There’s nothing quite like the sensation of a crispy potato wedge fresh out of the fryer, glistening with flavor and waiting to be dipped into a zesty sauce. I remember the first time I made these Chicken-Fried Mississippi Potato Logs; the aroma wafting through my kitchen brought both family and friends out of the woodwork, lured by the promise of crunch and spice.
As someone who enjoys homemade meals, I often find myself yearning for a break from boring fast food, and these potato logs deliver just that. With the right balance of seasonings and that satisfying crunch, they’re an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a game night or simply treating yourself on a cozy evening, this recipe brings a bit of comfort to the table.
So, if you’re ready for a culinary adventure that’s both simple and delicious, let’s dive into making these irresistible potato logs that are bound to change your snack game forever!
Why love Chicken-Fried Mississippi Potato Logs?
Irresistible crunch: Each bite offers a satisfying texture that creates a delightful crunch, making them the perfect snack.
Flavor-packed seasoning: The mix of garlic, onion, paprika, and cayenne elevates the classic potato wedge to a whole new level.
Easy preparation: With straightforward steps, you can whip these up without any hassle, perfect for even beginner cooks.
Crowd favorite: These logs are guaranteed to impress your family and friends at any gathering!
Versatile snack: Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a customizable experience that caters to any palate.
Get ready to indulge in homemade goodness that will make fast food seem dull!
Chicken-Fried Mississippi Potato Logs Ingredients
For the Potato Logs
• Russet potatoes – 4 (8 oz. each); perfect for their starchy texture that helps create that crispy exterior.
• All-purpose flour – 1 cup; this is key for achieving a delightful crunch when frying.
• Garlic powder – 2 tsp.; adds a warm, savory flavor that enhances your chicken-fried experience.
• Onion powder – 2 tsp.; complements the garlic by adding depth to the seasoning mix.
• Paprika – 2 tsp.; provides a subtle smokiness that elevates the overall taste profile.
• Kosher salt – 1 1/2 tsp.; necessary for seasoning and will draw out the natural potato flavor.
• Ground black pepper – 1 tsp.; enhances the flavor and adds a little kick.
• Cayenne pepper – 1 tsp.; gives a spicy undertone that makes these logs unforgettable.
• Whole buttermilk – 1 cup; allows for a flavorful coating that keeps the breading moist and tasty.
• Large egg – 1; helps bind the coating for a crispy finish when fried.
For the Frying
• Canola oil – 4 cups; chosen for its high smoke point, perfect for frying these potato logs to golden perfection.
For the Dipping Sauce
• Mayonnaise – 6 Tbsp.; serves as a creamy base for your zesty sauce.
• Chili crisp – 1 Tbsp.; introduces a spicy, crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with your potato logs.
• Rice vinegar – 1 Tbsp.; brightens the sauce and enhances the flavors of the dip.
Dive into this tasty adventure with these Chicken-Fried Mississippi Potato Logs that are not only packed with flavor but also incredibly fun to make!
How to Make Chicken-Fried Mississippi Potato Logs
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Preheat your oven to 400°F with the rack placed in the center. This initial step sets the stage for beautifully baked potatoes that will be the base of your logs.
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Prick the potatoes several times with a fork to allow steam to escape, and place them directly on the oven rack. Bake until tender for about 1 hour. Allow them to cool on a rack for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for another 30 minutes to firm them up.
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Combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a large ziplock plastic bag. This will be the flavorful coating that gives your logs that delightful crunch.
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Whisk together the buttermilk and egg in a shallow bowl. This creamy mixture will help the seasoning cling to the potato wedges perfectly.
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Set up your frying station by placing a wire rack in a sheet pan and lining a platter with paper towels near the stove. This preparation makes it easy to manage the hot, crispy logs post-fry.
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Pour the canola oil into a Dutch oven and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 360°F. Maintaining this temperature is crucial for achieving that golden brown perfection.
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Cut each potato lengthwise into 4 wedges. Place 4 wedges in the bag with the flour mixture and shake gently to coat. Remove the wedges from the bag, making sure to shake off any excess flour.
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Dip the potato wedges in the buttermilk mixture, turning to coat them fully. Return the wedges to the bag and shake again to ensure they are well-coated with the flour mixture.
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Place the breaded potato wedges on a wire rack and let them stand for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the coating adhere better.
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Carefully lower 6 potato wedges into the hot oil and fry until deeply browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Adjust the heat to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to 355°F. Remove the potatoes from the oil and drain on paper towels before repeating the process for the remaining wedges.
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Prepare the sauce while the last batch of potatoes fry by stirring together the mayonnaise, chili crisp, and rice vinegar. Serve this zesty sauce with your crispy potato logs for dipping.
Optional: Garnish your potato logs with fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Chicken-Fried Mississippi Potato Logs
Room Temperature: Enjoy your Chicken-Fried Mississippi Potato Logs fresh; they’re best eaten immediately after frying. If left out, consume within 2 hours to ensure quality.
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Reheat in an oven to restore crispiness.
Freezer: Freeze fully cooled potato logs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container after 1-2 hours. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, bake from frozen at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Expert Tips for Chicken-Fried Mississippi Potato Logs
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Choose Potatoes Wisely: Use russet potatoes for their starchy texture, which helps achieve that perfect crispy finish with chicken-fried potato logs.
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Baking First: Don’t skip the baking step! Cooking the potatoes beforehand ensures they are tender and flavorful before frying.
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Coat Evenly: Make sure each potato log is well-coated in the flour mixture. Shake off excess flour to avoid clumps during frying.
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Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil between 350°F and 360°F. Frying at the right temperature prevents greasy logs and promotes even cooking.
