Who can resist crispy, creamy smashed potato bites? Seriously, they’re our go-to snack or appetizer around here, and we just can’t get enough of them. Picture this: that perfect golden, crispy outside with a soft, fluffy center, all topped off with whatever deliciousness you’re craving. My son is absolutely obsessed!
What’s really great about smashed potato bites is how versatile they are. You can stick with classic toppings like tangy sour cream and sharp chives, or totally mix it up with crispy bacon, gooey cheese, or zesty salsa. Whether they’re pre-dinner snacks or part of a cozy night in, smashed potato bites always hit the spot for my little ones. They’re pretty much the perfect addition to any meal.
Recipe: Smashed Potato Bites
Ingredients:
- Small potatoes (baby potatoes)
- Toppings of your choice (e.g., shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, veggies of your choice, sour cream, Greek yogurt, crispy onion chips)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F
- Start by boiling the small potatoes in a pot of salted water until they’re fork-tender, usually around 10-15 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes.
- While the potatoes are boiling, prepare your toppings. Chop chives, shred cheese, cook bacon until crispy and crumble it, and gather any other toppings you’d like to use.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and let them cool slightly.
- Lightly grease a muffin tin with olive oil or non-stick spray.
- Place each potato in a muffin tin hole.
- Using the bottom of a jar or glass, gently press down on each potato to smash it until it’s about ½ to ¾ inch thick.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over each smashed potato if desired, and season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle your chosen toppings over the smashed potatoes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and add any additional toppings, such as a dollop of sour cream/yogurt or crispy onion chips.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Toppings and Variations:
- Classic: Sour cream and chives, shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits.
- Adventurous: Blue cheese crumbles with buffalo sauce drizzle, caramelized onions with goat cheese, avocado slices with salsa.
- Vegan: Vegan cheese shreds, dairy-free sour cream, avocado slices, roasted garlic cloves, spinach and more.
- Mediterranean: Hummus with chopped tomatoes and cucumber, tzatziki sauce with diced olives and feta cheese, roasted red pepper sauce with chopped parsley.
- Pizza: Shredded cheese, pizza sauce, olives, mushrooms, diced tomatoes, fresh basil leaves
- Pesto: Pesto sauce, grilled/roasted veggies (zucchinis, eggplants, bell peppers), shredded. cheese, arugula.
Serving Suggestions:
- Party Appetizer: Arrange smashed potato bites on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving.
- Family Dinner Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish with a side salad.
- Game Day Snack: Set up a toppings bar with various options and let guests customize their own smashed potato bites.
- Brunch Buffet Addition: Serve smashed potato bites alongside other brunch favourites like scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Picnic Essential: Pack cooled smashed potato bites in a container for a delicious addition to your picnic spread. They’re great served cold or at room temperature.
- Afternoon Snack: Enjoy smashed potato bites as a mid-afternoon snack to keep hunger at bay between meals. Pair them with a dipping sauce like ranch or barbecue for extra flavour.
- Movie Night Treat: Serve smashed potato bites as a tasty and satisfying snack during your next movie night at home. Pair them with popcorn and your favourite beverages for the ultimate movie-watching experience.
Health Benefits:
- Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fibre.
- Baking smashed potatoes with minimal oil reduces the amount of fat compared to frying, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks.
- Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates, providing a quick and sustained source of energy, making smashed potato bites an excellent choice for fueling your day.
- Opt for lighter toppings like Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and load up on fresh vegetables for added nutrients.