Description
These Loaded Potato and Cheese Sticks are crispy, golden fried bites packed with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, savory bacon, and fresh green onions. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, they combine comforting flavors with a satisfying crunch, easy to make using leftover mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably leftover and chilled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 strips cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Breading Station
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
For Cooking
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined and uniform.
- Shape the Sticks: Take approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into sticks or small logs. Place these shaped sticks on a baking sheet.
- Freeze to Firm Up: Freeze the shaped potato sticks for 20 to 30 minutes so they become firm enough to handle during breading.
- Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs. This will ensure an even coating on the sticks.
- Bread the Sticks: Dip each potato stick first into the flour, coating it lightly, then into the beaten egg, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs, making sure they are fully covered.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a skillet and heat over medium heat until hot enough for frying.
- Fry the Potato Sticks: Fry the sticks in batches, cooking each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Drain: Transfer the cooked sticks onto paper towels to drain excess oil before serving.
Notes
- Serve with sour cream, ranch dressing, or your favorite spicy dipping sauce for added flavor.
- For a lighter alternative, bake the sticks at 400°F for 15–20 minutes instead of frying.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the bacon or replace it with a plant-based bacon alternative.
