Crispy Hungarian Sticks (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, or regular if preferred
02 - 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes
03 - 1 cup of regular flour
04 - 200g grated cheese (mix of smoked and cheddar)
05 - Salt and pepper as needed
06 - 2 large eggs, whisked lightly
07 - A teaspoon of smoked paprika
08 - A teaspoon of garlic powder
09 - Vegetable oil for frying

→ Garnish

10 - Finely chopped parsley leaves

# Instructions:

01 - Fill a big pot with water and bring it to a steady boil. Add in the cubed potatoes and cook them until soft enough to pierce easily, about 15 to 20 minutes. Once done, drain and allow them to cool briefly.
02 - Put the cooked potatoes in a large bowl and mash until smooth using a masher, or a ricer if you want a really fine mash.
03 - Stir in the grated cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the cheese is blended in evenly.
04 - Grab some of the mix and roll it into stick shapes, roughly 3 or 4 inches long. Keep going until you've used it all up.
05 - Lay out three shallow bowls: one with flour, one for the eggs, and another for the breadcrumbs.
06 - Take each stick, coat it in flour, dip it in the egg, then roll it in breadcrumbs. Be sure they’re fully covered in breading.
07 - Pour about half an inch of vegetable oil into a large pan or skillet. Warm it over medium-high heat until it reaches roughly 175°C (350°F).
08 - Carefully place a few sticks at a time into the oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
09 - Transfer the fried sticks to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil.
10 - Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a nice finish before serving.
11 - Serve these warm with a dipping sauce you like—maybe sour cream or a zesty spicy aioli—and pair them with a fresh side salad.

# Notes:

01 - Using panko breadcrumbs gives the outer layer an extra crunch compared to standard breadcrumbs.
02 - The cheddar-smoked cheese combo gives a rich and satisfying flavor.