The holiday season is filled with so much joy, laughter, and of course, gatherings with friends and family. But let’s be honest, hosting can feel like a big job. You want to serve something that everyone will love, but you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen all day.
Well, I have just the thing for you. These little potato crusted mini quiches are the answer to all your holiday hosting wishes. They are some of the best Christmas Party Snacks Appetizers you can make, and they look so impressive nobody will guess how simple they were.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, they are incredibly tasty. Imagine a crispy, savory potato cup holding a rich and creamy filling of eggs, cheese, and ham. It is a classic flavor combination that is always a huge hit. They are the definition of a crowd pleaser.
These are also fantastic Easy Finger Foods For Christmas Party events. Because they are bite size, your guests can easily grab one while mingling. No plates or forks are required. That means less mess and more fun for everyone, including you!
They also look so beautiful on a platter. The golden brown potato crusts look like little edible flowers. A simple garnish of fresh chives adds a pop of color that feels so festive. It is an elegant appetizer that comes together with very little fuss.
Finally, this recipe is surprisingly easy. Even if you are a beginner in the kitchen, you can totally handle this. The steps are straightforward and the ingredients are simple. This is one of those great recipes for Easy Christmas Appetizers For A Party.
Ingredients
The shopping list for these yummy bites is short and sweet. You probably have many of these items in your kitchen already. It is all about simple, quality ingredients coming together to make something special.
- 1 lb. Yukon gold potatoes
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup half and half or milk
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (4 oz.)
- 1 cup finely chopped turkey ham
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Non stick cooking spray
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to make some delicious Christmas Appetizers Easy Finger Foods? Let’s walk through it together. It is easier than you think!
Step 1: Get The Oven Ready And Prep Your Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 450°F. A hot oven is key to getting those potato crusts nice and crispy. While it is heating up, grab a standard twelve cup muffin tin. Give each cup a good coat with non stick cooking spray. This will prevent our beautiful crusts from sticking later.
Step 2: Prepare The Potato Crusts
Now for the potatoes. After peeling them, you will want to slice them very thin. We are talking about 1/16 of an inch thick. A mandoline slicer is a huge help here for getting uniform slices. Place the slices in a microwave safe bowl and pop them in for about a minute. This softens them just enough to make them flexible.
Next, toss those softened potato slices with vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Place one slice flat on the bottom of each muffin cup. Then, arrange the remaining slices around the sides, overlapping them as you go. They will stick up above the top of the pan, which is exactly what we want. It creates that pretty, ruffled look.
Step 3: Bake The Crusts
Slide the muffin tin into your hot oven and bake the potato cups for 15 minutes. This first bake, called blind baking, helps the crust get a head start on crisping up. It is the trick to avoiding a soggy bottom. When they are done, carefully take them out of the oven. Then, reduce the oven temperature down to 325°F for the next stage.
Step 4: Mix The Filling
While the potato cups are in the oven, you can whip up the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, and a bit of black pepper. Once that is smooth, stir in the shredded cheese, diced turkey ham, and fresh chives. Give it a good mix to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Fill And Bake Again
Now it is time to bring it all together. Carefully spoon the egg mixture evenly into each of the potato crusted muffin cups. Pop the tin back into the 325°F oven. Bake for about 17 to 20 minutes. You will know they are ready when they are puffed up, golden brown, and the center is completely set.
Step 6: Cool And Serve
This might be the hardest part, you have to wait! Let the mini quiches cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes. This helps them firm up so they will come out cleanly. Once they have cooled a bit, you can gently loosen them and move them to a platter. If you want to get fancy, garnish with a few more chopped chives before serving your amazing Christmas Party Snacks Appetizers.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, which is not very likely, storing them is simple. Let them cool completely to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and they will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days.
When you are ready to enjoy them again, I suggest reheating them in an oven or an air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes. This will help make the potato crusts crispy again. The microwave will work in a pinch, but the crust will be a bit softer.
Tips
Want to mix things up a bit? Feel free. You could swap the Gruyère cheese for a sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of feta for a different flavor profile. The options are endless.
No turkey ham? No problem. Cooked and crumbled bacon or breakfast sausage would be delicious substitutes. For a vegetarian version, simply leave out the meat and add in some finely chopped sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Just be sure to squeeze all the water out of the spinach first.
Thinking of more Christmas Party Fingerfood Ideas? You can easily customize these. A little bit of diced red bell pepper could add a nice color and sweetness. A pinch of nutmeg in the egg mixture can also add a lovely warmth.
To save some time on party day, you can prepare the potato crusts a day in advance. Bake them as directed, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Then, all you have to do is mix the filling and bake when you are ready.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, elegant, and incredibly delicious recipe that is sure to be the star of your holiday gathering. These little bites prove that you do not need complicated recipes to make a big impression.
So go ahead, give these a try for your next event. I promise, these will become your new favorite Christmas Party Snacks Appetizers. Happy holidays and happy baking!
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Type Of Potato?
Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended because their waxy texture holds up well and they have a lovely buttery flavor. However, red potatoes would also work nicely. I would avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, as they might not hold their shape as well.
What If I Do Not Have A Mandoline?
A mandoline makes slicing fast and uniform, but it is not required. You can absolutely use a very sharp knife and a steady hand. The goal is to get the slices as thin and even as possible. A food processor with a slicing attachment is another great alternative.
Can I Make These Vegetarian?
Yes, absolutely. To make these vegetarian, just omit the turkey ham. You can leave them as just cheese and egg, or you can add in some finely diced vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or sautéed spinach. They will be just as delicious.
How Far In Advance Can I Make Them?
You can bake the potato cups up to one day ahead of time. Let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. On the day of your party, just prepare the filling, spoon it into the cups, and bake. This is a great time saver.
Potato Crusted Mini Quiches
These savory potato crusted mini quiches are perfect easy finger foods for any holiday party. Featuring crispy potato cups filled with a rich blend of eggs, cheese, and ham, they are a delicious and impressive appetizer.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Coat a standard twelve cup muffin tin with non stick cooking spray.
- After peeling them and thinly slicing (1/16 inch thick) Yukon gold potatoes. Microwave slices in a bowl for about 1 minute until softened. Toss with vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Place one slice flat on the bottom of each muffin cup, then arrange remaining slices around the sides, overlapping and extending above the top.
- Bake potato cups for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and reduce oven temperature to 325°F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half, and black pepper. Stir in shredded cheese, diced turkey ham, and fresh chives.
- Spoon the egg mixture evenly into each potato crusted muffin cup. Bake for 17 to 20 minutes, until puffed, golden brown, and set in the center.
- Cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes before gently loosening and transferring to a platter. Garnish with more chopped chives before serving.
Notes
Let them cool completely to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and they will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheat them in an oven or an air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes. This will help make the potato crusts crispy again.
Swap the Gruyère cheese for a sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of feta for a different flavor profile. No turkey ham? Cooked and crumbled bacon or breakfast sausage would be delicious substitutes. For a vegetarian version, simply leave out the meat and add in some finely chopped sautéed mushrooms or spinach (squeeze water out first).
To save some time on party day, you can prepare the potato crusts a day in advance. Bake them as directed, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
A mandoline makes slicing fast and uniform, but it is not required. You can absolutely use a very sharp knife and a steady hand.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
