Welcome to a delicious twist on a beloved root vegetable! These savory sweet potato pancakes are a delightful, wholesome dish perfect for any meal. Paired with an incredibly easy and creamy chive dipping sauce, they bring a comforting yet exciting flavor to your table. Prepare to fall in love with these simple, nutrient-packed sweet potato pancakes made with wholesome ingredients.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Sweet Potato Pancakes
You’ll adore these savory sweet potato pancakes for so many reasons. They truly simplify meal preparation without sacrificing flavor.
- Effortless to Prepare: Simple steps mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying.
- Perfect for Lunch or Dinner: Serve them as a hearty main course or a delicious side dish.
- Naturally Vegan and Healthy: Packed with nutrients and suitable for various dietary needs.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt the flavors to suit your cravings.
- Crispy Outside, Tender Inside: Experience the perfect texture with every bite.
Ingredients
Gather these simple items to create your flavorful sweet potato pancakes and the accompanying dipping sauce. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering a satisfying and well-balanced dish.
For the Sweet Potato Pancakes:
- 3 medium sweet potatoes (peeled)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus additional for frying)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Notes & Substitutions
For the sweet potato pancakes, orange-fleshed varieties like Beauregard or Jewel work wonderfully. To learn more about various types, a field guide to sweet potato varieties can help you choose the best one for your dish. Feel free to use avocado oil or vegetable oil for frying if you prefer. To make these gluten-free, simply swap traditional panko for a gluten-free breadcrumb alternative. For the dipping sauce, dairy-free Greek yogurt or sour cream works beautifully for a vegan option. You can also experiment with other fresh herbs like dill or parsley instead of chives.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes cooking these delicious sweet potato pancakes even easier. You likely have most of these items already in your kitchen!
- Sheet pan
- Large bowl
- Potato masher or fork
- Shallow bowl or plate
- Nonstick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
How To Make Sweet Potato Pancakes
Creating these savory sweet potato pancakes is a straightforward process. Just follow these steps for a delicious meal everyone will love.
- First, preheat your oven to the broiler setting. While the oven heats, dice the sweet potatoes into evenly sized ½-inch pieces. This ensures they cook thoroughly and consistently.
- Next, toss the diced sweet potatoes in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Season them with 1 teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, then spread the mixture evenly onto a sheet pan. Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and broil the sweet potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the sweet potatoes to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, mash them with a fork or potato masher in a large bowl. You can leave a few small chunks for texture if you like.
- Pour the ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs onto a shallow plate. Form the mashed sweet potatoes into 12 equally sized balls, using about ¼ cup of mashed sweet potatoes for each ball. Roll each sweet potato ball thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating. The breadcrumbs will help create that irresistible crispy exterior for your sweet potato pancakes.
- Heat 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large nonstick pan or griddle over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully place a sweet potato ball in the center of the pan. Immediately smash it flat with a spatula to form a pancake shape. Cook each side for about 1 minute, or until it turns golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the cooked sweet potato pancake from the pan and place it on a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Repeat this process with the remaining sweet potato balls until all the sweet potato pancakes are cooked to perfection.
- While the pancakes cook, prepare your creamy chive dipping sauce. In a small bowl, simply combine the Greek yogurt or sour cream, finely chopped fresh chives, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed and creamy.
- Finally, serve the warm, crispy sweet potato pancakes immediately with a generous dollop of the delicious chive sauce on top or on the side for dipping. Enjoy your homemade savory pancakes!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
These tips will help you create the best savory pancakes every time.
Achieving Perfect Pancake Texture
- Don’t over-mash sweet potatoes: A few small lumps add wonderful texture.
- Ensure proper oil temperature: Hot oil yields a crispy crust; too cool makes them greasy.
- Flatten pancakes evenly: This promotes uniform cooking and browning.
Enhancing Flavor
- Suggest adding herbs and spices: Try a pinch of smoked paprika, garlic powder, or dried thyme to the sweet potato mixture.
