Packed with punchy flavor, crispy edges, and a saucy personality, these Mustard Potato Poppers are hands down my favorite way to elevate humble baby potatoes. Honey, garlic, and tangy mustards transform these golden bites into irresistibly poppable snacks, sides, or even the star of your next party platter!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Crispy Texture: Sautéing in a bit of olive oil gives every potato popper a golden, deliciously crispy crust without any deep frying.
- Bold Mustard-Honey Flavor: Whole grain and Dijon mustards join forces with sweet honey for that ultimate sweet-and-sharp zing in each bite.
- Crowd-Pleasing & Shareable: Perfect as a party snack, side dish, or picnic favorite—Mustard Potato Poppers disappear fast at any gathering.
- Super Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy—just classic pantry staples, plus a little fresh chive and creamy sour cream for that final flourish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic here is all about letting each ingredient shine—from buttery baby potatoes to the bold, tangy mustards and a touch of honeyed heat. Each element works together to create big flavor with minimal fuss—this might just become your new weeknight staple.
- Baby gold potatoes: Their thin skins and creamy texture make these poppers so satisfying and quick to cook. Try to pick the smallest ones for the best texture and easy “pop-ability.”
- Unsalted butter: Adds that classic rich flavor and helps the aromatics bloom beautifully.
- Olive oil (for sautéing): Gives the potatoes their crispy, golden edges while keeping everything light.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the potatoes with warm, savory notes—don’t skimp!
- Whole grain mustard: Pops of whole mustard seeds give gorgeous texture and bold, tangy flavor.
- Honey: Balances out the sharpness of the mustard and chili, adding irresistible stickiness.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a smooth, subtly spicy backbone that only elevates the potato poppers further.
- Crushed chili flakes: For that gentle kick—totally adjustable to your heat preference!
- Fresh chives, minced: Offers a fresh, oniony bite and a burst of color for the final garnish.
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper: The classic seasonings to pull all those beautiful flavors together.
- Sour cream: A cool, creamy dip—essential for contrast and dunking those Mustard Potato Poppers.
Variations
The best thing about Mustard Potato Poppers is how endlessly customizable they are! Swap ingredients in and out to fit your mood, your pantry, or any dietary preferences—it’s impossible to go wrong.
- Sweet Heat Pop: Swap the honey for hot honey or add an extra dash of chili flakes for those who love things spicy and sweet.
- Herb Lover’s Poppers: Stir in finely chopped fresh dill, parsley, or tarragon along with the chives for even more herbal aroma.
- Vegan Twist: Use a good vegan butter and swap the sour cream for a plant-based version—it’s still ultra-creamy and satisfying.
- German-Inspired: Add a sprinkle of crispy fried onions or bacon bits for an Oktoberfest-style treat (just be aware this isn’t vegetarian).
How to Make Mustard Potato Poppers
Step 1: Sauté the Potatoes
Start by adding your baby gold potatoes to a large sauté pan with a glug of olive oil. Cover with a lid and let them cook over medium-high heat, stirring every five minutes or so. The lid helps them steam on the inside while the hot pan works its magic on the outsides, crisping them up beautifully.
Step 2: Make Them Tender
Continue sautéing and stirring the potatoes until they’re golden and fork-tender—about 15 to 18 minutes, depending on their size. You want them easily pierced with a knife but not falling apart; think perfectly poppable bites!
Step 3: Add the Butter, Garlic & Chili
Toss in your butter, minced garlic, and crushed chili flakes. Quickly stir for about 30 seconds to infuse the potatoes with garlicky warmth and just the right amount of heat—the aroma at this point is pure heaven.
Step 4: Add the Mustards & Honey
Remove the pan from the heat, then immediately add in your whole grain mustard, Dijon, and honey. Toss everything well to ensure the potatoes are luxuriously coated in that glossy, sticky, flavor-packed sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
Sprinkle with plenty of minced fresh chives, and serve hot with a bowl of cool sour cream for dipping. The contrast between the tangy, savory poppers and the creamy dip is pure bliss!
