If you’re looking for the ultimate snack that’s crispy, golden, cheesy, and packed with hidden veggies, you’re in for a treat with these Crispy Veggie Potato Sticks with Cheese Sauce. This recipe takes humble potatoes, adds a pop of color and nutrition from zucchini and carrots, and transforms them into addictive sticks that are perfect for dipping in a luscious homemade cheddar sauce. Whether you’re serving these up for a snack attack, game night, or a family gathering, each bite brings comfort, crunch, and a little cheesy magic you’ll want to share again and again.

Crispy Veggie Potato Sticks with Cheese Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this recipe is how a few simple ingredients come together to create something truly crave-worthy. Every element, from the potatoes to the cheese, plays a crucial role in building the taste, texture, and even the colorful look of these Crispy Veggie Potato Sticks with Cheese Sauce.

Russet potatoes (4 large, peeled): The starchy texture is key to achieving that signature crunch and fluffy inside.
Zucchini (1 medium, grated): Adds subtle moisture and a tender bite, plus a nutritional boost.
Carrot (1 medium, grated): Brings sweetness and vibrant color, making every stick pop.
Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Helps bind everything and creates a super crispy exterior when fried.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A gentle savory note that enhances the veggie flavors.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and a gorgeous golden hue.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors to life.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A touch of heat and depth in every bite.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Makes the potato sticks gorgeously crisp and golden.
Butter (2 tablespoons): The base for a rich and silky cheese sauce.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce to the perfect dipping consistency.
Whole milk (1 1/2 cups): Adds creaminess and body to the cheese sauce.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts into gooey, cheesy perfection.
Mustard powder (1/4 teaspoon): Cuts through the richness and brightens the sauce.
Cayenne pepper (pinch, optional): For those who love a little kick in their cheese sauce.

How to Make Crispy Veggie Potato Sticks with Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Prep and Squeeze the Potatoes

Start by grating your peeled russet potatoes and transferring them onto a clean kitchen towel. The secret to ultra-crispy sticks is to squeeze out as much moisture as you possibly can—don’t hold back! The drier your potatoes, the crunchier your results. Once you’ve wrung out every last drop, transfer the potatoes to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mix in the Veggies and Seasonings

Add the grated zucchini and carrot to your potatoes, along with the cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is nicely combined and evenly coated in the seasonings and starch. You’ll notice the colors look fabulous and the mixture will start to hold together.

Step 3: Shape the Potato Sticks

Using clean hands, take a small handful of the veggie potato mixture and form it into thin sticks or logs—aim for about finger-length and no thicker than your thumb. This makes them perfect for dipping and ensures an even fry. Place the shaped sticks on a parchment-lined tray as you go.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the potato sticks in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, turning as needed, until each stick is golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce

While the potato sticks are frying (or right after), melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to get rid of any raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar, mustard powder, and cayenne if using. Taste and season as needed—the sauce should be velvety and perfectly cheesy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange your piping hot Crispy Veggie Potato Sticks with Cheese Sauce on a platter and serve immediately, with the warm cheese sauce on the side for dipping. You’ll want to dig in right away while everything is at its melty, crispy best!

How to Serve Crispy Veggie Potato Sticks with Cheese Sauce

Garnishes

To take your Crispy Veggie Potato Sticks with Cheese Sauce over the top, sprinkle them with a little chopped fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness. For extra flavor, try a dusting of smoked paprika or a light grating of parmesan right before serving.

Side Dishes

These potato sticks are fantastic as a snack on their own, but they also make a show-stopping side for veggie burgers, grilled sandwiches, or crunchy salads. Pair them with a crisp coleslaw or a tangy pickled veggie platter for a complete, crowd-pleasing spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve your Crispy Veggie Potato Sticks with Cheese Sauce in small paper cones or mason jars for easy grabbing. Set out a mini dipping bar with different sauces—think spicy sriracha mayo or cool ranch—alongside the cheese sauce. Or, stack the sticks up like a “potato tower” for a playful presentation that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), let the potato sticks cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Store the cheese sauce in a separate container to keep everything at its best.

Freezing

For longer storage, arrange the cooked and cooled potato sticks on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. The cheese sauce, however, is best made fresh or kept in the fridge for just a few days, as dairy sauces can separate after freezing.

Reheating

To bring back that irresistible crunch, reheat the potato sticks in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until hot and crispy. If you’re short on time, a toaster oven works great, too. Warm the cheese sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to keep it smooth and creamy.

FAQs

Can I bake the potato sticks instead of frying?

Absolutely! For a lighter version, arrange the shaped sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray them generously with cooking oil, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll still get a lovely crispness, just with less oil.

What’s the best way to keep the potato sticks crispy?

The key is to remove as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes before mixing. Also, fry in small batches and let them drain well on paper towels. If you’re baking, space them out on the sheet so they crisp up instead of steaming.

Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The cheese sauce can be made a day or two ahead and kept in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to keep it silky smooth.

Are there other veggies I can add to the potato sticks?

Definitely! Feel free to swap in or add grated sweet potato, parsnip, or even a bit of onion for a new twist. Just keep the total veggie volume about the same, so the sticks hold together and fry evenly.

Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

The potato sticks themselves are gluten-free, thanks to the cornstarch. For the cheese sauce, simply use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour and you’re all set for gluten-free snacking bliss.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard to imagine a more satisfying, crowd-pleasing treat than these Crispy Veggie Potato Sticks with Cheese Sauce. With their golden crunch, cheesy dip, and hidden veggie goodness, they’re sure to become a new favorite at your table. Give them a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!

Crispy Veggie Potato Sticks with Cheese Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Crispy Veggie Potato Sticks with Cheese Sauce are a delightful and crunchy homemade snack combining grated potatoes, zucchini, and carrots, fried to golden perfection and served with a creamy, flavorful cheddar cheese dipping sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, this recipe brings a satisfying blend of textures and tastes with a vegetarian-friendly profile.

Ingredients

Scale

Veggie Potato Sticks

4 large russet potatoes, peeled
1 medium zucchini, grated
1 medium carrot, grated
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil for frying

Cheese Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Veggie Sticks: Grate the potatoes and place them in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible to ensure crispiness. Transfer the grated potatoes to a mixing bowl and combine with grated zucchini, grated carrot, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated, then shape the mixture into thin sticks or logs.
Fry the Sticks: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the prepared veggie sticks in batches, cooking each batch for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain the fried sticks on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually add the milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Stir until the sauce thickens smoothly. Remove the pan from heat and add shredded cheddar cheese, mustard powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if using. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Season to taste.
Serve: Plate the crispy veggie potato sticks hot and serve immediately with the warm cheese sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

For a healthier alternative, bake the potato sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet sprayed with cooking oil at 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
The cheese sauce can be prepared ahead of time and gently reheated on low heat before serving.
Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the potatoes to maximize the crispiness of the sticks.
Adjust seasoning in the cheese sauce to suit your taste preference, especially if you prefer less heat, omit the cayenne pepper.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Frying, Stovetop
Cuisine: American