If you love cheesy comfort snacks that are crispy on the outside and irresistibly soft inside, these Kartoffel Käse Sticks (Potato Cheese Sticks) will instantly win you over. Made with mashed potatoes, herbs, and plenty of melty cheese, they’re shaped into sticks and pan-fried or baked until perfectly golden. I first made these for a casual movie night, and they disappeared faster than any appetizer I’d ever served. They have the nostalgic coziness of mashed potatoes with the satisfying pull of melted cheese—simple, rustic, and incredibly addictive. Whether served with dips, as a snack, or as a fun party appetizer, these potato cheese sticks deliver crispy edges and a creamy, flavorful interior every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Kartoffel Käse Sticks are the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. They use basic, affordable ingredients, come together quickly, and can be customized endlessly. The cheesy potato mixture is easy to shape, fries beautifully, and holds together with a crisp exterior while staying soft inside. They’re also excellent for meal prepping—you can make the mixture ahead and form the sticks later. Whether you’re cooking for kids, party guests, or your own snack cravings, this recipe is comforting, versatile, and guaranteed to satisfy.
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Kartoffel Käse Sticks – Crispy, Cheesy & Comfortingly Delicious
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 16–20 sticks
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy on the outside and soft, cheesy, and savory on the inside—these Kartoffel Käse Sticks combine mashed potatoes with cheese and seasonings, shaped into sticks and fried until golden.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Emmental cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until a thick dough forms.
- Shape the mixture into stick-like pieces about 3 inches long.
- Roll each stick in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the sticks in batches for 2–3 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve warm with ketchup, garlic dip, or sour cream.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-coat in breadcrumbs.
- You can air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Add chopped herbs like chives or parsley for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: German
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Potatoes – The soft, starchy base that holds the sticks together.
Cheese – Mozzarella, cheddar, or a European melting cheese gives a gooey, stretchy interior.
Egg – Helps bind the potato mixture.
Flour – Adds structure and helps create a crisp exterior.
Cornstarch – Ensures extra crispiness once fried.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning.
Garlic powder – Adds gentle savory depth.
Paprika – Gives warmth and subtle color.
Fresh herbs (parsley or chives) – Bring freshness to the mixture.
Breadcrumbs (optional) – For an extra-crunchy coating.
Oil (for frying) – Helps achieve a perfectly golden exterior.
Directions
Boil peeled potatoes until fork-tender. Drain well and mash until smooth, allowing them to cool slightly.
Add cheese, egg, flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and herbs. Mix until the dough is firm and cohesive. If it feels too soft, add a little more flour.
Shape the mixture into sticks using your hands. You can make them thin like fries or thick like croquettes. For extra crunch, roll each stick lightly in breadcrumbs.
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the sticks in batches until golden brown on all sides. Alternatively, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway.
Drain on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite dips such as garlic mayo, sour cream, or spicy ketchup.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes roughly 18–24 sticks depending on size. Prep time is 20 minutes, and cooking time is 10–15 minutes. Total time: approximately 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to restore crispness. These freeze beautifully—freeze the shaped sticks on a tray, transfer to a bag, and cook directly from frozen.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Kartoffel Sticks – Add chili flakes, cayenne, or jalapeños.
Italian-Inspired Version – Add Parmesan and Italian herbs.
Stuffed Cheese Centers – Insert a small cheese cube in the middle for extra melt.
Bacon & Potato Sticks – Add cooked crumbled bacon.
Herb & Garlic Version – Increase herbs and add fresh minced garlic.
Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Air Fryer Sticks – Air fry at 390°F for 8–10 minutes.
Smoked Paprika Twist – Adds deeper, smokier flavor.
Cheddar-Jalapeño Mix – A great spicy, cheesy combination.
Curry Potato Sticks – Add curry powder for a fun fusion flavor.
FAQs
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes—just ensure they’re not too wet or heavily seasoned.
What cheese melts best inside?
Mozzarella gives the best stretch, but cheddar adds stronger flavor.
Can I bake them instead of frying?
Yes—bake at 400°F until crisp and golden.
Why is my mixture too soft?
Add more flour or chill the mixture before shaping.
Can I freeze them raw?
Absolutely—freeze on a tray first to prevent sticking.
Can I use an air fryer?
Yes—they crisp beautifully in an air fryer.
Do I need breadcrumbs?
Optional, but they create extra crunch.
What dips pair well with these?
Garlic mayo, ranch, spicy ketchup, or cheese sauce.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes—shape and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
What potatoes are best?
Starchy varieties like russet or Yukon gold work perfectly.
Conclusion
These Kartoffel Käse Sticks are everything you want in a snack—crispy, cheesy, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you enjoy them as an appetizer, side dish, or fun weekend treat, they’re guaranteed to impress with their satisfying texture and warm, savory flavor. Make a batch once, and you’ll find yourself craving them again and again.
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