Master Potato Cheese Sticks! Mash tender spuds with stretchy mozzarella, cornstarch, and spices for an easy, savory dough. Your guide to deliciousness, plus full nutrition facts, is here.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
Scale
2 large potatoes (about 500g), peeled
1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dredging)
2 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the peeled potatoes in salted water until very tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain them completely, then mash them thoroughly in a large bowl, ensuring no lumps remain. Let the mashed potatoes cool down for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Add the shredded mozzarella cheese, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the mashed potatoes. Mix everything well with a spatula or your hands until a cohesive dough forms.
Step 3: Lightly flour a clean surface or your hands. Take small portions of the potato mixture and roll them into desired stick shapes, about 3-4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. Place the formed sticks on a plate.
Step 4: In a deep pan or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C). Lightly dredge each potato stick in all-purpose flour before carefully placing them into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Step 5: Fry the potato cheese sticks for 3-5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the fried sticks with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For future enjoyment, form the sticks and freeze them solid on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag; fry straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
Leftover sticks reclaim their crispiness beautifully when reheated in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes or in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes.
These golden delights pair wonderfully with a range of dips – think spicy sriracha mayo, tangy marinara, cool ranch, or a sweet and savory honey mustard for dipping perfection.
Achieving perfectly smooth, cooled mashed potatoes is crucial; lumps can make the dough difficult to form, and warm potatoes will melt the cheese prematurely, making shaping messy.