We enjoy potatoes any time of day in any number of ways. Breakfast—hash browns and tater tots. Lunch and dinner—mashed potatoes, smashed potatoes, twice-baked potatoes, potatoes tossed in a casserole or soup, French-fried, roasted, and so much more. Lucky for us, these amazing potato appetizers prove the humble potato’s versatility even further. These spuds are ready to party.
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Sweet potato crostinis offer a more complex flavor than bread slices. The mix of tangy goat cheese, sweet honey, and chopped toasted pecans is the ideal blend of sweet and savory. Parboil the potatoes first for tenderness, then stick them under the broiler to develop a golden brown hue.
Credit:
Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
If you love mashed potatoes at dinnertime, just wait until you see them transformed into a poppable appetizer. Full of Cheddar cheese, bacon, and chives, these crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside balls will delight everyone who eats them.
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Technically a side dish, these smashed potatoes will get snapped up if you serve them at a party. You can leave keep it simple and season with salt and pepper, or add a sprinkle of herbs. If you want to go all out, add a drizzle of sauce and a sprinkle of cheese.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez
Sausage balls are a favorite appetizer at Southern events, and this recipe takes them to the next (incredibly delicious) level. Mixing mashed sweet potato into the dough adds a bit of sweetness alongside the peppery bite of chorizo. Extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, a dash of cinnamon, and a few scoops of plum jelly give this sausage ball recipe multiple layers of savory flavor.
Credit:
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Christine Keely
We put a twist on the traditional Hanukkah appetizer that’s so good, we wouldn’t blame you for serving these latkes all year round. Good-for-you sweet potatoes stand in for classic russets in this mini appetizer that’s served with sour cream or crème fraiche and scallions.
Credit: Hector Sanchez
Combine two Southern classics—deviled eggs and potato salad—in these mini wonders. Petite red potatoes serve as the base of the dish. The adorable taters are filled with a mixture of potato, sour cream, capers, parsley, dill, mustard, and lemon zest.
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Make our Sweet Potato Biscuits in the morning, baking a double batch so you can enjoy some with breakfast. The mini biscuits freeze beautifully, so you can also make them ahead.
Credit:
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: William Smith
This classic latke recipe is as good as it gets. Stick to this basic recipe from Atlanta chef Todd Ginsberg to start and offer guests fun topping options—sour cream and applesauce included, of course.
Credit:
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
The air fryer is the key to crispy sweet potato fries without an oily mess—and they’re healthier, too. Sprinkle them with flaky sea salt after frying. Our Test Kitchen recommends pairing these with a curry powder-mayo sauce.
Credit:
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: William Smith
Just like our Test Kitchen, your guests will rave when they see and taste this mini appetizer that’s easier to make than you’d think. A mandoline is key for getting extra-thin, consistent slices from russet potatoes. They are coated in a butter-herb mixture, then stacked in muffin cups.
Credit:
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Christine Keely
Who knew the humble potato chip could look like this? Set out this easy appetizer at your next dinner party for a fun surprise. Store-bought smoked salmon is layered onto crisp kettle-cooked potato chips and topped with creme fraiche, capers, lemon zest, and chives.
Credit: Micah A. Leal
These sweet and spicy muffins make a delicious appetizer for brunch or a tasty mid-afternoon snack. They would be a hit at a holiday potluck, too. Use your mini muffin pan if you want to make them bite-sized.
Credit:
Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch
This baked potato galette has the crispness of a chip with the creaminess of mashed potatoes. It works as a heavier party appetizer or a dinner party side.
Credit: Emily Laurae
Meet the appetizer that’s guaranteed to have everyone at your party talking. Popularized in the South during The Great Depression, it was a way to make a sweet treat using inexpensive ingredients.
Credit:
Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
You can really never go wrong with a cornbread skillet. This comfort food classic is ideal for smaller get togethers.
Credit:
Greg Dupree
These crispy potato skins are party-perfect with bacon, cheddar, sour cream, and green onions. They’re great for any cool-weather event from football season to New Year’s Eve. While we use the traditional toppings, you can customize your toppings however you like.
Dining and Cooking