These oven-baked sweet potato tots are a simple, wholesome snack that the whole family will love.
Naturally sweet, fiber-rich, and lightly crisp on the outside, they’re packed with nutrients while staying low in saturated fat.
Quick to prepare and versatile for meal prep, they’re perfect for satisfying cravings without guilt and adding a colorful, nourishing option to any plate.
Baked Sweet Potato Tots
Equipment
- 1 Sheet Pan
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes about 1½–2 medium sweet potatoes
- ½ cup 50 g breadcrumbs or almond flour
- ¼ cup 30 g shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg beaten (optional)
- 1 teaspoon curry powder or seasoning of choice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for roasting the sweet potatoes. While the oven is heating, line a sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent the tots from sticking. This step also makes clean-up much easier.
- Wash and Pierce Sweet Potatoes: Rinse your sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel. Using a fork, poke several holes all over each potato. This allows steam to escape during roasting, ensuring the potatoes cook evenly and avoid bursting.
- Roast or Microwave Sweet Potatoes: Place the prepared sweet potatoes on the lined baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. For a faster method, you can microwave the potatoes for 5–10 minutes, checking for doneness. Let the potatoes cool to room temperature before handling, which makes peeling easier.
- Peel and Mash Sweet Potatoes: Once cooled, carefully peel off the skin. Transfer the flesh to a large mixing bowl. Using a potato masher or fork, mash the sweet potatoes. Aim for a slightly chunky texture rather than a smooth puree—this helps the tots hold their shape while baking. Measure out about 2 cups (360 g) of mashed sweet potato for the recipe.
- Combine Ingredients Thoroughly: Add the breadcrumbs (or almond flour), shredded cheddar cheese, beaten egg (if using), and your chosen seasonings to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. The mixture should be firm enough to shape but moist enough to hold together.
- Shape Tots Carefully: Take approximately one tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your hands to form small, evenly sized tot shapes. Place each shaped tot on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them for proper air circulation. For an extra crispy exterior, you can roll the tots in additional breadcrumbs or panko before baking.
- Bake Until Golden and Crisp: Bake the tots in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. Brush or lightly spray with olive oil if desired to enhance crispiness. The tots should be golden brown, firm to the touch, and lightly crisp on the outside while soft on the inside.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the tots from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. This step helps them firm up slightly and makes them easier to handle. Serve warm as a snack, side dish, or finger food.
- Optional Storage and Reheating Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain a crunchy texture.
Notes
- Roasting sweet potatoes in advance saves time and enhances natural sweetness.
- Eggs are optional; adding one helps the tots hold their shape and creates a crispier exterior.
- If the mixture feels too wet, refrigerate for 30 minutes to make shaping easier.
- For extra crunch, coat the tots with panko breadcrumbs and lightly brush with olive oil before baking.
- Sweet potatoes can be seasoned with any spices you like, such as paprika, garlic powder, or chili flakes, to suit your taste.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Tots
Achieving perfectly crispy yet tender sweet potato tots requires a balance of moisture and binding.
Using slightly chunky mashed sweet potatoes instead of a smooth puree helps the tots hold their shape.
Adding an egg is optional, but it contributes to a firmer texture and a golden exterior.
For the crispiest results, roll the tots in panko breadcrumbs and lightly brush with olive oil before baking.
Experiment with seasonings like curry, smoked paprika, or even a pinch of cinnamon to create unique flavors that complement the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Serving Suggestions For Any Occasion
These baked sweet potato tots are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways.
They make a delightful side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or vegetarian mains.
For a fun snack, pair them with yogurt-based dips, guacamole, or spicy ketchup.
They are also perfect for lunchboxes or as a party appetizer.
Serve warm for maximum crunch and flavor, and consider garnishing with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for an added visual appeal.
Storage Tips To Keep Fresh
Store leftover tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To maintain their crispiness, reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes rather than using a microwave.
For longer storage, freeze shaped tots on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Proper storage ensures the tots retain their flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe vegan or egg-free?
Yes! Simply omit the egg or use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) as a plant-based binder.
This still allows the tots to hold their shape and remain slightly crispy.
2. Can I use other flours instead of breadcrumbs?
Absolutely. Almond flour, oat flour, or gluten-free breadcrumbs work well. Keep in mind that some alternatives may result in a slightly softer texture, so chilling the mixture before shaping helps.
3. How can I make the tots extra crispy?
For extra crunch, roll each tot in panko breadcrumbs and lightly brush or spray with olive oil before baking.
Baking on a parchment-lined sheet pan with space between each tot also ensures even crisping.
4. Can I prepare the tots in advance?
Yes! You can roast the sweet potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to assemble.
The shaped tots can also be frozen before baking, which is perfect for meal prep or busy days.
5. Are sweet potato tots healthy?
Definitely. They are naturally sweet, fiber-rich, and low in saturated fat.
Adding a small amount of cheese provides protein and flavor, making them a nutritious snack or side dish suitable for families or meal-prep routines.
