Description
Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks are a delightful snack featuring a tender dough made from mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, and sharp grated cheese. These savory sticks are baked to golden perfection, offering a crisp exterior and a flavorful, cheesy interior, perfect for serving at parties or as a tasty appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 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
Topping
- 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
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the cooled mashed potatoes, sour cream, and egg yolk to the flour mixture. Gently mix until the dough just comes together; be careful not to overwork to keep the dough tender.
- Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up, which makes it easier to roll out.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to approximately 1/4-inch thickness to achieve a crisp finish when baked.
- Apply Toppings: Brush the dough surface with lightly beaten egg white. Evenly sprinkle the grated sharp cheese and optional caraway or sesame seeds over the top for added flavor and texture.
- Cut into Strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips about 1/2 inch wide and 3 to 4 inches long, creating the classic potato cheese stick shape.
- Bake the Sticks: Carefully transfer the strips to the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the sticks are golden brown and crisp to the touch.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cheese sticks to cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use cooled mashed potatoes to prevent the dough from becoming too sticky.
- For variation, experiment with different types of sharp cheeses such as aged cheddar, Edam, or traditional Hungarian hard cheeses.
- Adding caraway seeds or sesame seeds adds a nice crunch and extra flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Handle dough gently to keep the texture light and crispy after baking.
- Store leftover sticks in an airtight container to maintain crispiness; reheat in the oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hungarian
