Tiny golden potatoes roasted until crisp, then tossed in a tangy, garlicky mustard butter – these Mustard Potato Poppers are the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight from whatever else is on the plate. Every bite has crunchy edges, a soft creamy center, and just enough bold flavor to keep everyone reaching back for more.

They’re easy enough for a Tuesday night but special enough for holiday tables, game day spreads, or backyard cookouts. With simple pantry ingredients and very little prep, you can turn a bag of baby potatoes into an irresistible, poppable snack or side that feels restaurant‑worthy without any fuss.

What Makes These Mustard Potato Poppers So Addictive?

The magic is in the mustard. A mix of smooth Dijon and nubbly whole‑grain mustard coats the potatoes in a bright, savory layer that bakes into every crack and crevice. As the potatoes roast, the edges crisp up while the mustard, garlic, and spices caramelize into flavorful little bits that cling to the surface.

Butter and olive oil help the potatoes brown beautifully and keep the centers tender, while a final shower of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon wake everything up right before serving. The result is a side that’s salty, tangy, slightly smoky, and totally snackable.

Ingredients for Mustard Potato Poppers

Baby gold potatoes
Creamy, thin‑skinned baby golds are ideal because they roast quickly and hold their shape, giving you a fluffy center and crisp exterior without needing to peel.

Olive oil
A good drizzle of olive oil helps the potatoes roast evenly, keeps them from sticking to the pan, and carries all the seasonings so they cling to each piece.

Unsalted butter
Melted butter added toward the end gives the potatoes rich, buttery flavor and helps the mustard mixture brown into those irresistible crispy bits.

Dijon mustard
Dijon brings a smooth, sharp tang that soaks into the potatoes and balances their natural sweetness.

Whole‑grain mustard
Whole mustard seeds add texture and bursts of flavor that pop as you bite into the potatoes, making every mouthful more interesting.

Garlic
Fresh minced garlic infuses the oil and butter with savory depth and creates tiny golden, toasty flecks on the potatoes as they roast.

Honey
Just a touch of honey softens the bite of the mustard and encourages caramelization, giving the potatoes a glossy, slightly sticky coating.

Kosher salt
Salt seasons the potatoes all the way through and keeps them from tasting flat, especially since potatoes can soak up a lot of seasoning.

Black pepper
Freshly ground black pepper adds gentle heat and rounds out the sharpness of the mustard.

Smoked paprika
A sprinkle of smoked paprika brings a warm color and subtle smoky flavor that makes these potatoes taste like they came off the grill.

Fresh parsley
Chopped parsley adds freshness and a pop of green that makes the potatoes look as bright as they taste.

Lemon juice
A quick squeeze of lemon right before serving lifts the flavors and keeps the potatoes from feeling too heavy.

How To Make Mustard Potato Poppers

Step 1: Preheat the oven and prep the pan

Heat your oven to a high roasting temperature so the potatoes crisp instead of steam. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

Step 2: Halve and parboil the potatoes

Rinse the baby potatoes, then slice any larger ones in half so everything is roughly the same size. Simmer them in salted water for just a few minutes until they’re barely fork‑tender. This quick parboil jump‑starts the cooking process so they roast up extra crispy on the outside while staying soft in the middle.

Step 3: Make the mustard garlic coating

While the potatoes drain, whisk together the olive oil, melted butter, Dijon mustard, whole‑grain mustard, honey, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. You’re looking for a thick, glossy mixture that will cling to the warm potatoes.

Step 4: Toss and coat the potatoes

Add the drained potatoes to the bowl while they’re still warm. Gently toss until every piece is thoroughly coated in the mustard mixture, making sure the garlic and spices are dispersed evenly so each potato gets plenty of flavor.

Step 5: Roast until crisp and caramelized

Spread the potatoes out on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer with a little space between each one. Roast, turning once or twice, until the edges are deeply golden and the mustard coating has formed dark, crispy spots.

Step 6: Finish with herbs and lemon

Transfer the hot potatoes to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the top. Toss gently to distribute the herbs and taste to see if they need a final pinch of salt before serving.

Serving and Storing Mustard Potato Poppers

Serve these Mustard Potato Poppers piping hot, straight from the oven, when their edges are at their crispiest. They make a fantastic side for weeknight dinners, holiday roasts, grilled meats, or as a fun finger‑food appetizer with toothpicks.

If you’re feeding a crowd, you can keep them warm in a low oven for a short time, giving them a quick toss on the pan now and then to keep the coating from sticking. A drizzle of extra melted butter or a little olive oil before serving will refresh their shine.

Leftovers can be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a hot oven or air fryer until the edges crisp back up. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to soften the potatoes and dull the texture.

What to Serve With Mustard Potato Poppers?

Juicy Roast Chicken

These tangy potatoes are a natural match for a simple roast chicken. The mustard coating cuts through the richness of the chicken, and the crispy edges soak up all those savory juices on the plate.

Grilled Steak or Pork Chops

Serve Mustard Potato Poppers alongside a grilled ribeye or pork chops for an easy steakhouse‑style dinner at home. The smoky paprika and mustard flavors pair beautifully with charred meat from the grill.

Baked or Grilled Salmon

The bright acidity of the mustard and lemon works wonderfully with rich, buttery salmon. Add a simple green salad and you’ve got a balanced meal that still feels special.

Burgers and Sausages

Swap out the usual fries and serve these potatoes with juicy burgers or grilled sausages. They hold up well on a party platter and stay tasty even as they start to cool.

Holiday Ham or Turkey

Mustard Potato Poppers make a fun twist on classic holiday potatoes. Their bold, tangy flavor is perfect next to glazed ham or roasted turkey, and they fit right in on a festive buffet.

Want More Potato Side Dish Ideas?

If your family polishes off these Mustard Potato Poppers in record time, you’ll love exploring more cozy, comforting ways to serve potatoes:

Try my ultra‑creamy Dad’s Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes when you’re craving layers of soft potatoes and melty cheese.
For another crispy favorite, bake a pan of Parmesan Baked Potatoes with a golden, cheesy crust.
Add a hint of sweetness to your spread with Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes, perfect for holidays or Sunday dinners.
When you want something extra comforting, Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are always a hit.
For a heartier option that eats like a full meal, make Oven Roasted Smoked Sausage Potatoes and let the oven do all the work.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this flavorful idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find the next time you need a crowd‑pleasing side dish that goes with almost anything.

Tried these Mustard Potato Poppers with your own twist—maybe extra garlic, a little more heat, or a different herb blend? I’d love to hear how they turned out, so feel free to share your tips and questions in the comments.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on Savor Queen over on Pinterest. Your next favorite side dish, easy dinner, or party snack might be waiting there: follow along here.