Potato Cheese Sticks Hungarian (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
02 - 200g cheese, grated (mix of cheddar and smoked cheese preferred)
03 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
06 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - Salt and pepper to taste
09 - Vegetable oil for frying
10 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let them cool slightly.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, mash the boiled potatoes until smooth. You can use a potato masher or a ricer for a finer texture.
03 - Stir in the grated cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the mashed potatoes.
04 - Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a stick, about 3 to 4 inches long. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
05 - Set up three shallow dishes—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
06 - Roll each potato stick first in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs. Make sure each stick is evenly coated.
07 - In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot (around 175°C).
08 - Carefully add the potato cheese sticks to the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
09 - Once fried, remove the sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
10 - Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

# Notes:

01 - Try using different cheese variations, such as gouda or mozzarella, for unique flavor twists.