Description
These Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks are a delightful appetizer featuring mashed potatoes mixed with cheddar cheese, herbs, and spices. The sticks are fried until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and cheesy inside. Perfect for a snack or party appetizer, they combine the comforting flavors of potatoes and cheese with a mildly smoky Hungarian paprika touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Potato Cheese Stick Mixture
- 2 medium russet potatoes (peeled and boiled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet Hungarian paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (about 1/2 inch depth in skillet)
Instructions
- Mash Potatoes: Mash the peeled and boiled russet potatoes in a large bowl until smooth and free of lumps to create a creamy base for the dough.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, egg, sour cream, salt, black pepper, Hungarian paprika, garlic powder, and optional chopped fresh parsley. Mix thoroughly until a soft, pliable dough forms that holds together well.
- Shape Sticks: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into sticks approximately 1 inch wide and 3 inches long.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to about 1/2 inch depth and heat over medium heat until hot but not smoking—around 350°F (175°C) is ideal for frying.
- Fry Sticks: Carefully add the potato cheese sticks in batches to the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.
- Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried sticks onto a plate lined with paper towels to remove any excess oil.
- Serve Warm: Serve the crispy Hungarian potato cheese sticks warm as an appetizer or snack for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Try using mozzarella or blends of cheeses for a different cheesy flavor profile.
- These sticks are best enjoyed freshly fried but can be reheated in an oven to regain their crispiness.
- Use sweet Hungarian paprika for authentic mild smoky flavor; adjust paprika quantity or type to taste.
- Ensure oil temperature is steady to avoid greasy or undercooked sticks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sticks
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
