If you’ve ever found yourself craving a simple yet irresistible side dish that’s both comforting and elegant, I have just the thing for you. This Mini Baked Potatoes with Sour Cream and Chives Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions alike. I absolutely love how these bite-size potatoes come out perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with that creamy tang of sour cream and fresh pop of chives that completes every bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Preparation: You’ll love how little time it takes to get these mini delights in the oven and ready to serve.
- Perfect Party Snack or Side: These bite-sized beauties work well at casual gatherings or paired with your family dinner.
- Flavor That Pops: The classic duo of sour cream and fresh chives adds freshness and richness that simply can’t be beat.
- Versatile and Crowd-Friendly: Whether you’re feeding a group or just craving comfort food, these mini baked potatoes deliver every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this Mini Baked Potatoes with Sour Cream and Chives Recipe is how simple the ingredients are, yet how well they come together to create something special. You just need good-quality baby potatoes, a nice olive oil, and fresh chives to make it shine. Don’t worry, all the details and exact amounts are in the recipe card below, but here are some tips on picking the best ingredients.
- Baby Potatoes: I prefer the Honey Gold 2-Bite variety because their skin is thin and tender, perfect for baking mini potatoes.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use a good quality one to help crisp the potatoes nicely and add a subtle fruity flavor.
- Coarse Sea Salt: This adds the perfect crunch and brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- Sour Cream: Choose a full-fat sour cream for the creamiest, tangiest topping.
- Fresh Chives: Fresh always beats dried here — those delicate oniony notes lift the entire dish.
Variations
One thing I really encourage when making this Mini Baked Potatoes with Sour Cream and Chives Recipe is to get creative with your toppings and seasonings. I love tweaking it depending on the occasion or what I have on hand.
- Cheesy Twist: Try sprinkling some shredded sharp cheddar or parmesan right after baking, then dollop the sour cream and chives on top—my family goes crazy for this upgrade.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne powder to the potatoes before baking for a subtle heat that pairs well with the sour cream.
- Herb Lover’s Delight: Mix in fresh parsley, dill, or even thyme along with the chives for an herbaceous spin.
- Vegan Adaptation: Swap sour cream with a coconut yogurt or cashew cream to keep it dairy-free yet creamy.
How to Make Mini Baked Potatoes with Sour Cream and Chives Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
The first step is straightforward: preheat your oven to 400°F. This temperature is spot-on for getting those baby potatoes tender inside and a touch crispy outside. I use parchment paper on my baking sheet to prevent sticking, and a quick spritz of nonstick cooking spray helps even more. This setup makes cleanup a breeze—I’ve learned to always line my pans for this kind of baking.
Step 2: Coat Each Potato with Olive Oil
Here’s where a little trick I discovered makes a big difference: whether you use your hands, a pastry brush, or a paper towel dipped in olive oil, make sure every baby potato is evenly coated. This light oil coating helps the skins crisp up beautifully and keep them from drying out. I like to take my time here because it really affects the end texture.
Step 3: Salt and Bake
Sprinkle coarse sea salt over both sides of the potatoes—don’t be shy, this seasoning is key to flavor. Spread them out on the baking sheet, pop them in the oven, and bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll want to check they’re fork tender; that’s your sign they’re done. When I first tried this recipe, I almost undercooked them, so don’t rush! Patience here really pays off.
Step 4: Slice and Add the Toppings
Once the potatoes come out, let them rest for a couple of minutes—hot potatoes are tricky to handle! Using a sharp knife, carefully split down the center of each potato, but don’t cut them in half, just enough to open like a little boat. Dollop about a teaspoon of sour cream right in the middle, then sprinkle with freshly chopped chives. Serve immediately while still warm for the best experience.
Pro Tips for Making Mini Baked Potatoes with Sour Cream and Chives Recipe
- Even Oil Coverage: I always make sure each potato is well-coated in olive oil—this step ensures that perfect crispy skin every time.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the potatoes rest after baking helps them firm up so they don’t fall apart when you slice them.
- Use Coarse Salt: The texture and flavor of coarse sea salt make a huge difference compared to regular table salt.
