Perfect Potato Stick & Garlic Cheese Sauce

Perfect Potato Stick & Garlic Cheese Sauce – crispy, golden veggie sticks with creamy, garlicky cheese dip you’ll crave again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks
• Loaded with vegetables, yet totally crave-worthy
• Oven-baked for ease and less mess
• Garlic cheese sauce is rich, smooth, and customizable
• Great as a snack, appetizer, or even a side dish

Ingredients

For the Potato & Veggie Sticks:

• 2 large russet potatoes
• 1 medium zucchini
• 1 medium carrot
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Scrub and peel the potatoes, then cut them, along with the zucchini and carrot, into uniform fry-like sticks. Pat dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
3. In a large bowl, toss the veggie sticks with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the sticks in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
5. While the sticks bake, prepare the garlic cheese sauce:
6. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste.
7. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly, and cook until thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
8. Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar until fully melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using.
9. Serve the hot veggie sticks with the warm garlic cheese sauce on the side for dipping or drizzle on top.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 3–4
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 250 kcal

Variations

• Add spice: Use chili powder or paprika for extra heat
• Try different cheeses: Swap cheddar for gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack
• More veggies: Add bell pepper or sweet potato sticks to the mix
• Dairy-free option: Use vegan cheese and plant-based milk and butter
• Make it herby: Add chopped fresh parsley or thyme to the veggie coating

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cooled potato sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until crisp. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
Cheese sauce: Store in a separate container and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring frequently.

FAQs

Can I Make These Without Carrot Or Zucchini?

Yes, you can use only potatoes or swap in other firm veggies like parsnips or sweet potatoes.

Can I Make The Cheese Sauce Ahead Of Time?

Yes, just store it in the fridge and reheat it gently when ready to serve.

Are These Gluten-Free?

Use gluten-free flour in the sauce and ensure your spices and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I Make This Vegan?

Yes, substitute the butter, cheese, and milk in the sauce with plant-based versions.

Why Aren’t My Sticks Crispy?

Make sure to pat the veggies dry thoroughly before baking and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Can I Use Pre-Shredded Cheese?

Yes, but freshly grated cheese melts better and produces a smoother sauce.

How Do I Cut The Veggies Evenly?

Use a mandoline or sharp knife to keep the sticks uniform for even baking.

What’s The Best Dip If I Don’t Want Cheese Sauce?

Try ranch, garlic aioli, hummus, or spicy ketchup for dipping variety.

Can I Air Fry Instead Of Bake?

Absolutely. Air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Do I Need To Peel The Potatoes?

Not necessarily—leave the skin on for more texture and added nutrients if you prefer.

Conclusion

These Perfect Potato Stick & Garlic Cheese Sauce bites are everything you want in a savory snack—crunchy, cheesy, garlicky, and irresistibly good. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping a party platter, or just looking to satisfy a craving, this easy, delicious recipe is sure to be a hit every time.

Explore More Cheesy & Crispy Cravings

• Dive into the Crispy Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes for an extra garlicky, golden-crusted side.
• Try the hearty and creamy Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spinach Spaghetti Squash for a low-carb, flavor-packed comfort dish.
• Snack smarter with the ultra-addictive Crispy Fried Cheese Bites—perfectly gooey and golden.
• Add protein with a twist by exploring the Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken with Spinach & Peppers—a cheesy, juicy entrée.
• Complete your crispy cravings with Crispy Amish Onion Fritters—ideal for dipping or snacking solo.

Perfect Potato Stick & Garlic Cheese Sauce

---

• Author: Chef Clara
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Golden, crispy potato and veggie sticks paired with a velvety garlic cheese sauce make this the ultimate comfort snack. Baked to perfection, these sticks are crunchy on the outside and soft inside, while the sauce delivers a creamy, savory kick with just the right touch of garlic.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large russet potatoes
• 1 medium zucchini
• 1 medium carrot
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: A pinch of cayenne pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease.
2. Scrub and peel the potatoes, then cut them along with the zucchini and carrot into uniform fry-like sticks. Pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a large bowl, toss the veggie sticks with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
4. Spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
5. While the sticks bake, prepare the garlic cheese sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
6. Gradually add the milk while whisking until smooth and thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
7. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using.
8. Serve the hot potato sticks with warm garlic cheese sauce for dipping or drizzling.

Notes

• Use a mix of vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust garlic and cheese levels to taste.
• Best served hot for optimal crispiness and sauce texture.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 25mg