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Batch Frying: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature; this ensures each log gets that enviable golden-brown crunch without being overcrowded.
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Resting Time: Let the coated logs rest for 5 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better during cooking, yielding crispy chicken-fried Mississippi potato logs.
What to Serve with Chicken-Fried Mississippi Potato Logs?
Indulging in crispy, golden potato logs is a treat, so why not create a memorable meal by pairing them with the perfect sides and drinks?
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Zesty Coleslaw: The crunchiness and tang of coleslaw add a refreshing contrast to the savory potato logs, balancing out the flavors beautifully.
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Classic Ranch Dressing: This creamy dip enhances the richness of the logs while adding a cooling element, making each bite doubly enjoyable.
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Spicy Sriracha Aioli: For those who crave a kick, a spicy aioli will echo the cayenne in the logs and intensify every munch with delightful heat.
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Grilled Chicken Thighs: Tender, marinated chicken thighs take your meal to the next level. Their juiciness complements the crispy texture of the potato logs perfectly.
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Sweet Potato Fries: Offering a sweet contrast, crispy sweet potato fries will delight your taste buds and add a pop of color to your plate.
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Cheesy Queso Dip: Dive into this ooey-gooey goodness for a delightful cheesy addition. The creamy dip pairs wonderfully with the crunchy logs, making it a hit for gatherings.
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Fizzy Lemonade: A homemade zesty lemonade will add a refreshing citrusy touch that cuts through the richness, cleansing your palate for more.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: End your meal on a sweet note with warm, gooey cookies. Their nostalgic charm creates a lovely finish alongside the savory logs.
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken-Fried Mississippi Potato Logs are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy weeknights! You can bake the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance; after baking and cooling, simply refrigerate them to maintain their firm texture. Additionally, you can mix the seasoned flour and buttermilk mixture ahead of time—just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, slice the refrigerated potatoes into wedges, dredge them in the coatings, and fry until crispy. By prepping these components earlier, you’ll have delicious, homemade potato logs ready to satisfy your cravings in no time!
Chicken-Fried Mississippi Potato Log Variations
Elevate your potato logs with these fun twists that cater to every taste bud!
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Spicy Jalapeño: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the flour mixture for an extra kick that brings the heat to your logs. The bright flavor contrasts beautifully with the crispy texture.
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Cheesy Delight: Mix grated parmesan or cheddar cheese into the flour for a savory cheesy crust. The melty pockets of cheese offer a delightful surprise in every bite!
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the flour for a fragrant twist. This enhances the potato’s natural flavor with a burst of freshness that’s simply irresistible.
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Smoky Barbecue: Swap the paprika for smoked paprika and drizzle your finished logs with a barbeque sauce for a delicious smoky flavor that transports you to a backyard cookout.
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Vegan Friendly: Replace buttermilk with a plant-based milk and omit the egg, using a flaxseed mixture (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) instead for binding. These logs remain crispy and satisfying without the animal products.
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Garlic Lovers: Increase the garlic powder and add freshly minced garlic to the buttermilk mixture for a robust flavor. Garlic pairs wonderfully with the crunchy exterior for an explosion of taste!
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Baked Option: Instead of frying, brush the potato logs with oil and bake at 450°F until crispy and golden. This healthier version still offers a satisfying crunch while cutting down on grease.
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Sweet Potato Swap: Substitute russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet, vibrant variation that pairs beautifully with a chipotle dip. These logs offer a different flavor profile while maintaining that crunch you crave!
Chicken-Fried Mississippi Potato Logs Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my potatoes are ripe?
Absolutely! When selecting russet potatoes, look for those that are firm, with smooth skin and no dark spots. Avoid any with soft spots, blemishes, or sprouts, as these can indicate age or spoilage.
How should I store leftover Chicken-Fried Mississippi Potato Logs?
After enjoying these delicious logs, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To preserve their crispiness, place parchment paper between layers. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating in the oven works best to maintain that crunchy texture!
Can I freeze Chicken-Fried Mississippi Potato Logs?
Yes, you can! To freeze, lay the fully cooled potato logs in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake from frozen at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy.
What should I do if the coating isn’t sticking during frying?
Very! If you encounter this issue, make sure the potatoes are thoroughly coated in the buttermilk mixture before returning them to the flour bag. Letting them rest for those 5 minutes after coating helps the batter adhere as well. If you find the coating still falling off, try using less excess flour—too much can prevent the coating from gripping well.
Are Chicken-Fried Mississippi Potato Logs suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Absolutely! To make these logs gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for frying. There are fantastic options available that will work beautifully, producing that crunch we all love without the gluten.
Can pets eat leftover potato logs?
While the plain cooked potato is safe for most pets, the seasoning and frying process are not ideal. The rich spices, particularly cayenne pepper, can be too spicy for pets, and any excess oil is not recommended for their diets. If you want to share, offer plain, cooked potato cuts instead!
Crispy Chicken-Fried Mississippi Potato Logs to Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F with the rack placed in the center.
- Prick the potatoes several times with a fork and bake until tender for about 1 hour.
- Allow the potatoes to cool on a rack for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
- Combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a ziplock bag.
- Whisk together buttermilk and egg in a shallow bowl.
- Set up your frying station with a wire rack and paper towels.
- Heat canola oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until 360°F.
- Cut each potato lengthwise into 4 wedges and shake in flour mixture.
- Dip wedges in buttermilk mixture, then shake again in flour.
- Place the breaded wedges on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
- Carefully lower potato wedges into hot oil and fry until browned, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Prepare the sauce by mixing mayonnaise, chili crisp, and rice vinegar.