Little Potato Buns are a classic vintage party appetizer that transforms leftover mashed potatoes into warm, cheesy bites served on small rounds of rye bread. Popular throughout the mid-20th century, recipes like this often appeared in community cookbooks and home entertaining collections, making use of simple refrigerator staples such as bacon, cheese, sour cream, and eggs. The potato mixture becomes rich and creamy while baking into a lightly golden topping. Their small size makes them perfect for cocktail parties, potlucks, game days, or holiday gatherings. They're easy to prepare ahead of time and bake just before serving, offering a comforting combination of crispy bread, creamy potatoes, smoky bacon, and melted cheese in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- ½ cup cooked bacon (finely chopped)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 egg yolks (beaten)
- 12 slices party rye bread (cocktail rye, cut in half if desired)
- Sour cream ( or onion di, for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potato Mixture
- Combine the mashed potatoes, chopped cooked bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and flour in a large bowl.
Step 2: Add the Eggs
- Beat the egg yolks.
- Stir the beaten yolks into the potato mixture until evenly combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread
- Arrange the party rye bread slices (or halves) on a baking sheet.
Step 4: Assemble
- Spread or scoop the potato mixture evenly onto each slice of rye bread.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the topping is heated through and lightly browned.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve warm with sour cream or onion dip if desired.
Tips
- Substitute Monterey Jack or Swiss cheese for cheddar.
- Add chopped green onions for extra flavor.
- Sprinkle paprika over the tops before baking.
- Use leftover baked potatoes for extra texture.
- Mix in chopped chives or parsley.
- Prepare the topping a day ahead and refrigerate.
- Try crumbled sausage instead of bacon.
- Use small baguette slices instead of party rye.
- Add a dash of garlic powder or onion powder.
- Serve alongside ranch dip or spicy aioli.
Nutrition
Calories: 185kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 7gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 360mgPotassium: 230mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 340IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 140mgIron: 1mg