These Crispy Potato Strips with Creamy Cheese Sauce are a deliciously indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The soft, flavorful potato filling combined with a crispy exterior makes these strips a satisfying snack or side dish. Topped with a rich, velvety cheese sauce, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the combination of crispy and creamy textures. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or just a savory snack, these potato strips are packed with flavor and perfect for dipping.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
For the Potato Strips:
- 3 medium potatoes
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 200 g cheese, grated (reserve 50 g for the sauce)
- Black pepper, to taste
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons flour (as needed for texture)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 300 ml milk
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 150 g cheese, grated
Directions
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and boil them in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
- Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, mash them in a large bowl until smooth.
Add the Flavorings: 4. To the mashed potatoes, add the chopped parsley, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and 50 g of grated cheese. 5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and mix everything thoroughly until combined.
Form the Dough: 6. Gradually add the cornstarch and flour to the potato mixture until it forms a pliable dough. You can add more flour as needed to achieve the right texture. 7. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a flat sheet. 8. Cut the dough into thin strips, about 1 cm wide, and place them in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up.
Fry the Potato Strips: 9. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. 10. Fry the potato strips in batches, turning them until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. 11. Once cooked, transfer the strips to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: 12. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. 13. Add the flour and stir until it forms a paste, cooking for about 1-2 minutes. 14. Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. 15. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. 16. Stir in 150 g of grated cheese and mix until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Serve: 17. Arrange the crispy potato strips on a platter and serve with the creamy cheese sauce on the side for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side Salad: Serve these crispy potato strips alongside a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- As a Snack or Appetizer: These are perfect for parties or casual gatherings as an appetizer or snack.
- Pair with Roasted Vegetables: The creamy cheese sauce pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots.
- With Sour Cream: For a cooler, tangy dip, serve the potato strips with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side.
- As a Side to Grilled Meat: These crispy strips make a great side dish for grilled chicken, beef, or lamb.
Cooking Tips
- Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for this recipe as they give a nice, fluffy texture when mashed.
- Ensure the Dough is Not Too Sticky: If the dough is too sticky while rolling, add a little more flour to make it easier to handle.
- Rest the Dough: Let the dough rest in the fridge to firm up the potato strips, which helps them maintain their shape while frying.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a bright flavor to the potato mixture, but you can experiment with other herbs like rosemary or thyme for variety.
Nutritional Benefits
- Potatoes: Rich in carbohydrates, potatoes provide energy and are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
- Cheese: Adds calcium for bone health and protein for muscle repair. It also contributes to the rich, creamy texture of the sauce.
- Garlic and Onion: Both garlic and onion are known for their antioxidant properties and health benefits, including immune-boosting effects.
- Parsley: This herb adds fresh flavor and is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, supporting skin, eye, and bone health.
Dietary Information
- Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch.
- For a dairy-free option, replace the cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives like vegan cheese and margarine.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love these crispy potato strips because they’re full of flavor, easy to prepare, and can be served in many different ways. The golden, crispy exterior combined with the creamy cheese sauce creates a perfect balance of textures. Whether as a side dish or a snack, these potato strips are both satisfying and indulgent. The addition of fresh herbs, vegetables, and cheese takes this recipe to the next level, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.
Conclusion
These crispy potato strips with creamy cheese sauce are a fantastic way to enjoy potatoes in a new and exciting form. With crispy, golden strips of potato and a rich, velvety cheese sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. Easy to make, versatile, and absolutely delicious, these potato strips are a perfect addition to any meal or gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make the potato strips ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the strips and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry them. -
Can I bake these potato strips instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the strips at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a lighter version. -
Can I use sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be used as an alternative for a different flavor and nutritional profile. -
Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the cheese sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving. -
What can I substitute for the cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute with potato starch or arrowroot powder. -
Can I use other vegetables in the potato mixture?
Yes, you can add finely grated carrots or zucchini to the potato mixture for added flavor and nutrition. -
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover potato strips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain their crispiness. -
Can I freeze these potato strips?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked strips. Just freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry from frozen when ready to serve. -
Can I make the sauce spicier?
Yes, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the cheese sauce for some extra heat. -
How do I adjust the consistency of the cheese sauce?
If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more cheese or a little flour to thicken it.