Smashed Potato Bites with Vegan Chorizo Spicy Aioli

Recipe Introduction
Craving a Crowd Pleaser?
Ever find yourself needing a killer app for a party? Honestly, I have! That's where these smashed vegan potato appetizers come in.
They're flavour bombs, and everyone loves them. These aren't just any old spuds; we're talking crispy, salty, smoky deliciousness.
A Twist on a Classic
Potato skins are great, right? But let's face it, they can be a bit heavy. These vegan smashed potatoes are like a lighter, more flavourful version.
Originating from the idea of loaded potato skins but made totally plant based, this recipe offers a fun spin on a classic, and it's easy to knock together, perfect for a busy weeknight.
It makes enough for 4-6 people to share, unless you're like me, and then it's dinner for one!
Party in Your Mouth, Good for Your Soul
Forget greasy fries; these little guys pack a nutritional punch! Potatoes are a decent source of Vitamin C. Plus, these crispy potato appetizers vegan are perfect for any party, especially a Super Bowl bash or a casual get-together.
What makes them special? The combo of the crispy potatoes, spicy chorizo, and cool aioli, mate!
Ready to dive in? Let's get those ingredients together!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
Right, so before we dive headfirst into these awesome vegan potato appetizers , let's make sure we've got all our bits and bobs sorted.
Honestly, this isn't rocket science, but having everything prepped makes life so much easier. Trust me, I've been there, flapping about like a headless chicken because I forgot the garlic! I swear these vegan smashed potatoes are super yummy!.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
- Baby Potatoes: 1.5 lbs (680g) . Yukon Golds are my fave, but anything similar works. They need to feel firm!
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (30ml) . Go for good quality extra virgin. You can kinda taste the difference, you know?
- Garlic Powder: 1 tsp .
- Smoked Paprika: 1/2 tsp . Adds a lovely smoky depth.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy with the pepper.
- Vegan Chorizo: 8 oz (225g) . The Trader Joe's one is banging if you can get your hands on it! It's perfect for some vegan chorizo appetizers .
- Yellow Onion: 1/2 medium , finely diced.
- Garlic: 1 clove , minced.
- Chili Flakes: 1/4 tsp . Or more, if you're feeling brave!
- Vegan Mayo: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Hellmann's is surprisingly good.
- Sriracha: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Adjust to your liking! This makes our spicy vegan aioli .
- Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Fresh is always best.
- Cilantro: For garnish, chopped.
- Optional: Sliced green onions.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Town, Population: You!
Smoked paprika and garlic powder are your best mates here. They give that oomph to the potatoes. Don't have smoked paprika? Regular's fine.
Chili flakes? Essential for that kick in the vegan chorizo appetizers , but adjust them, yeah?
Want a super quick sub? If you don't have fresh lemon, bottled is okay in a pinch. But seriously, fresh is worth it!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!
- Large Pot: For boiling the spuds.
- Baking Sheet: The bigger, the better.
- Potato Masher: Or the bottom of a glass. I've been known to use a rolling pin. Desperate times, right?
- Small Skillet: For the vegan chorizo.
- Small Bowl: For the spicy vegan aioli .
- Parchment Paper: prevents food from sticking on the sheet
These are essential for crispy potato appetizers vegan , they really do.
And that's it! Now you are ready for these amazing vegan potato skins
I hope you feel like you have the tools to get started on these vegan potato bites , one of the best vegan appetizer recipes easy .
These plant based potato snacks are sure to be a smash hit at any vegan party appetizers !
Cooking Method: Smashed Potato Bites
Right, listen up, buttercups! Forget those boring old vegan potato skins . We're doing something way cooler crispy potato appetizers vegan style.
We're making vegan smashed potatoes topped with a killer vegan chorizo appetizers mix and a spicy vegan aioli that'll knock your socks off! Honestly, these vegan potato bites are addictive.
I once ate, like, twenty of them in one sitting. No regrets! The best part? It's one of the vegan appetizer recipes easy to master, so even if you're a bit of a clumsy cook like I sometimes am, you can nail this! It can also easily be one of your favourite plant based potato snacks !
Prep Steps: Let's Get Organised!
First things first, let's get everything ready. This is the mise en place , darling. It's French, but basically means "everything in its place.
" Chop your onion, mince your garlic, and crumble that vegan chorizo . Seriously, get everything done BEFORE you start cooking.
It’ll save you a mountain of stress. You know? It’s like tidying your room before a party feels good! The key thing to keep in mind, the gluten-free potato appetizers nature of this should be in mind when preparing for cross contamination!
step-by-step: Smashed to Perfection!
- Boil those spuds : Chuck your baby potatoes in a big pot. Cover them with cold, salty water. Boil 'em until they're fork tender. Around 15- 20 minutes should do it.
- Smash time : Pop 'em on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a potato masher (or the bottom of a sturdy glass) to gently flatten each potato. Don’t go crazy, just a bit of a squash.
- Season and bake : Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bake in a preheated oven at 400° F ( 200° C) until golden and crispy. 20- 25 minutes .
