Crispy Irish Potato Bites
Experience the delightful flavors of Ireland with these Crispy Irish Potato Bites. These savory balls are made from tender new potatoes, mixed with creamy sour cream, fresh scallions, and delicately seasoned before being baked to golden perfection. They make a perfect side dish for family dinners, a crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties, or a delicious snack that’s sure to impress your friends. Serve them hot with a garnish of fresh parsley for an authentic Irish touch!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole peeled new potatoes
6 (peeled and whole)
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (divided, for mixing and brushing)
sour cream
1/4 cup (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
white pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
egg
1 (slightly beaten)
scallion
1 tablespoon (finely minced)
parsley
1 tablespoon (finely minced)
melted unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (for brushing)
grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (none)
parsley sprig
as garnish (none)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, cover the peeled potatoes with water and bring to a boil over medium heat.
2
Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
3
Drain the potatoes thoroughly and mash them in a mixing bowl until smooth without lumps.
4
To the mashed potatoes, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, sour cream, salt, white pepper, slightly beaten egg, minced scallions, and minced parsley. Mix together until all ingredients are evenly combined.
5
Using your hands, shape the mixture into balls about 2 inches in diameter; you should have approximately 12 balls.
6
Cover the formed balls with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for enhanced flavor.
7
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8
Place the chilled potato balls in an ungreased baking pan. Brush the tops generously with the melted unsalted butter and sprinkle evenly with grated parmesan cheese.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned and crispy.
10
Carefully transfer the crispy potato bites to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley sprigs. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Irish Potato Bites?
They are savory appetizers made from tender mashed new potatoes, sour cream, scallions, and herbs, shaped into balls and baked until golden and crispy.
What kind of potatoes work best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for new potatoes which provide a creamy texture suitable for mashing and shaping into balls.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Yes, for the best texture, the potatoes should be peeled before boiling and mashing.
How long should I boil the potatoes?
Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
What ingredients are used to flavor the potato mixture?
The mixture includes unsalted butter, sour cream, salt, white pepper, minced scallions, and minced parsley.
Is there a binder used in the potato balls?
Yes, one slightly beaten egg is added to the mixture to help the potato balls hold their shape.
How many potato bites does this recipe produce?
When shaped into 2-inch diameter balls, this recipe yields approximately 12 potato bites.
Why is it necessary to chill the potato balls before baking?
Chilling allows the mixture to firm up, making it easier to handle and ensuring the bites hold their shape in the oven while enhancing the flavors.
How long should the potato bites be refrigerated?
They should be chilled for at least 2 hours, though they can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
What makes the potato bites crispy?
The bites are brushed with melted unsalted butter and sprinkled with grated parmesan cheese before baking to create a crispy crust.
How long do the potato bites bake in the oven?
They typically bake for 15-20 minutes until the tops are lightly browned and crispy.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, Crispy Irish Potato Bites are vegetarian-friendly as they contain no meat products.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is calculated to serve 6 people.
Should I use a greased or ungreased baking pan?
The instructions specify using an ungreased baking pan.
Can I use black pepper instead of white pepper?
While white pepper is used for a cleaner aesthetic and specific mild heat, black pepper can be used as a substitute if needed.
What should I use as a garnish?
The recipe recommends garnishing with fresh parsley sprigs for an authentic presentation.
What size should the potato balls be shaped into?
The mixture should be shaped into balls roughly 2 inches in diameter.
Can I make these potato bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and shape the balls then keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake them.
What category of food do these bites fall under?
They are categorized as a Potato dish, suitable as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
You can, but you may want to reduce the additional salt in the mixture to avoid making the bites too salty.
Is the parmesan cheese mixed in or used as a topping?
The parmesan cheese is sprinkled evenly over the tops of the potato balls just before baking.
How should I serve these potato bites?
They are best served hot, directly from the oven, on a serving platter.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Fresh parsley is recommended for both the mixture and the garnish for optimal flavor and appearance.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor is creamy and savory with a mild onion note from scallions and a salty, crispy finish from the parmesan.
Are these suitable for a party appetizer?
Yes, they are described as a crowd-pleasing appetizer that is sure to impress guests.
How do I ensure the mashed potatoes are smooth?
Ensure they are boiled until very tender and then thoroughly mashed until no lumps remain before adding other ingredients.
Can I use a food processor to mix the ingredients?
It is best to mix by hand or with a masher to maintain the right texture; a food processor may make the potatoes too gummy.
What temperature should the water be when starting the potatoes?
The instructions suggest covering them with water and then bringing them to a boil over medium heat.
Is there any special equipment needed?
No special equipment is required other than a large saucepan, a mixing bowl, and a baking pan.