- Gentle Slicing: When slicing, only cut halfway down to keep the potatoes intact and make a perfect little pocket for toppings.
How to Serve Mini Baked Potatoes with Sour Cream and Chives Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, I’m all about simplicity to highlight those flavors. I like to add a few extra snips of fresh chives just before serving, and sometimes a small sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper for a little bite. A light dusting of smoked paprika can add a lovely visual accent and depth of flavor, too. Just keep it minimal to let the sour cream and chives shine.
Side Dishes
This Mini Baked Potatoes with Sour Cream and Chives Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a vibrant green salad. I’ve also served them alongside steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts for a well-rounded meal. They’re so versatile you can really fit them into any menu.
Creative Ways to Present
One fun way to serve these at parties is to arrange them on a pretty platter with a mini bowl of extra sour cream and chives for dipping. I’ve also threaded them onto skewers for a playful appetizer or served them in small individual ramekins with a sprinkle of cheese on top. Getting creative with presentation makes this simple dish feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers—which honestly is rare around here!—store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. I recommend waiting to add the sour cream and chives until just before serving again to keep the potatoes from getting soggy and the toppings fresh.
Freezing
Freezing mini baked potatoes isn’t my go-to because they tend to get watery upon thawing, but if you want to try, freeze them plain (without sour cream or chives) on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. Use within 1 month for best results. Reheat gently in the oven to restore texture.
Reheating
For reheating, I pop the potatoes in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to bring back the lovely crisp skin. Avoid microwaving if you can—it makes the potatoes a bit mushy. Once warm, add fresh sour cream and chives to revive the topping.
FAQs
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Can I use larger potatoes for this recipe?
You can, but I recommend sticking to bite-sized baby potatoes for the best results. Larger potatoes will take longer to cook and won’t deliver the same crispy outside and creamy inside that makes this recipe so special.
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Is there a substitute for sour cream?
Yes! Greek yogurt is a great substitute if you want a lighter option, or dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt work well too—just pick an unsweetened version to maintain the savory profile.
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How do I know when the potatoes are done baking?
The best way is to poke them gently with a fork or skewer; they should be tender inside and slide in easily without resistance. If they’re still firm, give them a few more minutes.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the potatoes up to a day in advance and store them, then just add the sour cream and chives right before serving to keep things fresh and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Mini Baked Potatoes with Sour Cream and Chives Recipe is one of those gems I keep coming back to because it’s reliable, tasty, and just plain delightful. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering, and everyone kept asking for seconds—made me feel like a kitchen hero! Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or friends, I promise you’ll love how easy it is to make and how much flavor it brings to the table. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite potato side dish!
Print
Mini Baked Potatoes with Sour Cream and Chives Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mini Baked Potatoes are a simple and delicious appetizer or side dish featuring bite-sized baby potatoes baked to tender perfection and topped with creamy sour cream and fresh chives. Perfectly seasoned with coarse sea salt and lightly coated with olive oil, these mini potatoes offer a crispy skin and soft interior, making them a delightful bite-sized treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 24 ounces bite-size baby potatoes (Honey Gold 2-Bite variety), washed and dried
Seasoning & Toppings
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or heavy-duty aluminum foil and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Coat the Potatoes: Using your hands, a pastry brush, or a paper towel dipped in the extra virgin olive oil, evenly coat the outside of each baby potato with the oil. Place the coated potatoes on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Season and Bake: Sprinkle both sides of the potatoes generously with coarse sea salt. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender and the skin is slightly crisp.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the potatoes rest for a few minutes. Carefully slice down the center of each potato — taking care to only split them open, not cut them in half.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Place about 1 teaspoon of sour cream into the center of each sliced potato. Sprinkle with the fresh chopped chives. Serve immediately while hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover mini baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. For best results, assemble toppings just before serving to keep the potatoes fresh.
- Serving Tip: These potatoes make great mini stuffed bites; consider adding other toppings like shredded cheese or bacon bits for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1-2 mini potatoes)
- Calories: ninety five
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg