Crispy Potato Cheese Sticks with Bacon and Green Onions: The Ultimate Snack

Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy potato stick with a gooey cheese center, enhanced by the smoky flavor of bacon and the fresh taste of green onions. Crispy Potato Cheese Sticks with Bacon and Green Onions are the ultimate comfort food and the perfect party appetizer. These irresistible snacks are easy to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to be a hit at any gathering.

If you’re ready to impress your family and friends or treat yourself to a flavorful snack, let’s dive into the details.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheesy Center: Each bite reveals a warm, gooey cheddar cheese center that pairs perfectly with the crispy coating.
• Flavor Explosion: Bacon, green onions, and sour cream create a savory blend that elevates the mashed potato base.
• Perfect for Sharing: These potato cheese sticks are great for parties, game days, or casual get-togethers.
• Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Crispy Potato Cheese Sticks with Bacon and Green Onions

Ingredient	Quantity
Salt	1 teaspoon
Pepper	½ teaspoon
Green onions, diced	¼ cup
Sour cream	½ cup
Russet potatoes, cooked and cubed	3
Bacon, diced	¼ cup
Cheddar cheese, cut into strips	1 block
Cornstarch	⅔ cup
Panko breadcrumbs	100 g
Flour (for coating)	As needed
Egg (for coating)	1, beaten

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Potato Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, mash the cooked and cubed russet potatoes until smooth and lump-free.
2. Add salt, pepper, sour cream, diced green onions, and bacon to the mashed potatoes.
3. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

2. Form the Cheese Sticks

1. Take a small handful of the potato mixture and flatten it slightly in your hands.
2. Place a strip of cheddar cheese in the center and carefully fold the potato mixture around the cheese, ensuring it’s completely enclosed.
3. Shape the mixture into a stick or cylinder.
4. Repeat this process with the remaining potato mixture and cheese strips.

3. Coat the Cheese Sticks

1. Prepare three bowls for coating:
   • Bowl 1: Fill with flour.
   • Bowl 2: Beat the egg until smooth.
   • Bowl 3: Mix panko breadcrumbs with cornstarch.
2. Roll each potato cheese stick in the flour, coating it evenly.
3. Dip the stick into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated.
4. Finally, roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.

4. Fry the Cheese Sticks

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be deep enough to submerge at least half of each stick.
2. Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), carefully place the coated potato cheese sticks into the pan.
3. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove the sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

5. Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the crispy potato cheese sticks hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, sour cream, or spicy ketchup.
2. Garnish with additional green onions for extra flavor and a pop of color.

Tips for Perfect Potato Cheese Sticks

• Chill for Better Shaping: If the potato mixture feels too soft to shape, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before forming the sticks.
• Choose the Right Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, for frying.
• Prevent Cheese Leakage: Ensure the potato mixture completely encloses the cheese to avoid any leaks during frying.
• Even Coating: Take your time to evenly coat each stick for a perfectly crispy crust.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~250
Protein	~8g
Fat	~12g
Carbohydrates	~28g
Fiber	~2g
Sodium	~350mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

• Dipping Sauces: Serve with an array of sauces like garlic aioli, buffalo ranch, or barbecue sauce.
• Pair with a Salad: Balance the richness of the cheese sticks with a fresh side salad or coleslaw.
• Appetizer Platter: Combine these sticks with chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, and vegetable crudités for a party-friendly spread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked potato cheese sticks on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding an extra 2 minutes to the cook time.
• Reheating: Reheat cooked sticks in an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

1. Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes! Arrange the coated sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray with cooking oil and bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

2. What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?

Regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes are great substitutes for panko breadcrumbs.

3. Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free.

4. How do I keep the cheese from melting out?

Ensure the potato mixture is evenly wrapped around the cheese and tightly sealed before coating and frying.

5. What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar is a classic choice, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack also work beautifully.

6. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes add a unique flavor and work well in this recipe. Keep in mind they are softer, so chilling the mixture before shaping is recommended.

Conclusion

Crispy Potato Cheese Sticks with Bacon and Green Onions are a snack lover’s dream. The combination of crispy coating, creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and smoky bacon makes them irresistible. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just indulging at home, these cheese sticks are easy to make and impossible to resist.

Gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and treat yourself to this delightful recipe. Your taste buds will thank you!

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