Irresistibly Gooey Loaded Potato and Cheese Sticks You’ll Crave

Crispy potato and cheese sticks are a tasty appetizer that hits the spot for comfort food lovers.

These snacks mix the hearty flavors of potatoes and melted cheese inside a crunchy shell.

People who love cooking enjoy how this recipe turns simple ingredients into something everyone wants to eat.

The blend of smooth potatoes and stretchy cheese makes an amazing mix of textures and tastes that kids and adults will both enjoy.

Perfectly seasoned, these potato and cheese sticks can make any meal feel special or work as a standalone snack for casual dining with friends.

Crunchy on the outside yet soft within, these sticks promise an experience that combines classic comfort with exciting flavors.

What’s So Good About Loaded Potato And Cheese Sticks

• Quick and Easy Comfort Bite: Create delectable potato cheese sticks with minimal kitchen skills and simple ingredients.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Perfect for game nights, potlucks, and casual gatherings where guests want finger-friendly, crowd-pleasing appetizers.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure: Easily swap bacon for vegetarian options, adjust cheese types, or add extra herbs and spices to match personal taste preferences.
• Satisfying Texture Explosion: Enjoy the crispy panko exterior, creamy potato interior, and gooey melted cheese center that guarantees a delightful sensory experience.

What You’ll Need For Loaded Potato And Cheese Sticks

• Potatoes, Sour Cream: Creamy base with rich potato flavor that provides smooth texture and tangy undertone.
• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that adds brightness to the potato mixture.
• Bacon: Crispy and salty protein that brings smoky depth to the recipe.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste profile.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that creates a gooey center in potato sticks.

• Flour, Panko Breadcrumbs: Crispy exterior coating that provides golden crunch and helps seal the potato mixture.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps breadcrumbs adhere to potato sticks.
• Olive Oil: Helps achieve golden brown color and adds subtle richness during baking.

Easy Guide To Make Loaded Potato And Cheese Sticks

Step 1: Prepare Potato Base

• Cooked potatoes
• Sour cream
• Green onions
• Crispy bacon pieces
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mash all ingredients in a large mixing bowl until mostly smooth, keeping some potato chunks for an interesting texture.

Step 2: Create Cheese Centers

Cut cheddar cheese into thin strips approximately quarter-inch thick.

Step 3: Form Potato Pockets

Scoop a spoonful of potato mixture and shape into a round ball.

Carefully insert a cheese strip into the center of each potato ball.

Wrap potato mixture completely around the cheese, ensuring full coverage.

Step 4: Create Crispy Coating

Roll each potato stick in flour.

Dunk into beaten egg.

Cover thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy exterior.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Surface

Position oven rack in middle position.

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Place coated potato sticks on baking sheet.

Drizzle with olive oil.

Sprinkle with salt.

Step 6: Bake Golden

Slide baking sheet into preheated oven.

Bake until golden brown and cheese begins melting, approximately 15 minutes.

Step 7: Fry for Extra Crunch

Heat cooking oil to 350°F in deep pan.

Carefully lower potato sticks into hot oil.

Fry until exterior turns crispy golden brown, about 3 minutes.

Step 8: Final Touches

Transfer fried sticks to drying rack.

Season with additional salt.

Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Present immediately while warm and crispy.

Watch guests devour these delectable potato cheese sticks!

Little Tips For Loaded Potato And Cheese Sticks

• Boost Potato Texture: Keep some potato chunks while mashing to add delightful rustic texture and prevent an overly smooth consistency.
• Prevent Cheese Leakage: Completely seal potato mixture around cheese strip to ensure cheese stays inside during cooking and doesn't leak out.
• Crunch Enhancement Trick: Double-coat breadcrumbs for extra crispy exterior by repeating panko coating before baking or frying.
• Temperature Control: Let potato sticks rest briefly after cooking to allow internal temperature to settle and prevent burning your mouth.
• Customization Options: Swap bacon with vegetarian alternatives like crispy mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for dietary adaptations.

How To Keep Loaded Potato And Cheese Sticks Tasty

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F, place potato sticks on a baking sheet, and warm for 8-10 minutes until crispy and heated through.
• Reheat Air Fryer: Arrange sticks in a single layer, cook at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway to ensure even heating and maintain crispiness.
• Avoid Microwave: Skip microwave reheating to prevent soggy texture and maintain the original crispy coating.

