The potato – a humble ingredient that’s anything but basic. From stand-alone entrees to side dishes and now, appetizers galore! Whether you’re planning a fancy gathering or a casual get-together, potatoes are the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. With their neutral taste and versatility in preparation methods, the possibilities are endless. Boiled, baked, blended, grilled, sautéed, pan-fried, or deep-fried – the potato can be transformed to suit any flavor profile.
And when it comes to appetizers, potatoes are a crowd-pleaser. Sliced or mashed, they’re the perfect bite-sized snack to satisfy that pre-meal craving. I’ve curated 18 incredible potato appetizer recipes that’ll take your party planning to the next level. Some are quick and easy, while others require a bit more effort, but trust me, they’re all worth it.
From underrated oven-baked delights like Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges and Irish-Inspired Potato Nachos, to our tried-and-true Air Fryer Potato Chips, there’s something for everyone on this list. And the best part? Many of these recipes can be made ahead of time, giving you more flexibility when juggling multiple dishes. Just remember, variety is key – so don’t repeat potato-themed appetizers with your main course. Explore this list and find inspiration to elevate your next gathering.
And as a bonus, I’ll give you #18: an added touch of smoky goodness from the bacon-lovers out there!
Twice Baked Potato Bites
Kickstarting our culinary journey is a mouth-watering double-stuffed potato appetizer recipe that combines the richness of bacon and melted cheese. This indulgent treat can be prepared up to three days in advance, allowed to come to room temperature before baking when needed. To begin, roast small red or white potatoes until tender, let them cool slightly, and then carefully carve out the center while preserving the skins.
Next, blend together the scooped-out potato with cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives until smooth. Finally, refill the potato shells with the creamy mixture and bake to perfection, resulting in a truly scrumptious treat.
Loaded Baked Potato Rounds
When it comes to quick appetizers that are sure to please both kids and adults alike, potatoes are an excellent choice. What’s more, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort beyond simply cutting the potatoes into uniform slices – a task made even easier with the aid of a mandoline.
Once sliced, boil the potatoes until they’re tender before arranging them on a baking pan in a delightful medley of flavors, featuring butter, garlic, salt, multiple cheeses, and crispy bacon pieces. A quick bake later, and you’ll be ready to serve your creations with a tangy dollop of sour cream or a rich dressing for dipping – perfect opportunities to add your personal touch with favorite spices.
Baked Potato Skins
Baked potato skins are a delightful and effortless appetizer, elevating the humble spud to new heights. The key to their success lies in achieving that perfect crispy texture. To get there, start by baking the potatoes until they’re tender. Once cooled, cut them in half and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving the skin intact for the skins. Brush the insides with a savory butter infused with seasonings and bake again until golden brown.
Next, add your preferred cheese and return to the oven until melted and bubbly. Finish with a sprinkle of scallions and you’re ready to serve. What truly sets these potato skins apart is their adaptability – they can be transformed into an array of flavors by adding creative toppings like ham and pineapple, beef and pico de gallo, or any other combination that suits your taste.
Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
The art of seasoning can elevate or diminish potato appetizers, making it a crucial step in their preparation. In this instance, the potatoes are first washed and cut into wedges, following simple yet effective instructions on how to achieve the perfect cut. Next, they’re bathed in olive oil and seasoned with a trifecta of flavors – parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning – allowing each potato wedge to absorb the flavors evenly.
With their flavor profiles established, the potatoes are then placed in the oven for baking, skin sides down, to bring out their natural sweetness. As they emerge from the heat, a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, while preparation begins on a tangy dressing for dipping – the perfect accompaniment to this gourmet French fry.
Mashed Potato Balls
When it comes to leftover mashed potatoes, there are countless ways to repurpose them into delicious dishes. One popular option is transforming the excess potatoes into crispy and savory potato balls that make for excellent appetizers. Simply combine the mashed potatoes with an egg, some crumbled bacon, grated cheddar cheese, and chopped parsley until you have a well-mixed mixture.
Form the mixture into small balls and then coat them evenly in bread crumbs before refrigerating them until you’re ready to fry them up. The result is a beautifully presented and mouth-wateringly savory snack that’s sure to please. And if you’re wondering what else you can do with leftover mashed potatoes, we’ve got a whole list of ideas waiting for you!
From classic potato cakes to more innovative uses like making latkes or even potato pancakes, there are plenty of ways to breathe new life into your leftover spuds.
Loaded Tater Tot Skewers
Indulge in the delightful fusion of comfort food and creative presentation with this easy-to-make potato appetizer recipe. The simplicity of arranging six tater tots on a skewer is sure to bring a smile to your face! To start, bake a batch of tater tots until they’re slightly cooled, then thread them onto skewers. Add some grated cheddar cheese for an extra burst of flavor and top with crispy bacon bits. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some sautéed onions for added texture.
Finish the dish off by baking it again for a few minutes to melt the cheese and crisp the tots. Serve warm as is or elevate the experience with a side of creamy sour cream or tangy ranch dressing for dipping.
Baked Mashed Potato Bites Recipe
When it comes to creating delectable appetizers with potatoes, mini muffin pans are an ideal choice. These bite-sized treats are not only visually appealing but also incredibly tempting. The key ingredient is mashed potatoes, which can be easily prepared by baking or using leftovers and mashing them up. To take it to the next level, combine the mashed potatoes with a medley of flavorsome ingredients such as prosciutto, green onions, parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Simply fill mini muffin tins with the mixture and bake until golden brown. The result is a delightful assortment of bite-sized morsels that are elevated by a dollop of yogurt on top, making them truly irresistible.
