Crispy Mashed Potato Sticks – Easy Golden Snack Everyone Loves!
Crunchy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside — these mashed potato sticks are the ultimate quick comfort snack made from simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes cold, leftover works best
- 1 cup shredded cheese Cheddar, Mozzarella, or a mix
- 1 egg
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch optional, for extra crispiness
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 –2 tbsp chopped parsley optional
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix the base: In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, egg, flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until smooth.
- Shape the slab: Spread the mixture into a rectangle on parchment paper, about ½ inch thick.
- Chill to firm: Freeze for 30–40 minutes or until solid enough to cut cleanly.
- Cut into sticks: Slice into even finger-sized strips.
- Heat the oil: Warm oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry: Add sticks in batches and fry for 3–4 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Drain & serve: Place on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot with dips of your choice.
Notes
Tips
- Always use cold mashed potatoes so the mixture holds well.
- Freeze the slab long enough for clean, even cuts.
- Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.
- Avoid overmixing; it can make the dough gummy.
Variations
- Cheese-Stuffed: Insert a thin piece of mozzarella in the center of each stick.
- Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning.
- Air Fryer: 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to stay crisp.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked sticks for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes.