Crispy, Cheesy, and Impossible to Ignore Oven-Baked Potato Sticks

These potato sticks are packed with flavor from herbs, mozzarella, parmesan, and just the right touch of seasoning. They’re made by boiling potatoes, mashing them into a seasoned mixture, shaping them into little sticks, and baking them.

They work perfectly as an appetizer for family dinners, a side dish for grilled chicken or burgers, or a party snack.

What Are Potato Sticks?

Potato sticks are made by transforming boiled potatoes into a soft dough-like mixture, then shaping that mixture into sticks before baking them.

Unlike French fries, which rely on slicing raw potatoes and frying them, these sticks are made from mashed potatoes mixed with cheese, starch, and herbs. Potatoes were once considered decorative plants in Europe before people realized they were edible. Imagine ignoring potatoes as food. History almost made a terrible mistake.

Pro Tips for the Best Potato Sticks

• Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work beautifully because they mash easily and create a smoother mixture. Waxy potatoes can make the sticks too dense.
• Don’t overboil the potatoes and cook them until fork-tender, not until they turn into soup. Too much water makes the mixture sticky and harder to shape.
• Warm potatoes mash more smoothly and blend better with the cheese and seasonings. Extra moisture is the enemy of crisp potato sticks. Let the potatoes sit in the colander for a minute before mashing.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I Freeze Potato Sticks?

Freeze them after shaping but before baking for the best results. Place them on a tray first so they freeze separately instead of becoming one giant potato sculpture. Once frozen, transfer them to a container for 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I Fry These Instead of Baking?

Yes, and they’ll turn out even crispier. If frying is your preferred life choice, heat oil and fry them until golden brown on all sides. Make sure the mixture is firm enough before frying, so they hold their shape. Baking is lighter and easier, but frying definitely brings dramatic crunch.

What Can I Serve with Potato Sticks?

These pair beautifully with dipping sauces like garlic mayo, spicy ketchup, ranch, sour cream dip, or even marinara sauce. They also work wonderfully as a side dish for grilled meats, burgers, roasted chicken, or sandwiches.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover potato sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 180°C (360°F) for about 8-10 minutes or pop them into the air fryer for a quicker crisp-up.

How to Make Oven-Baked Potato Sticks

Step 1

Step 1

Peel the potatoes and cut them into small chunks. Transfer them to a pot filled with water and boil for about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and drain them well.

Peel the potatoes and cut them into small chunks. Transfer them to a pot filled with water and boil for about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and drain them well.

Step 2

Step 2

Pour the boiled potatoes into a colander placed over a bowl and press them with a spoon to mash them thoroughly.

Pour the boiled potatoes into a colander placed over a bowl and press them with a spoon to mash them thoroughly.

Step 3

Step 3

Add the cornstarch, oregano, salt, pepper, parsley, and mozzarella cheese, and mix.

Add the cornstarch, oregano, salt, pepper, parsley, and mozzarella cheese, and mix.

Step 4

Step 4

Scoop small portions of the mixture with a spoon. Roll each portion with your hands to form stick shapes.

Scoop small portions of the mixture with a spoon. Roll each portion with your hands to form stick shapes.

Step 5

Step 5

Line a baking tray with parchment paper and drizzle a little olive oil over it. Place the prepared potato sticks on the tray, leaving a little space between each one.

Line a baking tray with parchment paper and drizzle a little olive oil over it. Place the prepared potato sticks on the tray, leaving a little space between each one.

Step 6

Step 6

Brush the tops of the sticks with olive oil and sprinkle Parmesan cheese. Bake at 180°C (360°F) for about 30 minutes.

Brush the tops of the sticks with olive oil and sprinkle Parmesan cheese. Bake at 180°C (360°F) for about 30 minutes.

Step 7

Step 7

Enjoy!

Enjoy!