Great Matches For Loaded Potato And Cheese Sticks

• Whip up a creamy ranch dressing with buttermilk, fresh herbs, and a dash of garlic powder to complement the rich, cheesy potato sticks. The cool, zesty sauce provides a perfect counterpoint to the crispy, warm appetizer.
• Pair with Refreshing Beer Contrast
• Select a crisp, light pilsner or wheat beer to cut through the heaviness of the cheesy potato sticks. The beer's carbonation and mild flavor will cleanse the palate between bites, creating a balanced eating experience.
• Create Fresh Salad Sidekick
• Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to add a fresh, peppery element. The salad's bright acidity will balance the rich, cheesy potato sticks and provide a nutritious accompaniment.
• Serve Cooling Cucumber Slaw
• Prepare a quick cucumber slaw with Greek yogurt, dill, and a touch of vinegar to offer a cool, crunchy side dish. This refreshing slaw will provide textural contrast and help lighten the indulgent potato sticks.

Change Up Loaded Potato And Cheese Sticks Your Way

• Gluten-Free Potato Cheese Sticks: Replace wheat flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Bacon Alternative: Swap bacon with crispy vegetarian bacon bits or smoked tempeh to create a meat-free version that maintains smoky flavor and protein content.
• Low-Carb Potato Substitute: Use cauliflower or turnips instead of potatoes to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining a similar creamy texture and cheese-filled interior.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy cheese with plant-based cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy, and use dairy-free sour cream to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals or vegan preferences.

All You Need To Know About Loaded Potato And Cheese Sticks

• Are these potato sticks suitable for vegetarians?

No, these potato sticks contain bacon, making them non-vegetarian. To make a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon alternatives.

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with various cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss. Just ensure the cheese melts well and complements the potato flavor.

• What's the best way to ensure a crispy coating?

The key is to follow the breading process carefully: first coat in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally roll in panko breadcrumbs. This creates a crisp, golden exterior when baked or fried.

• Can I prepare these potato sticks in advance?

You can prepare the potato sticks up to the breading stage and refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking. Just be sure to cook them fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Easy Loaded Potato and Cheese Sticks Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Loaded Potato and Cheese Sticks deliver comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, packed with rich flavors and creamy potato goodness. Cheese pulls and golden-brown edges invite hungry diners to savor this irresistible snack that promises pure satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 russet potatoes, cooked and cubed
• 1 block cheddar cheese, cut into ¼-inch strips
• ¼ cup bacon, diced

Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup green onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Coating Ingredients:

• Flour
• Egg
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Oil, for frying
• Salt, to season

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Instructions

1. Craft a creamy potato base by blending warm mashed potatoes with tangy sour cream, crispy bacon bits, freshly chopped green onions, and a seasoning of salt and pepper.
2. Maintain a rustic texture by partially mashing the mixture, leaving some delightful potato chunks for added complexity.
3. Slice premium cheddar cheese into precise strips, approximately quarter-inch thick, ready for incorporation.
4. Scoop generous portions of the potato mixture and shape into compact, uniform spheres.
5. Carefully nestle a cheese strip into the center of each potato sphere, meticulously enveloping the cheese completely to prevent leakage during cooking.
6. Create a triple-layer coating by first rolling each potato sphere in fine flour, then dipping into whisked eggs, and finally encrusting with crisp panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch.
7. Heat the oven to a precise 400°F, preparing for initial baking.
8. Arrange the breaded potato sticks on a lined baking sheet, drizzling with a light touch of olive oil and sprinkling with a pinch of sea salt.
9. Bake until the exterior achieves a golden, appetizing hue and the internal cheese begins to melt enticingly.
10. Simultaneously prepare a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan, heating oil to 350°F for secondary crisping.
11. Submerge the potato sticks in hot oil, frying until they transform into a rich, amber-brown color with a perfectly crisp exterior.
12. Extract the sticks and place on a wire rack, allowing excess oil to drain while seasoning with an additional light salt sprinkle.
13. Permit a brief cooling period to prevent potential mouth burns, allowing the molten cheese interior to stabilize.
14. Present immediately, serving as an irresistible appetizer or snack that promises a harmonious blend of crispy exterior and creamy interior.

Notes

• Customize potato texture by leaving chunks for rustic, homemade feel and added bite.
• Ensure cheese is fully enclosed within potato mixture to prevent melting and leaking during cooking.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better binding of potato mixture.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked gouda or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
• Prep sticks ahead of time and freeze unbaked for convenient make-ahead appetizer or

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg