Potato Cheese Sticks (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
02 - 200g of cheese (preferably a mix of cheddar and smoked cheese), grated
03 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
06 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - Salt and pepper to taste
09 - Vegetable oil for frying
10 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let them cool slightly.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, mash the boiled potatoes until smooth using a potato masher or a ricer for a finer texture. Stir in the grated cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the mashed potatoes.
03 - Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a stick, about 3 to 4 inches long. Repeat with the remaining mixture to form uniform sticks.
04 - Set up three shallow dishes—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
05 - Roll each potato stick first in the flour, ensuring it's completely covered. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly in breadcrumbs. Make sure each stick is evenly coated with all three layers.
06 - In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot (around 350°F or 175°C).
07 - Carefully add the potato cheese sticks to the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Turn them gently to ensure even cooking.
08 - Once fried, remove the sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving for added color and flavor.
09 - Serve these crispy Hungarian potato cheese sticks warm with your favorite dipping sauce like sour cream or a spicy aioli. They pair well with a fresh salad for a complete meal.

# Notes:

01 - These potato cheese sticks can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before the frying step.
02 - For a healthier version, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
03 - Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding Gouda, Gruyère, or Hungarian-style cheese for authentic flavor.
04 - In Hungary, these are often served as an appetizer or snack with beer or wine.