Sweet Potato Cheese Sticks: The Ultimate Winter Snack
How to Make Crispy and Chewy Sweet Potato Cheese Sticks at Home
Indulge in the perfect winter treat: sweet mashed sweet potatoes encasing savory, gooey cheese! These Sweet Potato Cheese Sticks are a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Their delightful contrast of a crispy exterior, soft sweet potato interior, and rich, melty cheese makes them an ideal homemade snack or a charming addition to your afternoon tea. Simple to make yet incredibly satisfying!
Ingredients
- 300g Sweet Potatoes (about 2 medium)
- 8 String Cheese sticks
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 2 Eggs
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the sweet potatoes. Place them in a steamer basket and cook for about 20-30 minutes until very tender when pierced with a fork. Once cooked, let them cool slightly, then peel off the skins. While still warm, mash the sweet potatoes smoothly using a fork or a potato masher. Cut each string cheese stick in half (or into one piece if they are short) to prepare them.
Step 2
Crack the 2 eggs into a bowl. Whisk them well to break the yolks and whites, ensuring no stringy bits remain. For an extra smooth egg wash, you can strain the mixture through a sieve; this prevents lumps and creates a cleaner coating. Prepare your breadcrumbs – dry breadcrumbs work well for a crispier finish, while moist ones might adhere slightly better.
Step 3
Here’s the first method for shaping your sweet potato cheese sticks. Line a cutting board with plastic wrap. Scoop 1-2 tablespoons of mashed sweet potato onto the wrap and spread it out thinly into a rectangular shape. Place a prepared string cheese stick on top. Using the plastic wrap, tightly roll the sweet potato around the cheese, forming a neat log. Ensure it’s rolled snugly to maintain its shape.
Step 4
For a second, more refined shaping technique: take a spoonful of mashed sweet potato and roughly enclose the cheese stick with it. Place this on your work surface and gently roll it back and forth between your palms to create a smooth, elongated stick shape. If the ends are too long, trim them slightly to achieve a uniform appearance.
Step 5
By using these shaping methods, your sweet potato cheese sticks will have a consistent and appealing form, rivaling those found in stores. This attractive presentation makes them even more enjoyable for children.
Step 6
Now, it’s time for coating. Dip each shaped sweet potato cheese stick into the whisked egg wash, ensuring it’s evenly coated on all sides. Then, place it in the breadcrumbs and press gently but firmly to ensure the crumbs adhere well. Brush off any excess crumbs and lightly pat them down to create a solid, crispy layer.
Step 7
They are now perfectly prepared for frying! Arrange the breaded sweet potato cheese sticks neatly, ready for their transformation into golden-brown deliciousness.
Step 8
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a deep pan or pot to about 170°C (340°F). You can test the oil temperature by dropping a few breadcrumbs; they should sizzle and float to the surface. Carefully place the coated cheese sticks into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them, turning occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden-brown color. Frying until this rich hue develops enhances the delicious appearance and flavor.
Step 9
It’s important to fry carefully to prevent the cheese from melting and leaking out. Maintain a medium-low heat to ensure the sweet potato cooks through evenly while the cheese melts beautifully inside without escaping.
Step 10
Once golden brown and perfectly fried, remove the sweet potato cheese sticks from the oil and place them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels. This allows excess oil to drain off, maintaining their delightful crispiness.
Step 11
Enjoy these delightful treats warm! Experience the wonderful combination of sweet, soft sweet potato and savory, stretchy cheese. The crisp exterior complements the tender filling and the fun, gooey cheese pull. These homemade delights are perfect for the whole family, and even better served with a side of ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce!