Pro Tips for Making Mustard Potato Poppers
- Size Matters: Choose the tiniest baby gold potatoes you can find—the smaller the potato, the crispier and cuter each popper will be.
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: Keeping the lid on for the first part of cooking helps steam the centers, but a quick lid-off finish makes for extra crispy edges you’ll crave.
- Mustard Selection: Whole grain mustard gives that signature texture, but don’t hesitate to mix in spicy brown or stone-ground if you want more of a kick.
- Make It a Meal Prep Star: You can cook the potatoes ahead, then re-heat in the pan with the sauce just before serving—so party prep is a breeze.
How to Serve Mustard Potato Poppers
Garnishes
Generous sprinklings of fresh chives not only add a vibrant green pop but also layer in a mild oniony note that truly complements the tangy sauce. Try adding extra cracked pepper or even some lemon zest for a little zing. A final dusting of flaky salt right before serving makes every bite shine.
Side Dishes
Mustard Potato Poppers are the ideal companion to just about anything grilled—think smoky chicken, steak, or salmon. They also make a fabulous match for roasted vegetables or a zippy, herb-filled green salad. For a game-day spread, serve them alongside sliders or wings for a truly crowd-pleasing combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For appetizers, thread several poppers onto wooden skewers for easy sharing at parties—don’t forget a dunk bowl of sour cream! Serving family-style? Pile them high on a rustic platter with extra chive and scatter of chili flakes for color. They’re guaranteed to disappear quickly—so make extra!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Mustard Potato Poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 4 days and are a delicious snack cold or at room temperature, too!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze your potato poppers, spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for 2-3 months. Keep in mind, while the flavor stays great, the texture is best when fresh or just refrigerated.
Reheating
To get back that irresistible crispiness, reheat Mustard Potato Poppers in a hot oven or air fryer at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, or until sizzling. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain those perfect, crispy edges!
FAQs
-
Can I use other types of potatoes for Mustard Potato Poppers?
Absolutely! While baby gold potatoes are perfect for their size and texture, you can use baby reds or even chop Yukon golds into bite-sized pieces. Just try to keep the size as uniform as possible so they cook evenly.
-
Are Mustard Potato Poppers gluten-free?
Yes! Mustard Potato Poppers are naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check your mustards to ensure they’re certified gluten-free if you’re cooking for anyone with allergies.
-
Can I make these ahead for a party?
You sure can! Cook the potatoes and toss them in the sauce just before serving. For best results, re-crisp them on a hot pan or in the oven, then shower with fresh chives and serve with chilled sour cream.
-
What sauce goes best as a dip for Mustard Potato Poppers?
Classic sour cream is a match made in heaven, but you could also try Greek yogurt, ranch, or a garlicky aioli for something different—the cooling dip is the perfect contrast to the zesty poppers!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s equal parts crowd-pleaser and flavor-bomb, Mustard Potato Poppers are simply the answer. I hope you give them a try—don’t be surprised if they vanish before you even sit down to eat. Enjoy, and happy popping!
PrintMustard Potato Poppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer/Side Dish
- Method: Sauteing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mustard Potato Poppers are a delightful appetizer or side dish bursting with flavor. Tender baby gold potatoes are cooked to perfection and then tossed in a savory mustard and honey sauce, finished with a sprinkle of fresh chives. Serve with a side of creamy sour cream for a delicious treat.
Ingredients
Potato Poppers:
- 3 lbs. baby gold potatoes (small ones)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons Whole Grain mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed chili flakes
- 3 tablespoons fresh chives, minced
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: Add potatoes to a large saute pan with olive oil over medium-high heat, then cover. Remove the lid every 5 minutes to stir them around.
- Cook Until Tender: Cook the potatoes until easily pierced with a knife, around 15 – 18 minutes depending on the size of your potatoes.
- Prepare Sauce: Add butter, minced garlic, and chili to the pan. Cook for 30 seconds stirring constantly. Add mustards and honey, then remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper.
- Finish and Serve: Finish with fresh chives and serve the potato poppers with a side of sour cream dipping sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg