When the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisp, our thoughts often drift to gathering with loved ones. For many, that means Friendsgiving Appetizers are on the menu! Forget the stuffy formalities of a traditional holiday meal; Friendsgiving is all about fun, flavor, and good company. If you are looking for Thanksgiving Appetizers Easy enough for anyone to make, you have found your next favorite dish.
These potato bites are not just tasty; they are an absolute showstopper without requiring hours in the kitchen. Imagine tender, crisp potatoes topped with a creamy, savory mixture of sour cream, cheddar, scallions, and savory cured beef or turkey strips. They are the perfect bite sized treats to kick off any celebratory meal, especially your cozy Friendsgiving Food Ideas gathering. Let us dive into making these incredibly simple and utterly delicious snacks.
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what is not to love about a bite sized potato that packs a punch of flavor? This recipe is a real winner, especially when you are brainstorming Thanksgiving Appetizers Ideas. First off, it is incredibly approachable for home cooks of any skill level. You do not need fancy equipment or a culinary degree to nail these.
Second, these little treasures are designed for sharing. They are finger food at its finest, making them perfect for mingling and chatting before the main event. Plus, they are easily customizable, so you can tweak them to your heart’s content. The combination of crispy potato and a rich, tangy topping is just pure comfort food magic.
You will appreciate how the simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. It is a fantastic way to impress your friends without breaking the bank or spending all day in the kitchen. Who would not want that during the busy holiday season?
Ingredients
Getting your ingredients together is the first step to making these wonderful Friendsgiving Appetizers. Everything you need is readily available at your local grocery store.
- 2 pounds multicolored peewee potatoes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 container (16 ounces) sour cream
- 6 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups) (ensure the rennet is from a plant or microbial source)
- 6 scallions, finely chopped (1 cup), plus more for garnish
- 12 ounces cured beef or turkey strips, cooked and crumbled (1 ½ cups)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Let us walk through how to create these delightful Friendsgiving Appetizers. You will see just how simple it is!
Preheat Oven and Boil Potatoes
First things first, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure you have racks in both the upper and lower thirds of your oven. Now, grab those beautiful peewee potatoes and place them in a saucepan. Cover them with about 2 inches of cold water.
Season the water generously with kosher salt. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook the potatoes until they are fork tender; a knife should pierce them easily. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and let them cool for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial for crispy potatoes.
Oil Baking Sheets and Arrange Potatoes
While your potatoes are cooling slightly, drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil onto each of two rimmed baking sheets. This will help prevent sticking and contribute to that lovely golden crispness.
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, arrange them on the oiled baking sheets. Give them a good toss to ensure they are all evenly coated with the oil. This step helps create that amazing texture we are aiming for.
Flatten Potatoes
Here is where the fun begins! Take the heel of your hand or the back of a sturdy spatula and gently crush each potato. You want to flatten them to about a half inch thick. This creates more surface area for crisping up in the oven. Season these flattened beauties with more kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.
Roast Potatoes
Pop the baking sheets into your preheated oven. You will roast these until they are gloriously golden and wonderfully crisp. Remember to flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides. This usually takes about 30 to 35 minutes. Once they are done, they are best used immediately for maximum crispiness.
Make Topping
While your potatoes are roasting to perfection, it is time to whip up the creamy, savory topping. In a medium sized bowl, combine the sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese (making sure the rennet is plant or microbial based, if that is important to you), finely chopped scallions, and the cooked and crumbled cured beef or turkey strips.
Give this mixture a good stir until everything is well combined. Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the seasoning here to your liking. This topping is truly what makes these potato bites shine as incredible Friendsgiving Appetizers.
Add Topping to Each Potato Bite and Serve
Once your roasted potato bites are hot and crispy from the oven, it is time for the grand finale. Dollop about 1 to 2 teaspoons of your delicious sour cream mixture onto each potato bite. The warm potato will slightly soften the cheese in the topping, creating a delightful contrast.
For a final touch, garnish with a little more finely chopped scallion. Serve these immediately and watch them disappear! These are truly some of the best Thanksgiving Appetizers Easy to make and impressive to serve.
How To Store Leftovers
If by some miracle you happen to have any of these amazing Friendsgiving Appetizers left over, do not fret! Storing them properly means you can enjoy them again later. The key is to keep the potato bites and the topping separate if possible, especially if you anticipate leftovers.
Store the roasted potato bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the topping, place it in a separate airtight container and keep it chilled in the fridge for up to 3 days as well. When you are ready to enjoy them again, reheat the potato bites in an oven or air fryer until they are crisp once more. Then, simply add fresh topping before serving. This method helps maintain their delicious texture.
Tips
Here are a few little pointers to help you make these Friendsgiving Appetizers extra special:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Peewee potatoes are perfect because they are small and naturally bite sized, but you can also use small new potatoes or even baby Yukon Golds. Just ensure they are all roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: When roasting, make sure your potatoes are in a single layer with a little space between them. Overcrowding will steam them instead of roasting, preventing them from getting nice and crispy. Use two baking sheets if needed.
- Experiment with Toppings: While the suggested topping is fantastic, feel free to get creative! You could try adding a sprinkle of paprika for color, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, or even some fresh dill for a different herb note. A dash of hot sauce in the sour cream mixture could also be a fun twist for those who love a bit of heat.
- Make Ahead Option: You can boil and flatten the potatoes a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator, then proceed with roasting when you are ready to serve. You can also prepare the sour cream topping a day ahead and keep it chilled. This makes assembly a breeze on the day of your event, perfect for busy Friendsgiving Food Ideas planning.
- Cheesy Variations: If cheddar is not your favorite, feel free to swap it for a different shredded cheese that melts well, like Monterey Jack or a Colby Jack blend.
Conclusion
There you have it! A truly delightful and incredibly simple recipe for Friendsgiving Appetizers that will have everyone reaching for more. These crispy potato bites with their creamy, savory topping are the epitome of comfort food and perfect for sharing with friends and family during your holiday gatherings. They are a fantastic answer to the search for Thanksgiving Appetizers Easy to prepare yet impressive to serve.
Whether you are hosting a grand Friendsgiving feast or just looking for some delicious Thanksgiving Appetizers Ideas, these little spuds are sure to be a hit. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, follow these straightforward steps, and get ready to enjoy some truly memorable bites. Happy cooking, and happy Friendsgiving!
FAQ
Can I Use Larger Potatoes?
Yes, you can use larger potatoes, but you will need to cut them into smaller, bite sized pieces before boiling. This will help them cook evenly and make them easier to flatten for roasting.
Can I Make These Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the cured beef or turkey strips from the topping. You could replace them with a plant based bacon alternative or finely chopped sun dried tomatoes for an umami rich flavor.
How Can I Make the Potatoes Extra Crispy?
Ensuring your potatoes are completely dry after boiling before you toss them in oil is key. Also, make sure not to overcrowd your baking sheets; give them plenty of space to breathe and crisp up. A convection oven setting, if you have one, can also help achieve extra crispiness.
Can I Prepare the Topping in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sour cream topping up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. This makes your holiday cooking much easier!
What If I Do Not Have Peewee Potatoes?
Small new potatoes or baby Yukon Golds work wonderfully as a substitute. The main goal is to use small, firm potatoes that can be easily boiled and then flattened. Just be sure they are all a similar size for even cooking.
Friendsgiving Appetizers: Simple & Delicious Bites
These crispy potato bites are the perfect Friendsgiving appetizer! Tender, crisp potatoes are topped with a creamy, savory mixture of sour cream, cheddar, scallions, and crumbled cured beef or turkey.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F with racks in the upper and lower thirds. Place potatoes in a saucepan, cover with 2 inches of cold water, and salt generously. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until fork-tender, 10-12 minutes. Drain and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil onto each of two rimmed baking sheets. Arrange the cooled potatoes on the sheets and toss to coat evenly.
- Using the heel of your hand or a sturdy spatula, gently crush each potato to about a half-inch thick. Season with more salt and pepper.
- Roast for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp on both sides.
- While potatoes roast, combine sour cream, shredded cheddar, scallions, and crumbled beef or turkey strips in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir well.
- Once the potatoes are hot and crispy, dollop 1-2 teaspoons of the sour cream mixture onto each one. Garnish with more scallions and serve immediately.
Notes
Choose the Right Potatoes: Peewee potatoes are ideal, but small new potatoes or baby Yukon Golds also work well. Ensure they are similar in size for even cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For maximum crispiness, arrange potatoes in a single layer with space between them. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
Make Ahead: You can boil and flatten the potatoes a day in advance. The topping can also be made a day ahead. Store both separately in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
