I don’t think I’ve ever been to a holiday gathering where the appetizers didn’t disappear fast!
And if those appetizers involve potatoes, well…you can bet they’re gone before the main course even makes it to the table.
There’s just something about potatoes that are cozy and versatile.
And they always hit the spot!
Around here, I like to mix it up with crispy bites and a few unexpected twists that make people go back for seconds.
The best part is they don’t take all day to pull together, which means more time enjoying the party and less time stressing in the kitchen.
So if you’re ready to load up your holiday spread with potato goodness, I’ve got some ideas to get you started:
1. Loaded Mashed Potato Bites
Got leftover mashed potatoes?
Turn them into the most addictive little bites!
Mix them up with shredded cheese, a beaten egg, bacon bits and some green onions, then roll into balls and coat with breadcrumbs.
Bake until golden brown and crispy.
Trust me when I say that these never last long.
2. Bacon and Parmesan Potato Rounds
These are basically potato chips with a glow-up.
Slice russet potatoes into rounds, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with parmesan, bacon, salt, and pepper.
Bake until edges are crisp and centers are tender.
Once cooled slightly, add a dollop of sour cream for a fancy touch.
3. Deviled Potatoes
This one is a clever twist on deviled eggs, but with way more bite!
Boil and halve baby potatoes, scoop out a little of the middle, and mash the insides with mayo, mustard, and paprika.
Pipe that creamy mixture back in and top with bacon bits or fresh chives.
They look so cute on a tray, all lined up like little soldiers.
And honestly, they taste even better than the original.
4. Crispy Smash Potatoes
Boil baby potatoes until fork-tender, then smash them flat with the bottom of a glass.
Brush with garlicky butter, sprinkle on salt, and roast until the edges go nice and crispy.
I swear these are even better than fries!
Serve them hot and don’t expect leftovers.
5. Garlic Herb Roasted Potato Skins
Potato skins are super easy to make and usually a hit at holiday parties.
To make them, scoop out baked potatoes, brush the skins with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, and roast until perfectly crispy.
Make sure to add a little sprinkle of cheese toward the end so it gets bubbly.
Then serve them with sour cream or ranch for dipping.
6. Cheesy Potato Puffs
To make these golden little puffs, mix together some mashed potatoes, eggs, shredded cheddar and a bit of flour.
Spoon the mixture into mini muffin tins and bake until the tops are crisp.
They come out like savory cupcakes: fluffy inside, crunchy outside.
A little parsley on top makes them look fancy without the effort.
7. Muffin Pan Potato Galettes
Want to impress without stressing?
Thinly slice potatoes and layer them in muffin tins, brushing with butter and seasoning as you go.
Bake until they crisp around the edges and look like mini potato roses.
You can serve them right in the pan or pop them out for a prettier display.
8. Twice-Baked Baby Potatoes
Bake little potatoes, scoop out the insides, and mix them with sour cream, cheese, and chives.
Spoon the filling back in and bake again until the tops are golden.
They come out creamy, cheesy, and basically bite-sized comfort food.
I always prep these ahead, stash them in the fridge, and reheat before guests arrive.
Tastes just as fresh and saves a ton of stress on party day!
9. Tater Tot Chips
This is the definition of easy but genius.
Flatten frozen tater tots with a glass on a baking sheet and bake until crazy crispy.
Sprinkle with seasoned salt or cheese as soon as they come out of the oven.
These crunchy little “chips” are perfect with ranch or ketchup.
If you need a last-minute appetizer, this is the one!
10. Mini Hasselback Potatoes
Take some baby potatoes and slice them almost all the way through.
Brush them with garlic butter and roast until the layers fan out.
That’s it!
They look super fancy but really aren’t hard to pull off.
11. Potato Cheese Sticks
Mix some shredded potatoes with mozzarella, parmesan, and flour until you’ve got a sticky dough.
Shape into sticks and bake until the outsides are golden and the insides are gooey.
A side of marinara sauce makes them taste like cheesy breadsticks with a potato twist.
My tip: chill the mixture before shaping so they don’t fall apart in the oven.
Tried it without chilling and learned the hard way.
12. Rosemary and Garlic Potato Wedges
If you’re looking for an easy holiday comfort food, you’ll love these potato wedges!
Toss some thick wedges in olive oil, garlic, and rosemary and roast them until the edges are crispy.
Just make sure you flip them halfway so they bake evenly.
You can serve these with aioli but I usually give them to the kids with some ketchup.
13. Duchess Potatoes
This is another potato appetizer that looks fancy but takes no time to make!
Mash some potatoes with butter, cream, and egg yolks.
Stuff the mix into a piping bag and pipe the potato into swirls.
Bake until the edges are golden brown.
They’re crispy on the outside but nice and fluffy on the inside!
Oh, and I always sprinkle some parm cheese on top for a little extra flair.
14. Potato Crostinis
Toast up slices of baguette, then spread each with mashed potatoes.
Add toppings like caramelized onions, smoked salmon, or even just shredded cheese.
A quick trip under the broiler warms everything up and makes the flavors pop.
I love these because you can mix up the topping and get really creative.
For a holiday party, try something savory like gruyere cheese with honey!
Spuds Worth Sharing
Potatoes really are the life of the party, aren’t they?
No matter how you slice, mash, or crisp them up, they make amazing appetizers.
Pick one or two for your holiday menu, or go big and make a whole spread.
Either way, your guests are going to leave talking about the potatoes!
