Golden, Crunchy, and Melty in All the Right Ways
Okay, friend—imagine biting into something crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, with just the right hint of buttery richness and a touch of salt. That’s exactly what these Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks deliver. They’re rustic, humble, and outrageously satisfying. Think of them as the savory snack you didn’t know you were missing—perfect for dipping, sharing (or not), and devouring fresh from the oven. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll keep a stash of mashed potatoes just to make them again.
Why You’ll Love Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks
Crispy & Cheesy: Golden on the outside with a melty, savory inside—snack perfection.
Great Use for Leftovers: Got extra mashed potatoes? This is the way to use them up.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and no fancy tools needed.
Perfect Snack or Side: Serve them as an appetizer, party snack, or a cozy side dish.
Customizable: Add herbs, garlic, or your favorite cheese to make them your own.
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Ingredients in Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks
Here’s what brings these golden beauties to life:
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, smooth potatoes are the base—day-old mashed work great!
All-Purpose Flour
Binds everything together and adds crispiness when baked or fried.
Butter
Melted butter adds richness and helps with that beautiful golden color.
Cheese
Grated cheese (traditionally something like Trappista or a mild white cheese) for that gooey, savory pull.
Egg
Helps hold the dough together and gives structure.
Salt
A simple seasoning to bring all the flavors forward.
Optional Add-Ins
Chopped chives, paprika, or a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.
Instructions
Let’s get you a batch of these warm, crispy sticks straight from the oven:
Preheat Your Oven
Set it to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix mashed potatoes, flour, melted butter, shredded cheese, egg, and salt. Stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Shape the Sticks
On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Cut into finger-length sticks with a knife or pizza cutter.
Arrange & Bake
Place the sticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Optionally, brush with melted butter for extra golden crispness.
Bake to Crispy Perfection
Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Cool Slightly and Serve
Let cool for a couple of minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauce or on their own.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: About 20 sticks
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks
- With Dips: Sour cream, ranch, spicy ketchup, or a garlicky aioli work beautifully.
- As a Side: Serve alongside soups, stews, or grilled meats.
- Party Appetizer: Pile on a tray with toothpicks and a dip station—total hit!
- Snack Attack: Enjoy them warm with nothing but a sprinkle of flaky salt.
Additional Tips
- Use Cold Mashed Potatoes: They firm up the dough better than freshly made.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Dill, chives, or parsley are great additions for a fresh twist.
- Make Them Extra Crispy: Add a handful of breadcrumbs to the dough or brush with egg wash.
- Try a Cheese Blend: Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or even gouda can change the flavor profile.
- Fry for Extra Crunch: Want that ultra-crispy bite? Shallow fry instead of baking.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
A1: Yep! Just make sure they’re thick and not too runny before mixing.
Q2: Can I make these gluten-free?
A2: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check your cheese—easy swap!
Q3: Can I freeze them?
A3: Yes, freeze after baking. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer until crisp.
Q4: What kind of cheese works best?
A4: A mild, meltable cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or a semi-soft Hungarian cheese is ideal.
Q5: Can I pan-fry instead of baking?
A5: Absolutely—just use a nonstick skillet with a bit of oil and cook until golden on all sides.
Q6: Can I prep the dough ahead of time?
A6: Yes! Chill the dough in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q7: How do I make them spicier?
A7: Add paprika, cayenne, or a touch of chili flakes to the dough.
Q8: What’s the best texture for mashed potatoes in this recipe?
A8: Smooth, lump-free mashed potatoes give the best, most consistent texture.
Q9: Can I bake them in an air fryer?
A9: Definitely! 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through.
Q10: How do I store leftovers?
A10: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to crisp back up.
Conclusion
Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks are the kind of snack that feels like comfort food in stick form—simple, flavorful, and impossible to eat just one. Whether you’re dipping, sharing, or snacking solo, they hit that perfect crispy-gooey combo every time. So go ahead, dig out those leftover mashed potatoes and let the magic happen. Your snack game just got seriously upgraded!
Print
Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus chill time)
- Yield: 25–30 sticks
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, cheesy, and flaky potato-based pastry sticks—popular in Hungarian cuisine. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party finger food.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed potatoes (plain, cooled)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 egg yolk (reserve the white for brushing)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup grated sharp cheese (e.g., cheddar, Edam, or a hard Hungarian cheese)
- 1 egg white, lightly beaten (for brushing)
- Optional: caraway seeds or sesame seeds for topping
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add mashed potatoes, sour cream, and egg yolk. Mix until dough comes together—do not overwork.
- Form into a ball, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Brush with egg white and sprinkle with grated cheese and seeds if using.
- Cut into strips about 1/2 inch wide and 3–4 inches long.
- Transfer to baking sheet and bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden and crisp.
- Cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use leftover mashed potatoes, but avoid any with added milk or butter for best results.
- Try paprika in the dough for extra Hungarian flavor.
- These freeze well after baking—just reheat in the oven to crisp them up.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg