Crispy Cheesy Potato Sticks

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or more, for frying)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:
   • Peel the potatoes and cut them into thick sticks (about 1/2 inch thick).
2. Boil the Potatoes:
   • Place the potato sticks in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they are just tender but not falling apart. Drain and let them cool slightly.
3. Coat the Potatoes:
   • In a large bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
   • Add the slightly cooled potato sticks to the flour mixture and toss to coat them evenly.
4. Stuff with Cheese:
   • Take each potato stick and cut a small slit lengthwise. Stuff each slit with shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Fry the Potatoes:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated potato sticks in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
   • Fry the potato sticks for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy. The cheese should be melted and gooey inside.
6. Drain and Serve:
   • Remove the potato sticks from the skillet and drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
   • Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese while still hot.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
7. Serve:
   • Serve the crispy cheesy potato sticks immediately while they are hot and the cheese is still melty.

Tips:

• You can use different types of cheese for stuffing, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, according to your preference.
• Serve these potato sticks with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch, or a spicy aioli.

Enjoy your crispy cheesy potato sticks!