Potato Bites recipe is the antidote to boring, dry appetizers. This dish masters the art of the perfect bite—pairing tender, earthy potatoes with a cloud of rich, tangy crème fraîche. The secret lies in using waxy red potatoes that stay firm after boiling, ensuring a sturdy base for the fresh herbs and sea salt. Ready in minutes and best served at room temperature, they are the ultimate fuss-free starter for any celebration.
Jump to RecipePotato Bites Ingredients
- 12 Baby Red Potatoes: Halved. These waxy potatoes keep their structure and don’t crumble when cut.
- Salted Water: Essential for seasoning the potatoes from the inside out during boiling.
- Sea Salt: For finishing. Provides a crunch and bursts of salinity.
- Crème Fraîche: A French cultured cream that is richer and less sour than sour cream.
- Chopped Herbs: Chives, dill, and/or parsley. Adds freshness and a pop of color.

How To Make Potato Bites
- Boil the Potatoes: Put 12 halved baby red potatoes in a saucepan and cover completely with salted water.
- Simmer: Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, which should take 10 to 15 minutes. Do not overboil, or they will fall apart.
- Cool Down: Drain the potatoes immediately, then rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down for handling.
- Trim and Stand: Slice a tiny sliver off the rounded bottom of each potato half. This creates a flat surface so they can stand cut-side up on a platter without rolling over.
- Season: Sprinkle the cut tops generously with sea salt.
- Top: Spoon a dollop of crème fraîche onto each potato.
- Garnish: Finish with a sprinkling of chopped chives, dill, or parsley.

Recipe Tips
- The “Fork Test”: To check doneness, insert a fork into the center of a potato. It should slide in easily with no resistance, but the potato shouldn’t fall apart.
- Crème Fraîche Substitute: If you cannot find crème fraîche, full-fat sour cream or thick Greek yogurt are excellent alternatives, though they will be slightly tangier.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, toss the warm potatoes in a little melted butter or olive oil before adding the toppings.
- Make Ahead: You can boil and trim the potatoes a day in advance. Store them in the fridge and add the toppings just before serving to keep the herbs fresh.
What To Serve With Potato Bites?
These Potato Bites are a versatile appetizer that pairs well with sparkling drinks and savory finger foods.
- Champagne or Prosecco: The bubbles cut through the richness of the crème fraîche.
- Smoked Salmon: Serve a small platter of smoked salmon alongside; it complements the dill and potato perfectly.
- Crudité Platter: Crisp fresh vegetables provide a crunchy contrast to the soft potatoes.

How To Store Leftovers Potato Bites?
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the crème fraîche may soak into the potato slightly over time.
- Do Not Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for this recipe. Thawed potatoes develop a grainy texture, and the dairy topping will separate and become watery.
Potato Bites Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~60 kcal
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 1g
Nutrition information is estimated per serving (2 bites) based on standard ingredients.
FAQs
Yes, you can serve them warm. Just be aware that if the potatoes are piping hot, the crème fraîche might melt and run down the sides.
Crispy bacon bits, caviar, or a small shaving of cheddar cheese are all popular additions to this base recipe.
This usually means they were overcooked. Red potatoes are waxy and hold up well, but if boiled too vigorously or too long, they will become mushy.
Potato Bites Recipe
Course: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy24
servings10
minutes15
minutes60
kcalTender baby red potatoes serve as the perfect vessel for rich crème fraîche and fresh herbs in this elegant, fuss-free appetizer.
Ingredients
12 baby red potatoes, halved
Water (for boiling)
Sea salt
Crème fraîche
Chopped chives, dill, and/or parsley
Directions
- Boil: Place halved potatoes in a saucepan with salted water.
- Cook: Simmer over medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain: Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Trim: Cut a thin slice off the bottoms so they stand flat.
- Season: Arrange on a platter and season with sea salt.
- Assemble: Top with crème fraîche and fresh herbs.
Notes
- Trim the bottoms only after the potatoes have cooled to prevent them from crumbling.
- Use waxy red potatoes; starchy varieties like Russets will fall apart during boiling.
- Add the crème fraîche just before serving to keep the presentation neat and the herbs fresh.
