Why You’ll Love Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks Recipe
This recipe brings together the best of comfort food and traditional Hungarian flavors. With basic ingredients and straightforward preparation, these potato cheese sticks are a breeze to make yet taste like something you’d find in a cozy countryside kitchen. They’re perfect for dipping, sharing, or enjoying on their own.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Potatoes, boiled and mashed
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All-purpose flour
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Butter
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Egg yolks
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Grated cheese (preferably a sharp cheese like cheddar or a Hungarian variety such as Trappista)
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Salt
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Baking powder
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Optional: caraway seeds or paprika for topping
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Oil for frying or baking
Directions
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Begin by boiling peeled potatoes until tender, then mash until smooth. Let them cool completely.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, flour, butter, egg yolks, grated cheese, salt, and baking powder. Mix until a soft, pliable dough forms.
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On a floured surface, roll the dough out to about ½-inch thickness.
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Using a knife or pastry cutter, slice the dough into sticks about 3 to 4 inches long.
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If desired, sprinkle the tops with caraway seeds or paprika for extra flavor.
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Heat oil in a deep pan or preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Fry the sticks in hot oil until golden and crisp, or bake for 20–25 minutes until lightly browned and crispy.
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Remove and drain on paper towels if frying. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 24–30 cheese sticks, depending on size.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
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Add herbs: Mix fresh or dried herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme into the dough for an herby twist.
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Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños for a spicy version.
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Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
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Cheese swap: Experiment with different cheeses such as gouda, parmesan, or mozzarella for new flavor profiles.
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Baked version: For a healthier alternative, bake instead of frying.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover potato cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.
FAQs
What kind of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are best because they mash smoothly and absorb flavors well.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and keep it refrigerated until ready to use.
Can I freeze these cheese sticks?
Yes, you can freeze them before frying or baking. Just arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Yes, peeling ensures a smoother mash, which helps create a more uniform dough.
What cheese is traditionally used in Hungarian recipes?
Trappista cheese is a popular choice in Hungary, but any semi-hard cheese like cheddar also works well.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for flavor, but margarine can be used as a substitute in the same quantity.
How do I prevent the sticks from becoming too soft?
Make sure the mashed potatoes are completely cooled and not too moist. This helps the dough hold its shape and fry up crispy.
Can I bake them instead of frying?
Absolutely. Baking at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes will yield a healthier, still-crispy version.
Can I make them vegan?
Yes, use plant-based butter, a vegan cheese substitute, and omit the egg yolks or replace with a vegan egg alternative.
What dips go well with these?
Serve with sour cream, garlic aioli, or a spicy ketchup for a delicious pairing.
Conclusion
Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks are a fun, flavorful snack that blends simplicity with tradition. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in, they’re sure to become a new favorite. With their crispy exterior and cheesy, tender interior, these sticks are an irresistible treat worth making again and again.
Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks: An Incredible Ultimate Snack Sensation
Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks are the ultimate snack sensation — perfectly golden, crunchy on the outside, and irresistibly cheesy and soft on the inside. These Hungarian-inspired cheese sticks are easy to make and perfect for parties, game nights, or whenever you crave a deliciously unique appetizer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 20 sticks
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Hungarian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and boiled
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a mix of cheeses)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (Hungarian if available)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Mash the potatoes in a bowl until smooth. Let them cool slightly.
- Add shredded cheese, egg, flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and parsley. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut into sticks or fingers using a knife or pizza cutter.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the sticks in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with sour cream or your favorite dip.
Notes
- You can use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe.
- Add chili flakes for a spicier version.
- Make it gluten-free by swapping flour with a gluten-free blend.
- These freeze well before frying — just freeze on a tray and transfer to a bag once solid.
