Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks are a delightful snack you won’t want to miss. These golden sticks have a crispy outside and a soft, cheesy inside that’s full of comforting potato and rich cheese flavors. They’re simple but incredibly satisfying, making them perfect for any time you need a tasty treat.
I love making these cheese sticks when I’m craving something crunchy and cheesy, but also a bit filling. The combination of potatoes with melted cheese inside just hits the spot every time. Plus, they’re fun to eat—great for sharing with friends or enjoying during a cozy night in.
My favorite way to serve these sticks is with a side of tangy sour cream or a spicy dipping sauce. It adds a little extra flavor kick that makes the whole snack experience even better. Trust me, once you try these crispy Hungarian potato cheese sticks, they’ll quickly become a go-to snack in your kitchen too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russet. They hold their shape well and crisp up nicely. Waxy potatoes can be too soft and won’t give you that perfect crispy texture.
Cheese: Hungarian Trappista is traditional, but smoked Gouda or Emmental work great too. For a milder option, mozzarella works, but aim for a good melt.
Breadcrumbs: I prefer panko because it creates an extra-crispy crust. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs will do but the crunch won’t be as intense.
Spices: Paprika adds a subtle smoky warmth characteristic of Hungarian dishes. If you don’t have Hungarian paprika, regular sweet or smoked paprika works fine.
Oil for frying: Use oils with a high smoke point like vegetable, sunflower, or canola oil. Avoid olive oil for frying, as it can burn easily.
How Do You Get the Crispiest Coating on Potato Cheese Sticks?
To get that perfect crispy coating, follow this three-step breading process closely:
- Flour first: This dries out the potato surface and helps the egg stick better.
- Egg wash: It acts as glue to hold the breadcrumbs on.
- Breadcrumb coating: Roll the sticks in breadcrumbs for that crunch. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb layers once more.
Also, be sure to pat dry the boiled potatoes thoroughly before breading so the coating sticks well and fries up crispy. Fry in oil heated to about 350°F (175°C) to brown the sticks evenly without soaking up oil.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – perfect for boiling the potato sticks until just tender without breaking.
- Kitchen towel or paper towels – to dry the potatoes well; this helps the coating stick and get crispy.
- Three shallow bowls – for flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs, making the breading process smooth and organized.
- Deep frying pan or deep fryer – essential for frying the sticks evenly and getting that golden crunch.
- Slotted spoon – to easily remove the sticks from hot oil without bringing excess oil along.
- Cooling rack or paper towels – to let the fried sticks drain oil and stay crisp.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Hungarian cheese with shredded mozzarella or cheddar for milder or sharper cheese flavors that melt beautifully.
- Add finely chopped cooked bacon or ham inside for a smoky, meaty surprise that pairs well with potatoes and cheese.
- Mix fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill into the breadcrumb coating to add fresh herbal notes.
- Try adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a smoky or spicy kick, perfect if you like bold flavors.
Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Sticks:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes (starchy variety like Russet)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (Hungarian if available)
For the Cheese Filling and Breading:
- 1 cup shredded Hungarian or smoked cheese (e.g., smoked gouda, Emmental, or Hungarian Trappista cheese)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for crispiness)
- Optional: garlic powder or onion powder for seasoning
Other:
- Oil for deep frying (vegetable, sunflower, or canola)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Dipping sauce: Sour cream mixed with finely chopped herbs (e.g., chives or parsley), and a drizzle of olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare plus around 10 minutes for frying, so plan for about 25-30 minutes total. The key is to boil the potatoes just until tender and let them dry well before breading and frying.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Peel the potatoes and cut them into sticks roughly 3-4 inches long and about 1/2 inch thick. Place the potato sticks in a pot, cover with water, add 1 teaspoon salt, and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are just tender but still firm — about 8-10 minutes. Avoid overcooking to keep them firm for frying. Drain and pat dry completely with a clean towel.
2. Season the Potato Sticks:
In a large bowl, gently toss the dried potato sticks with black pepper, paprika, and a pinch of salt to evenly season them.
3. Prepare the Breading Station:
Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with optional garlic or onion powder for extra flavor.
4. Add Cheese and Coat:
Press a small amount of shredded cheese inside or roll cheese around part of each potato stick to fill them with gooey melted cheese inside. Then, coat each stick by first rolling in flour, dipping in beaten eggs, and finally rolling in breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating once more.
5. Fry Until Golden:
Heat oil in a deep fryer or deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the sticks in batches, careful not to overcrowd, for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
6. Serve:
Serve the crispy Hungarian potato cheese sticks hot, sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley. Offer a side of sour cream mixed with fresh herbs as a tasty dip. Enjoy your delicious homemade snack!
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh potatoes for the crispiest texture and best flavor. If you must use frozen, thaw and pat them completely dry before cooking and breading to avoid sogginess.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Simply swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions. Almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers work well as a coating alternative.
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the breaded sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and lightly spray with oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to help maintain their crispiness.
