Boil and Mash: Peel and chop the potatoes into similar-sized chunks for even cooking. Boil them in a pot of salted water until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain the water completely and mash the potatoes in a large bowl until smooth.
Flavor Frenzy: Add the chopped coriander (or parsley), chili flakes (optional), salt, and black pepper to the mashed potatoes. Gently fold everything together to ensure even distribution of flavors. Cheese Sneak Peek (Optional): This is where you can sneak in some shredded cheddar cheese for a hidden cheesy surprise! Fold in about 1/2 cup of shredded cheese at this stage.
Shape Up: With your hands, form the mashed potato mixture into long, thin sticks. Aim for a uniform size for even cooking.
Breading Bonanza: Prepare your breading station. In one bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt. In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs. Now, for the fun part! Dip each potato stick into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, roll the egg-coated stick in the breadcrumbs until completely covered. Repeat this process for all the potato sticks.
Frying Fiesta: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F), carefully add the breaded potato sticks. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan, fry them in batches for optimal crispness.
Serve and Savor! Once golden brown, remove the potato sticks from the pan and drain any excess oil on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce like ketchup, mayonnaise, or a creamy cheese sauce. Watch your kids devour these delicious and fun potato sticks!
More Info:
Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices in the potato mixture. Chopped chives, paprika, or garlic powder can add extra flavor variations.
For an extra cheesy experience, sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese over the potato sticks after frying, while they’re still hot, for a delightful cheesy melt.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Conclusion:
These fun and easy cheesy potato sticks are the perfect way to add some excitement to your dinner routine. They’re a delicious, kid-approved side dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. So grab your potatoes, get creative, and enjoy the process of creating this delightful and satisfying meal together!
