Baked Sweet Potato Tots
Golden, crispy, and naturally sweet, these baked sweet potato tots are a nutritious and easy-to-make snack. Made with just a handful of ingredients, they’re high in fiber, lightly cheesy, and customizable with your favorite seasonings, making them perfect for quick family meals, lunchboxes, or meal prep.
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.
