Ingredients

For the Crispy Parmesan and Herb Potato Bites:

• 2 large potatoes (500 grams), peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 pinches of salt (for boiling)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 bunch of parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 egg
• Pinch of salt (for the egg mixture)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 1/2 teaspoon basil, dried or fresh

For the Italian Herb Bread Snacks:

• 4 slices of your favorite bread, cut into small pieces
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian herbs (dried basil, oregano, or mixed Italian seasoning)
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Boil the Potatoes
   Place the potato chunks in a pot and cover them with cold water. Add two pinches of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the potatoes until they’re soft (about 15-20 minutes). Drain and let them cool slightly.
2. Season the Potatoes
   In a large mixing bowl, mash the boiled potatoes until smooth. Add paprika, black pepper to taste, chopped parsley, and cornstarch. Mix until the ingredients are well combined, forming a smooth dough.
3. Divide and Shape the Potato Mixture
   Divide the potato mixture into five equal parts. Shape each portion into a small patty, pressing lightly with a fork to create a textured surface.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

4. Prepare the Egg Wash and Breadcrumb Mixture
   In one bowl, whisk the egg with a pinch of salt. In another shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and basil. This breadcrumb mixture will add an extra layer of flavor and crunch to the potato bites.
5. Coat the Potato Patties
   Dip each potato patty into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, roll the patty in the breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated. Set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Fry the Potato Bites

6. Heat the Oil
   In a skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to submerge the patties halfway. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until hot (but not smoking).
7. Fry the Potato Bites
   Carefully place the potato patties into the hot oil. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Remove the patties from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 4: Prepare the Italian Herb Bread Snacks

8. Season the Bread
   Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the bread pieces on a baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix salt, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and olive oil. Drizzle this mixture over the bread pieces and toss to coat.
9. Add Parmesan and Bake
   Sprinkle the grated parmesan over the seasoned bread pieces. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crispy.
10. Serve
    Transfer the crispy potato bites and bread snacks to a serving platter. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara, aioli, or sour cream with chives.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Fat: 10g
• Sugars: 3g
• Sodium: 420mg

FAQs

1. Can I bake the potato bites instead of frying them?
Yes, for a healthier option, you can bake the potato bites. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, lightly spray with cooking oil, and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

2. What kind of bread works best for the Italian bread snacks?
A firm bread, like sourdough or baguette, works well. You can also use whole wheat or multigrain for a slightly different texture.

3. Can I substitute the parmesan?
Absolutely! Try using pecorino, Asiago, or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

4. Is there an alternative to cornstarch for the potato mixture?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour or potato starch instead of cornstarch to bind the potato mixture.

5. How can I make the potato bites gluten-free?
Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, and ensure any additional ingredients, like parmesan and spices, are certified gluten-free.

Tips for Making the Best Potato Bites and Bread Snacks

1. Choose the Right Potatoes
   Starchy potatoes, like Russets, work best for these bites because they’re fluffy and easy to mash.
2. Keep the Oil Temperature Consistent
   For perfectly golden and crispy bites, ensure the oil is hot enough by testing it with a small piece of bread. If it sizzles, the oil is ready. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cool the oil.
3. Season the Breadcrumb Mixture Generously
   Adding basil, parmesan, and salt to the breadcrumbs enhances the flavor of the potato bites and creates a delicious crust.
4. Let the Bread Snacks Cool
   Once baked, let the bread snacks cool slightly. This will make them crispier and allow the flavors to settle.
5. Experiment with Spices
   Feel free to adjust spices to your taste. Smoked paprika, cumin, rosemary, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a new dimension of flavor to these snacks.

Storage Tips

1. Potato Bites
   Store leftover potato bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on a skillet over low heat to maintain crispiness.
2. Bread Snacks
   The bread snacks can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they lose crispness, reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes.

Conclusion

These Crispy Parmesan and Herb Potato Bites, paired with Italian Bread Snacks, are the ultimate crowd-pleasers. With their contrasting textures—soft and fluffy potato bites alongside the crunchy bread crisps—this duo is a versatile, satisfying snack. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just to indulge in something delicious, this recipe is both easy and customizable. Experiment with your favorite herbs and spices to make it your own, and enjoy the savory, comforting flavors in every bite. This recipe is guaranteed to be a hit for anyone who loves a flavorful, homemade snack. Enjoy!