Say goodbye to store-bought potato bites and hello to homemade bliss! These crispy baked sweet potato tater tots offer a flavorful, healthier twist on a beloved classic. They’re a fantastic way to sneak in extra veggies, appealing to even the picky eaters in your family. You’ll love how simple they are to prepare, making them a versatile side dish or snack. Get ready to enjoy delicious, golden-brown tots right from your oven.
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Why You’ll Love These Sweet Potato Tater Tots
You’ll quickly find these sweet potato tater tots becoming a regular on your menu. They are incredibly easy to make and offer so many benefits for busy home cooks:
- Nutrient-Packed: Sweet potatoes provide vitamins, fiber, and healthy carbohydrates.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples to create these delightful bites.
- Kid-Friendly: A perfect way to introduce healthy vegetables to picky eaters.
- Customizable Flavors: Easily adapt the seasonings to suit your family’s preferences.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze them for quick meals or snacks anytime.
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Tater Tots
Crafting delicious sweet potato tater tots starts with a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 – 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs or almond flour
- 1/4 cup (30g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg, beaten (optional)
- 1 teaspoon curry powder, or any seasoning(s) of choice
Notes & Substitutions
For the best texture, choose firm sweet potato varieties like Jewel or Garnet. You can swap cheddar for mozzarella, parmesan, or a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. The egg helps bind and crisp; for an egg-free option, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit 5 minutes). If you need gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
Equipment
Gathering your tools before you begin makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable. You’ll need just a few basics for these homemade tots:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or a silicone mat
- Large mixing bowl
- Potato masher or a sturdy fork
How to Make Sweet Potato Tater Tots (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Making these tasty sweet potato tater tots is straightforward. Follow these steps for crispy, golden perfection:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Wash your sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Pierce each potato all over with a fork. Rub them lightly with a touch of oil and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for about 40-45 minutes until they are fork-tender. Alternatively, you can microwave the pierced potatoes for 5-10 minutes until soft. Let the cooked potatoes cool completely to room temperature. This is important for the final tot texture.
- Mash the Potatoes: Once cooled, peel the sweet potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Using a potato masher or a sturdy fork, mash the sweet potatoes. Aim for a coarse mash, not a smooth puree. You should have approximately 2 cups (around 360g) of mashed sweet potato. Do not over-mash the sweet potatoes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the breadcrumbs (or almond flour), shredded cheddar cheese, beaten egg (if using), and curry powder (or your chosen seasoning) to the bowl with the mashed sweet potato. Mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the sweet potato tot mixture.
- Form the Tots: Take about 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time. Roll it into an oval or cylindrical tot shape with your hands. Place the formed sweet potato tater tots onto the lined baking sheet, leaving a small space between each one.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the tots for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy on the outside. Serve your delicious homemade sweet potato tater tots warm with your favorite dips.
Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Tots
Achieving the perfect crispy sweet potato nuggets is easy with a few tricks. First, mash your sweet potatoes coarsely; a rough mash prevents mushy tots. Always cool your cooked sweet potatoes completely before mixing. This helps the mixture firm up and prevents a sticky dough. If the mixture is still too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. For extra crispy sweet potato tots, use panko breadcrumbs and lightly spray the formed tots with cooking oil before baking.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
These versatile sweet potato bites are delightful in many ways!
Serving Suggestions
Serve these crispy tots with your favorite dipping sauces like plain yogurt, hummus, barbecue sauce, ketchup, or ranch. They make a fantastic side for burgers, roasted chicken, or scrambled eggs. For babies and toddlers, these are wonderful for baby-led weaning; their soft interior and easy-to-grasp shape are ideal.
Storage & Freezing
Store cooked sweet potato tater tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until crispy. To freeze, either bake first, then freeze, or freeze raw. Place shaped, raw tots on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.
Flavor Variations
Get creative with your seasonings! Try garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or a pinch of chili powder for a different kick. You can also mix in finely diced vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, or fresh herbs such as parsley or chives, before forming the tots.
Nutrition Information
These homemade sweet potato tater tots offer a nourishing alternative to conventional fried options. Sweet potatoes are a great source of dietary fiber, Vitamin A, and healthy carbohydrates, contributing to overall wellness. According to the University of Illinois Extension, sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A, B6, C, potassium, and fiber, making them a nutritious choice. Enjoy a delicious snack that feels good for you and your family.
| Nutrition Name | Nutrition Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 32 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.001 g |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these sweet potato tots on the stovetop?
We recommend baking or air frying these tots for the best crispy texture. Frying them on the stovetop can make them oily and less firm.
How do I cook sweet potatoes quickly for this recipe?
Prick sweet potatoes all over with a fork, then microwave them for 5-10 minutes until tender. This significantly speeds up the cooking process.
Can these sweet potato tots be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and shape the tots, then store them raw in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes meal prep a breeze.
Are sweet potato tots good for baby-led weaning?
Absolutely! Their soft interior and easy-to-grasp shape make these sweet potato tater tots an excellent and nutritious choice for baby-led weaning.
How can I make these sweet potato tots extra crispy?
For maximum crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs and spray the formed tots with a light mist of cooking oil before baking. Ensure your oven is fully preheated, too.
Conclusion
Homemade sweet potato tater tots are a game-changer for anyone seeking a wholesome, flavorful, and easy-to-make side dish or snack. You’ll love their crispy exterior and tender, sweet interior, packed with all the goodness of sweet potatoes. It’s truly a recipe that brings joy and confidence to any kitchen, even for beginner cooks. Give this recipe a try, experiment with your favorite flavors, and then don’t forget to rate and share your experience with our growing community!
Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Tater Tots
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Fork
- Potato Masher
- Large Bowl
- Spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes about 1 1/2 – 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or almond flour (50g)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (30g)
- 1 egg, beaten (optional)
- 1 teaspoon curry powder or any seasoning(s) of choice
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet by greasing or lining it.
- Wash, pat dry, and poke holes in the sweet potatoes, then rub with oil and roast for 40-45 minutes until tender, or microwave for 5-10 minutes, then let them cool.
- Peel the cooled sweet potatoes, add them to a large bowl, and mash roughly with a potato masher or fork to yield about 2 cups (360g).
- Add the remaining ingredients to the mashed sweet potatoes and mix well.
- Shape the mixture into tots using 1 tablespoon per tot, place them on the prepared baking sheet, and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.