. Here are a few potential variations to try — if you test ‘em out, let us know how they turn out in the comments below!

1. Herb and Spice Infusion: Elevate the flavor profile of your Cheesy Potato Sticks by incorporating herbs and spices into the cheesy mixture. Consider adding a pinch of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme or Italian seasoning. These aromatic additions will infuse the sticks with delightful savory notes, enhancing the overall taste experience.

2. Melty Cheese Variety Exploration: While the recipe suggests using shredded Gouda cheese, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to create unique flavor combinations. Try cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese for a classic and comforting option, or go for a bolder flavor with pepper jack or smoked gouda. Each cheese brings its own distinct taste, allowing you to tailor the sticks to your liking.

3. Favorite Dipping Sauce: Get creative with your dip sauce choices to add a burst of complementary flavors. Consider serving your Cheesy Potato Sticks with  pizza sauce, tangy sriracha mayo, creamy jalapeno dip, hot sauce, or a classic cheese sauce. For a refreshing twist, pair them with a cooling cucumber-yogurt dip or a zesty salsa. The dip sauce options are endless!

4. Oven-Baked Alternative: If you prefer a healthier option, you can adapt the recipe by baking the Cheesy Potato Sticks instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and arrange the sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy. While the texture will be slightly different, you’ll still enjoy the cheesy deliciousness without the added oil.

Expert Tips

• Freezing for easy handling is a crucial step: Once you have prepared the mashed potato mixture, transfer it into a Ziplock bag or an airtight container. Ensure that the mixture is spread evenly to create a flat layer. This will make it easier to cut into uniform sticks later on. Freeze for at least 1 hour. Freezing the mixture helps it firm up, making it easier to handle and shape into sticks without losing its form during frying. After freezing time is up, carefully remove the mixture from the bag or container, keeping it intact. With a sharp knife, cut the frozen mixture in half, creating two large blocks. Then, proceed to cut each block into smaller sticks. Aim for a consistent size to ensure even cooking and a pleasing presentation.
• Achieving Perfect Crunchy Texture: Heat the oil to the right temperature, typically around 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the sticks cook evenly in the hot oil and develop a beautiful golden exterior. Then carefully place the potato sticks in small batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. This allows each stick to have ample space for even cooking and prevents them from sticking together. Keep a close eye on the sticks as they fry, gently flipping them using tongs or a slotted spoon to ensure an even and crispy exterior on all sides. Cooking them for about 2-3 minutes allows the exterior to turn a beautiful golden brown while ensuring the interior remains creamy and cheesy. Once the frying is complete, transferring the fried sticks onto a plate lined with a kitchen towel or paper towels helps absorb any excess oil, ensuring they are not greasy. 

FAQs

Got questions about making the perfect Cheesy Potato Sticks? We’ve got you covered! Here are some frequently asked questions that will help you navigate through any uncertainties and ensure a successful cooking experience. Let’s dive in!

Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?

A: For best results, russet potatoes or golden potatoes work best for their texture, but you can experiment with other varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Keep in mind that different potatoes may yield slightly different results in terms of texture and taste.

How can I make the Cheesy Potato Sticks gluten-free?

A: To make the recipe gluten-free, you can replace the regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative such as rice flour, cornstarch, or gluten-free all-purpose flour.

Can I bake the potato sticks instead of frying them?

A: Although baking the potato sticks may not achieve the same level of crispiness as frying, you can certainly try baking them. Preheat your oven to a high temperature (around 425°F or 220°C), lightly grease a baking sheet, and bake the sticks for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

What are some recommended dipping sauce options for serving with the Cheesy Potato Sticks?

A: The Cheesy Potato Sticks pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, barbecue sauce, or spicy mayo. Feel free to get creative and explore different flavor combinations.

Can I make the mashed potato mixture ahead of time and freeze it for later use?

A: Yes, you can prepare the mashed potato mixture in advance and freeze it. Just make sure to thaw it slightly before cutting and frying the sticks.

How do I reheat the leftover Cheesy Potato Sticks to maintain their crispiness?

A: To reheat the leftover sticks, preheat your oven to a high temperature (around 400°F or 200°C) and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes or until they become crispy again.

Can I add additional seasonings or herbs to the cheesy mixture for extra flavor?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, or dried herbs such as rosemary or thyme. Just make sure not to overpower the cheesy flavor.

How long can I store the cooked Cheesy Potato Sticks, and what is the best way to store them?

A: You can store the cooked Cheesy Potato Sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To maintain their crispiness, it’s best to reheat them in the oven rather than the microwave.

More Easy Appetizer/Side Dish Recipes

• Irresistible Pecan Bacon Cheeseball
• The Ultimate Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
• Roasted Tomatoes & Burrata Appetizer
• Mexican Elotes: A Flavorful Twist on Grilled Corn

If y’all tried this sumptuous recipe for Cheesy Potato Sticks, holler and let us know how it turned out for you by giving us a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and commenting below. You can also always feel free to tag us (@creamcheeseandlemonsqueeze) in your social media posts so we can cheer you on.

XO,

Anna & Ashley