Duchess Potatoes
Transform your gatherings with an unforgettable start: garlic parmesan Duchess potatoes that boast an irresistible fusion of flavors and show-stopping presentation. By whipping up these impressive appetizers, you’ll effortlessly impress even the most discerning palates. To achieve this culinary masterpiece, simply gather your piping supplies, including a star tip, and embark on a baking journey that involves melting, mixing, blending, piping, and, finally, another round of baking.
Despite the multitude of steps involved, the end result is nothing short of breathtaking!
Mini Baked Parmesan Potato Rounds
The popularity of small potatoes is undeniable, and I’m a fan of how they elevate this simple potato appetizer to new heights. The process begins by washing and slicing the potatoes, then coating them in a mixture of olive oil, parmesan cheese, garlic salt, and pepper. Next, arrange the coated potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake until cooked through. This easy-to-make treat is best enjoyed with a side of ranch dressing or your preferred dip.
Mashed Potato Cakes
Transform leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, flavorful cakes by combining them with a few simple ingredients. You might notice that the list includes many familiar components, as it draws from the same starting point as other potato-based appetizers. Mashed potatoes, egg, garlic, flour, parmesan cheese, and chives come together to form a pancake-like mixture that’s then dredged in flour and fried to a golden brown perfection in a skillet.
Once cooked, these cakes can be served with your preferred dipping sauce, adding an extra layer of indulgence to the dish.
Irish-Inspired Potato Nachos
While I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting an Irish pub in North America, it’s clear that potato nachos are a beloved treat for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. To bring this festive delight home, start by preparing the potatoes: wash, dry, and slice them into rounds, then season with oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and oil. Bake the slices in a single layer to get them nice and crispy.
Next, arrange the potato rounds in slightly overlapping circles within an oven-safe dish, creating a foundation for the nacho goodness that’s about to follow. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top and bake until it’s melted and bubbly. Finally, add some crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and sweet red onions to complete this irresistible snack. I can almost guarantee that no one will be able to resist reaching for these addictive potato nachos!
Potato Stacks
Potato circles are the most ubiquitous appetizer option. Thinly sliced, these round morsels are transformed by a flavorful sauce crafted from olive oil, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, pepper, thyme, dill, basil, chili powder, and lemon juice. As the potatoes bake, stacked and secured with toothpicks, they gradually become crisper with time. Who’s on Team Crispy, eagerly awaiting that perfect crunch?
Vegan Deviled Potatoes
Indulge in the delightful world of make-ahead potato appetizers! While deviled eggs are always a hit, it’s time to give some attention to their spud-tacular counterparts – deviled potatoes! To create these bite-sized beauties, start by selecting potatoes that are roughly egg-sized. Next, boil and cool them before cutting them lengthwise and hollowing out each half with the help of a melon baller.
The scooped-out potato flesh can then be mixed with a blend of creamy ingredients, including mayo, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, black salt, and turmeric. This flavorful mixture is then piped back into the potato shells using a pastry bag or spoon, finishing off each piece with a sprinkle of paprika – a must-have topping for an added burst of color and flavor!
Air Fryer Potato Chips
Transforming our classic potato chips into crispy, flavorful snacks requires a crucial step: thorough rinsing and drying. The sticky starch that’s responsible for their gummy texture must be removed to achieve the perfect chip. Start by slicing the potatoes super thin using a mandolin, but be warned – once you’ve finished preparing them, they’ll likely disappear quickly due to their irresistible deliciousness.
And when you do get around to making another batch, you can bet it’ll be even better with your choice of dips accompanying them.
Smashed Red Potatoes
Indulge in the simplicity and satisfaction of these adorable potato appetizers, perfect for devouring with your hands or using a fork. Their speediness is matched only by their disappearance rate! To elevate them to new heights, incorporate your favorite loaded baked potato toppings. For an added layer of indulgence, consider adding a dollop of our rich and creamy blue cheese dip – you won’t be able to resist!
Potato Latkes
Unlike potato pancakes, which begin with mashed potatoes, these crispy treats start with shredded potatoes. When fried to a golden crisp, they’re often paired with the flavors of green onion and sour cream, making them perfect for snacking on as an appetizer, side dish, or any time in between. For an added layer of deliciousness, try serving them with a side of chili cheese dip – it’s a match made in heaven!
Homemade Potato Skin Chips
Initially, potato skins are surprisingly slender, which sets the stage for crafting a truly exceptional, crunchy snack. Given that many of us have already transitioned to consuming the skin itself, it’s only logical to repurpose them into delicious chips. The key lies in striking the perfect balance to yield a satisfyingly crispy outcome. Let’s see if these innovative potato skin creations can win over even the most discerning palates.
Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites
In my opinion, sweet potatoes are the unsung heroes of the culinary world. Not only do they provide a satisfying complex carb hit, but they’re also packed with vitamin A and offer a deliciously filling twist on traditional potatoes. And let’s be honest, who can resist the allure of adding crispy bacon to the mix? It’s a match made in heaven!
For inspiration, I recommend checking out this adorable sweet potato skewer recipe from Taste of Home, which adds a fun and playful touch to your meal rotation. To take it to the next level, make sure to include these sweet potato recipes in your repertoire.
The bottom line
Whether you’re a fan of classic comfort foods or looking to mix things up with innovative twists, there’s no shortage of potato appetizer options to explore. Among the many possibilities are familiar favorites like mashed potatoes, which never fail to hit the spot. With this wealth of options at your fingertips, I’m confident that one of these recipes will become a regular staple in your household. And who knows – you might just discover a new go-to snack!
For inspiration and ideas, take a look at our comprehensive list of 18 Potato Appetizers, carefully curated to help you plan your next culinary adventure.