- Discuss incorporating cheese: A tablespoon of grated plant-based parmesan or nutritional yeast adds a savory depth.
- Recommend sautéed onions or shallots: Fold in finely minced, sautéed aromatics for an extra layer of flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Prevent soggy pancakes: Ensure they cook long enough to become crispy, and drain on paper towels.
- Ensure even cooking: Press down gently with the spatula to make sure the entire surface touches the pan.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches to maintain consistent oil temperature and achieve the best crispiness.
Serving, Storage & Variations
These versatile pancakes offer many possibilities for your meals.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a main or side dish: They are hearty enough on their own or complement a lean protein.
- Pair with a simple green salad: A light vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast.
- Offer as an appetizer: Mini sweet potato pancakes make excellent party bites.
Storage & Reheating
- Explain how to flash-freeze: Arrange cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Detail proper freezer storage: Transfer frozen sweet potato pancakes to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Provide thawing instructions: Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Recommend oven or toaster reheating: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or in a toaster oven until warmed through and crispy.
Flavor Variations
- Suggest spicy additions: A pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the sweet potato mixture adds a kick.
- Offer other grated vegetables: Try adding finely grated zucchini or carrots for extra nutrients and texture.
- Discuss citrus zest for brightness: A little lemon or lime zest can brighten the flavor profile of the dipping sauce or the pancakes themselves.
Nutrition Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content for these savory sweet potato pancakes. This information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 3 pancakes |
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.003 g |
| Cholesterol | 3 mg |
| Sodium | 1329 mg |
| Potassium | 667 mg |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Vitamin A | 24159 IU |
| Vitamin C | 6 mg |
| Calcium | 124 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, sweet potatoes offer numerous health benefits that make them a valuable addition to your diet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions about making these savory sweet potato pancakes.
Can I use leftover cooked sweet potatoes?
Yes, absolutely! If using pre-cooked sweet potatoes, you might need slightly less oil for mixing before forming your sweet potato pancakes.
Can these be made sweet instead of savory?
Definitely! Omit the savory seasonings and add cinnamon, nutmeg, a touch of maple syrup, or a spoonful of brown sugar to the mashed sweet potatoes.
Are these pancakes gluten-free?
Not with traditional panko breadcrumbs. You can easily make them gluten-free by substituting the panko with your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Can I bake or air fry them?
Yes, you can! For baking, brush with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. For air frying, preheat to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Conclusion
These savory sweet potato pancakes with creamy chive dipping sauce are truly a game-changer for quick, delicious meals. They offer a perfect blend of wholesome goodness and incredible flavor, proving that healthy eating can be both easy and exciting. We hope you feel inspired to try these versatile sweet potato pancakes in your own kitchen. Don’t forget to share your comments and ratings below; we love hearing from you!
Savory Sweet Potato Pancakes with Creamy Chive Dipping Sauce
Equipment
- Oven
- Sheet pan
- Fork
- Potato Masher
- Plate
- Large Pan
- spatula
- Paper towels
- Small bowl
Ingredients
Pancakes
- 3 medium sweet potatoes (peeled)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus additional for frying)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
Creamy Chive Dipping Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh chives finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Sweet Potato Pancakes
- Preheat your oven to the broiler setting.
- Dice sweet potatoes into ½ inch pieces, toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread evenly on a sheet pan.
- Broil sweet potatoes for 15-20 minutes until tender, then remove from oven, cool, and mash with a fork or potato masher.
- Place panko bread crumbs on a plate; form mashed sweet potatoes into 12 balls (¼ cup each) and roll them in the panko.
- Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, then place a sweet potato ball in the oil, smash with a spatula, and cook on each side for 1 minute until crispy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat for all pancakes.
Creamy Chive Dipping Sauce
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
- Serve the cooked sweet potato pancakes with the creamy chive dipping sauce on top.