Crispy Garlic Herb Smashed Potato Bites: The Ultimate Christmas Appetizer

The holiday season is finally here, and I can already smell the pine needles and cinnamon in the air! Whenever I host a Christmas party, there is one dish that my friends and family beg me to make. It’s not the fancy turkey or the expensive ham. It is these Crispy Garlic Herb Smashed Potato Bites. They are golden, crunchy on the outside, and incredibly fluffy on the inside. Every time I set a tray of these down, they disappear in about two minutes!

These little potato snacks are like a warm hug in food form. They have a salty, garlicky crust and a burst of fresh green herbs that make them look just like tiny Christmas wreaths. I love them because they are fancy enough for a big holiday dinner but easy enough to make while you’re wearing your favorite fuzzy pajamas. They have a wonderful buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with a cold winter night.

In this post, I am going to show you exactly how to get that perfect “crunch” that everyone loves. We will talk about the best potatoes to pick, how to smash them without making a mess, and my secret trick for making them extra crispy. Whether you are a kitchen pro or this is your first time cooking for the family, I’ve got your back. Let’s get cooking and make this Christmas the tastiest one yet!

General Information

Particulars	Details
Preparation Time	20 min.
Cook Time	40 min.
Total Time	60 min.
Yields	6 servings
Difficulty	Easy
Total Calories	145 kcal (Per Serving)
Cuisine	American

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love potatoes (and who doesn’t?), you are going to fall in love with this recipe. It’s the perfect mix of simple ingredients and “wow” results. Here is why this recipe is a total winner:

• Super Crispy Edges: By smashing the potatoes, we create more surface area that gets toasted and crunchy in the oven.
• Budget-Friendly: You only need a bag of potatoes and some basic pantry staples like oil and garlic to make a huge batch.
• Naturally Healthy: These are gluten-free and can easily be made vegan, so everyone at your party can enjoy them.
• Perfect for Dipping: The flat shape makes them the ultimate “scoops” for sour cream, ranch, or even cranberry sauce.
• Kid-Approved: They are basically giant, extra-delicious fries, so kids will eat them up without any complaints!

Here’s what you will need

The magic of this recipe is in its simple, wholesome ingredients. You likely have most of these in your pantry already! These ingredients work together to create a snack that is crispy on the outside but soft like mashed potatoes on the inside.

• Baby Gold or Red Potatoes – These are the stars! I love baby potatoes because their skin is thin and gets very crispy. You don’t even have to peel them. If you can’t find baby potatoes, small red potatoes work great too.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – This is what makes the potatoes “fry” in the oven. It adds a lovely heart-healthy fat and helps the seasonings stick. (You can use avocado oil or melted butter if you prefer a richer taste).
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder – These add a deep, savory flavor that goes right into the potato. I use powder instead of fresh garlic in the oven so it doesn’t burn at high heat.
• Fresh Rosemary or Thyme – Nothing smells more like Christmas than fresh herbs! They add a beautiful green color and a “woodsy” scent that is just divine.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper – These are the flavor boosters. Don’t be afraid to be a little generous with the salt; potatoes love it!
• Optional: Parmesan Cheese – If you want an extra salty crunch, a sprinkle of parmesan right at the end is a game-changer.

How to Make This Dish: Step-by-Step Guide

This is the fun part! The secret to the best smashed potatoes is boiling them first so the insides stay fluffy, then roasting them at a high heat.

1. Boil the Potatoes: Place your potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a big pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when a fork slides into them easily (fork-tender).
2. Preheat and Dry: While the potatoes boil, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them sit for 5 minutes. Pro Tip: Make sure they are dry! Steam is the enemy of crispiness.
3. The Big Smash: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the potatoes on the sheet with space between them. Using the bottom of a flat glass or a heavy jar, gently press down on each potato until it is about 1/2 inch thick. You want them to stay in one piece but have lots of jagged edges!
4. Season and Roast: Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes. Sprinkle your salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly. Roast for 25-30 minutes.
5. The Final Crisp: Flip the potatoes carefully with a spatula. Sprinkle the fresh rosemary (and parmesan if using) over the top. Bake for another 5-10 minutes until the edges are deep golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve: Let them cool for just a minute so they firm up, then pile them on a platter and serve while hot!

