Crispy Potato Cheese Sticks with Bacon and Green Onion Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into Crispy Potato Cheese Sticks with Bacon and Green Onion Recipe — the way the crunchy outer layer gives way to melty cheese and tender potato inside is just pure comfort food magic. I first made these on a chilly weekend when I wanted something cozy but also a little fun to snack on, and they quickly became a household favorite. Trust me, this recipe nails that perfect balance between crispy texture and rich flavors, making it a standout anytime you’re craving a tasty, hearty treat.

Whether you’re serving these as appetizers at a casual gathering or just sneaking a batch during a quiet night, these potato cheese sticks really deliver. Plus, the addition of smoky bacon and fresh green onion takes a simple snack up several notches. If you love snack foods that satisfy meat-eater and cheese-lover cravings alike, this Crispy Potato Cheese Sticks with Bacon and Green Onion Recipe should definitely make its way onto your menu.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the texture and flavor that make these potato cheese sticks irresistible. Picking fresh green onions and sharp cheddar cheese really enhances the overall satisfaction of every bite.

• Russet potatoes: Their starchy texture is perfect for that creamy interior without falling apart.
• Cheddar cheese: Choose a block with good quality sharpness—it melts beautifully inside the sticks.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory crunch, balancing the richness of cheese perfectly.
• Green onion: Freshness and mild oniony flavor brighten up each bite.
• Cornstarch: Helps maintain that crisp exterior without being greasy.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Give a lighter, flakier crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
• Flour, egg: Essential for the batter that holds everything together before frying.
• Vegetable oil (or canola/peanut oil): For frying — choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for the best results.
• Sour cream: Adds a bit of tang and creaminess, mixing nicely into the potato base.
• Salt and pepper: Simple but necessary seasoning to bring all the flavors forward.

Variations

I love tweaking this recipe depending on what I have on hand or what mood I’m in, and you should definitely feel free to get creative with it too. It’s such a flexible snack base that welcomes plenty of personal touches.

• Variation: Swap out the cheddar for mozzarella for a gooey, milder cheese pull that kids especially love.
• Variation: For a spicy kick, add some finely chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper into the potato mixture.
• Variation: Make this vegetarian by eliminating bacon and boosting flavor with smoked paprika—still delicious!
• Variation: Use sweet potatoes instead of russets for a slightly sweeter, colorful twist that pairs wonderfully with sharp cheddar.

How to Make Crispy Potato Cheese Sticks with Bacon and Green Onion Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the potatoes and bacon

Start by boiling your russet potatoes until they’re fork-tender—this usually takes about 15-20 minutes. I like to peel and cube them before boiling to speed things up and get even cooking. While that’s happening, crisp up your diced bacon in a pan—it’s key to getting that smoky crunch without any chewiness. Set the cooked bacon on paper towels to drain excess fat, then dice it finely to mix into the potato base.

Step 2: Mix the potato base

Once your potatoes are cool enough to handle, mash them up but keep a few small lumps for texture—smooth mash is great, but a little chunkiness adds interest. Stir in the sour cream, diced green onions, cooked bacon, salt, and pepper. Taste as you go; you want a well-seasoned but balanced mix because that potato base carries a lot of flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the sticks

Take your block of cheddar and slice it into strips about the size you want for your sticks (roughly finger-width). Shape the potato mixture around each cheese strip, forming tight sticks so the cheese is fully encased. If they’re too loose, they can leak while frying, so take your time here for the best results.

Step 4: Coat with flour, egg, and panko

Set up a breading station: one dish with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with panko mixed with cornstarch. Lightly dust each potato cheese stick in flour first, then dip in egg, and lastly roll in the panko mixture. This triple layer helps achieve that perfect crispy crust without absorbing too much oil during frying.

Step 5: Fry to golden perfection

Heat a litre of vegetable or peanut oil in a deep pot to around 350°F (175°C). Fry the sticks in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. They’ll take about 3-4 minutes each batch to turn golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them, letting excess oil drip off on a wire rack or paper towels. If you find they’re browning too fast and not cooking through, lower the heat slightly.

How to Serve Crispy Potato Cheese Sticks with Bacon and Green Onion Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra chopped green onion and fresh parsley on top right out of the fryer—it adds a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, I dust a pinch of smoked paprika for an eye-catching finish. These simple touches really elevate the presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

These sticks pair beautifully with tangy dipping sauces like sour cream mixed with a bit of garlic and dill or a spicy chipotle mayo. I often serve them alongside a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to balance out the richness. A cold beer or sparkling lemonade makes a nice pairing if you’re entertaining.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve tried arranging these potato cheese sticks upright in a hollowed-out bread bowl filled with dip—super fun for sharing and keeps them warm longer. Another idea is skewering a few on cocktail sticks for easy handheld snacks. It turns a casual appetizer into something memorable that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though they rarely last long at my place!), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days. Just be aware the panko coating will soften a bit in the fridge.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen these sticks after assembling and breading them but before frying. Lay them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you want a quick snack, fry them straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to cook through.

Reheating

To keep that crispy exterior, I pop leftover sticks in a hot oven or air fryer at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes. Microwaving will warm them up but usually turns the crust soggy, so avoid that if you can.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Crispy Potato Cheese Sticks with Bacon and Green Onion Recipe is one of those dishes that always brings a smile to my face. They’re perfect for sharing, impressing friends, or just treating yourself after a long day. Once you get the hang of molding and frying, it becomes your go-to comfort snack because it’s that reliably delicious. If you haven’t tried making these yet, I really encourage you to do so—you’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create something so special and satisfying.

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