Description
Crispy Hungarian Potato Cheese Sticks are delightful savory snacks made from a rich dough of mashed potatoes, flour, butter, sour cream, and sharp cheese. Baked to golden perfection with a crispy exterior and cheesy topping, these sticks are perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying as a tasty treat any time of day.
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
- Prepare the dough base: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring the butter stays cold for flaky texture.
- Add wet ingredients and combine: Mix in the cooled mashed potatoes, sour cream, and egg yolk until the dough just comes together. Take care not to overwork the dough to keep the sticks tender.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a ball, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step firms up the dough for easier rolling and better texture when baked.
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness to ensure crisp, evenly cooked sticks.
- Apply topping: Brush the rolled-out dough with the reserved egg white for a shiny, golden finish. Sprinkle the grated sharp cheese evenly over the surface and add optional caraway or sesame seeds if desired.
- Cut into sticks: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips about 1/2 inch wide and 3 to 4 inches long for perfect finger-sized snacks.
- Bake: Transfer the sticks to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart, and bake for 18–22 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Cool and serve: Allow the potato cheese sticks to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. They are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature for maximum flavor and crispness.
Notes
- Use cold butter to achieve a flaky, crisp texture in the dough.
- Do not overwork the dough to keep the sticks tender and light.
- Chilling the dough is essential for easy rolling and better final texture.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of sharp cheese like aged cheddar or Edam for varied flavors.
- Optional seeds add a nice crunch and decorative touch but can be omitted if desired.
- Store leftover sticks in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