How to Store, Reheat and Freeze

If you somehow end up with leftovers (which doesn’t happen often in my house!), don’t worry! You can definitely save these for a yummy snack later.

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Put your leftover potatoes in an airtight container. They will stay fresh and tasty for 3 to 5 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze these! Lay the roasted potatoes on a tray in the freezer for an hour, then move them to a freezer bag. They will last for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• The Best Way (Oven or Air Fryer): To get that crunch back, put them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 5-8 minutes. If you have an air fryer, 3-5 minutes will make them taste brand new!
• What to Avoid: Please try not to use the microwave. It will make the potatoes soft and soggy instead of crispy.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is that you can get creative! Here are four fun ways to change the flavor:

• The “Loaded” Potato: After the second bake, top each potato with a little melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and a tiny dollop of sour cream. It’s like a mini baked potato!
• Spicy Holiday Kick: Mix a pinch of red chili flakes or a drizzle of “hot honey” into your olive oil before roasting. This adds a nice warmth that feels great on a cold day.
• Vegan Cheesy Delight: Instead of parmesan, sprinkle on some nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy, nutty flavor and stays 100% plant-based.
• Truffle Elegance: For a fancy Christmas dinner, use a tiny drop of truffle oil instead of rosemary. It makes the whole house smell like a 5-star restaurant!

What To Serve With This Dish

These potatoes are the life of the party, but they love having friends on the table!

• Dips are Key: I love serving these with a bowl of cool sour cream mixed with chives. For a festive twist, try a side of cranberry sauce—the sweet and salty mix is amazing!
• The Main Event: These pair perfectly with roasted chicken, steak, or even a big holiday salad.
• Festive Drinks: Serve these alongside some sparkling apple cider or hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy vibe.
• Pretty Platter: Place them on a white plate with extra sprigs of fresh rosemary around the edges to make it look like a Christmas forest.

Helpful Pro Tips and Tricks

Want to cook like a professional chef? Here are my top secrets for potato success:

• Dry Them Well: After boiling, let the potatoes sit for a few minutes to let the steam escape. If they are too wet, they won’t get crunchy.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give each potato its own “personal space” on the baking sheet. If they are touching, they will steam each other instead of getting crispy.
• Use High Heat: Don’t be afraid of the 425°F temperature. Potatoes need that high heat to turn that beautiful golden-brown color.
• The Glass Trick: If the potato sticks to your glass when smashing, put a small piece of parchment paper between the glass and the potato. It works like magic!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can boil and smash the potatoes a few hours early. Just keep them on the tray and put them in the oven right before your guests arrive so they are hot and fresh.

Why aren’t my potatoes getting crispy?

This usually happens if there was too much water left on them or if you didn’t use enough oil. Make sure they look “shiny” with oil before they go into the oven!

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

Nope! The skin is where all the “crunch” happens. Plus, it has lots of vitamins, so it’s healthy and tasty.

What are the best potatoes to use?

I highly recommend Baby Yukon Gold potatoes. They have a naturally buttery flavor and a creamy texture that is perfect for smashing.

Last Bites

I truly hope these Crispy Garlic Herb Smashed Potato Bites bring as much joy to your holiday table as they do to mine. There is something so special about the sound of that first “crunch” and the smiles that follow. Christmas is all about making memories with the people we love, and sharing a plate of warm, delicious food is one of the best ways to do that.

Don’t worry if your potatoes don’t look “perfect” or if some smash more than others—those messy, jagged bits are actually the tastiest parts! Cooking should be fun, especially during the holidays. So, put on some festive music, grab your favorite apron, and give these a try. I just know your guests are going to be asking for the recipe before the night is over. Merry Christmas and happy cooking!

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