- Chorizo magic : While the potatoes are baking, sizzle your crumbled vegan chorizo , diced onion, minced garlic and chili flakes in a skillet. Cook until the chorizo is browned and the onions soften (about 5- 7 minutes ).
- Whip up the aioli : Mix vegan mayo, sriracha, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Taste it. Add more sriracha if you like it spicy.
Pro Tips: Secrets to Success
- Crispy is key : Make sure your potatoes are bone dry before you smash them. Wet potatoes will steam, not crisp. Trust me, I've been there. Nobody wants soggy vegan potato appetizers !
- Don't overcrowd : Give your potatoes some elbow room on the baking sheet. Overcrowding = sad, steamed potatoes.
- This vegan party appetizers option can be elevated into something great with a little creativity!
These smashed potato bites are fantastic as a crowd pleaser, as a side dish, or even just as a cheeky snack.
They’re bursting with flavour and texture, and the spicy vegan aioli adds that extra zing that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Your Killer Smashed Potato Bites
Right, so you're ready to make these amazing vegan potato appetizers ? Ace! Before you dive in, let's talk through some essential notes.
I’ve been there, done that and nearly set my kitchen on fire a few times, so trust me on these.
Plating Like a Pro & Perfect Pairings
Okay, presentation matters, even if it's just for you! Honestly, these vegan smashed potatoes look amazing scattered artfully on a wooden board.
Garnish with extra cilantro and maybe a few slices of jalapeno. For drinks, how about a crisp cider or a refreshing lemonade? A light salad on the side balances the richness.
These also make killer vegan chorizo appetizers if you use a really flavourful chorizo.
Storing (If You Even Have Leftovers!)
If, by some miracle, you have any of these left, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll be good for about 3 days.
Freezing isn't really recommended, as the texture can get a bit weird. To reheat, a quick blast in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) will crisp them up nicely.
You can microwave them in a pinch, but they won't be as crispy.
Swaps & Tweaks to Make it Yours
Fancy a change? No problem! For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spicy vegan aioli .
If you're not a fan of cilantro, parsley works great too. For a seasonal twist, try using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes in the autumn.
It creates amazing crispy potato appetizers vegan ! You can use gluten-free potato appetizers by making sure to not use any gluten rich ingredient in the toppings.
This is also great as plant based potato snacks or part of other vegan party appetizers .
Quick Nutrition Lowdown
Each serving clocks in at roughly 350 calories. You also get 8g of protein, 25g of fat, and 25g of carbs.
Potatoes are a good source of potassium and vitamin C. The vegan chorizo adds some extra protein, and the aioli is, well, a treat.
Remember, these are approximate, and the numbers will vary depending on what brands you buy! So consider this when planning your meals to ensure a good intake of vitamins and minerals from other sources.
It's also good source for ideas for vegan appetizer recipes easy .
So there you have it. Go on, give these a go! They're far better than your average vegan potato bites or vegan potato skins , and I promise you'll love them.
Get smashing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Alright, so what exactly makes these vegan potato appetizers different from regular potato skins?
Great question! Unlike traditional potato skins which often use cheese and bacon, these Smashed Potato Bites are entirely plant based. We're using a smoky vegan chorizo crumble for that savory, meaty flavor and a spicy vegan aioli for a creamy kick.
Plus, the smashed potato technique gives them a wonderfully crispy texture that's hard to resist they are a total game changer!
Can I prep these ahead of time if I'm having a few mates over later? I'm a bit busy, you see.
Absolutely! You can boil and smash the potatoes a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. The vegan chorizo crumble and spicy aioli can also be made ahead of time. Just assemble everything right before baking and serving to ensure maximum crispiness of the potatoes. No one wants soggy potatoes!
I'm not a massive fan of spice, can I still enjoy these vegan potato appetizers?
Course you can! The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Simply reduce or omit the sriracha in the vegan aioli for a milder flavor. You can also skip the chili flakes in the chorizo crumble. Maybe try some sweet paprika if you still want a tiny bit of heat or depth!
What's the best way to store any leftovers (if there are any!) and reheat these?
Store any leftover smashed potato bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
A quick zap in the microwave will work in a pinch, but they might lose some of that lovely crispy texture.
I can't find vegan chorizo anywhere! What else can I use for the topping on these vegan potato appetizers?
No worries, mate! If you can't find vegan chorizo, don't fret. Seasoned black beans, crumbled tempeh, or even some sauteed mushrooms with smoked paprika would all make fantastic substitutes. Get creative and use what you have! The most important thing is to get that smoky, savory flavour to complement the potatoes.
Are these vegan potato appetizers actually healthy, or are they just a bit of fun?
Well, they're certainly moreish! While they are a treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits. Potatoes are a good source of Vitamin C and potassium. Using quality vegan mayo and chorizo can also contribute towards getting some healthy vitamins and minerals, however these are still best to be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
So, enjoy, but maybe don't have them every night!
Smashed Potato Bites With Vegan Chorizo Spicy Ai

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 25g |