Delicious & Healthy Baked Sweet Potato Tots: A Crispy, Kid-Friendly Snack or Side
If you’re a fan of the classic sweet potato fries or the comforting crispiness of tater tots, prepare to fall in love with these homemade baked sweet potato tots! This recipe offers a delightful and healthier alternative to their deep-fried counterparts, ensuring you don’t miss out on any flavor or texture. These irresistibly crispy tots are baked to perfection, making them a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a diet-friendly and kid-approved snack or side dish.
Whether you’re hosting a party, settling in for game day, or simply need a quick and delicious bite, these sweet potato tots are incredibly versatile. They combine the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a perfectly seasoned, crunchy coating, creating a harmonious blend that tantalizes the taste buds. Forget the guilt of greasy fried foods; our baked version is light, flavorful, and packed with the goodness of sweet potatoes. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from prepping your sweet potatoes to achieving that coveted golden-brown crispness, ensuring your homemade tots are nothing short of spectacular.
Why Choose Baked Sweet Potato Tots Over Fried?
There are numerous reasons why baking your sweet potato tots is a superior choice, especially for those mindful of their health and seeking delicious, wholesome options. While deep-frying can yield a crispy texture, it often comes with excess oil and calories. Baking, on the other hand, allows the natural flavors of the sweet potato to shine while still delivering a satisfying crunch, thanks to our special breadcrumb coating. This method drastically reduces the fat content, making these tots a guilt-free indulgence.
The Nutritional Power of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are more than just a tasty root vegetable; they are a nutritional powerhouse. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, they offer a host of health benefits. They are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, vital for vision and immune function. Additionally, sweet potatoes provide a good amount of vitamin C, manganese, and potassium. Their natural sweetness means you often need less added sugar, making them an inherently healthy choice for snacks and side dishes. Incorporating them into your diet in a fun format like tots is a brilliant way to boost your nutrient intake, especially for picky eaters.
Ease and Safety of Baking
Baking is not only healthier but also generally much easier and safer than deep-frying at home. You avoid the mess and potential hazards of hot oil, and cleanup is typically a breeze. Our recipe streamlines the process, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve perfectly baked sweet potato tots without stress. This method produces uniformly cooked tots that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, offering a consistent texture that is hard to beat.
Sweet Potato Tots
Kelly Kirkendoll
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Tots
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
Coating
- 1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- pinch cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the sweet potatoes and carefully poke several holes in them using a fork. Microwave them for 5-7 minutes, or until they are soft when squeezed (cooking time may vary based on your microwave’s wattage).
- Allow the cooked sweet potatoes to cool completely to room temperature. This step is crucial for easy handling and proper tot formation.
- While the sweet potatoes are cooling, prepare the crunchy coating. In a shallow bowl, mix together the Italian bread crumbs, Panko crumbs, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp salt, and the optional pinch of cayenne pepper until well combined.
- Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel off their skins. Place the peeled sweet potatoes into a large mixing bowl.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 190 degrees Celsius) to ensure it’s ready when your tots are formed.
- Gently smash the sweet potatoes with a fork or potato masher. Taste a small amount of the mashed sweet potato. Add 1/4 tsp cinnamon and 1 tsp sugar. If the sweet potatoes are naturally very sweet, you might need less sugar or none at all – adjust to your preference. Mix until just combined.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- Using your hands, roll small portions of the sweet potato mixture into your desired shape – small balls or traditional oval tot shapes work best. Then, place each formed tot into the bowl with the breadcrumb coating mixture and gently roll it around to evenly coat all sides. Place the coated tots onto the prepared cookie sheet.
- Continue this process, shaping and coating each tot, until all of the sweet potato mixture has been used and arranged on the baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the top of each tot with olive oil. This helps them achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and extra crispiness during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, carefully flip each tot to the other side and continue baking for another 25 minutes, or until both sides are delightfully crispy and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these crispy, sweet potato tots with your favorite dipping sauce (the author recommends ketchup with a touch of hot sauce for an extra kick!).
Notes
Tips for Achieving Perfectly Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Tots Every Time
While the recipe is straightforward, a few key tips can elevate your sweet potato tots from good to absolutely amazing:
- Don’t Over-Mash: A slightly chunky texture can add character to your tots. Over-mashing can release too much moisture, making them harder to crisp.
- Cool Completely: Ensure the cooked sweet potatoes are thoroughly cooled before you begin mashing and shaping. Warm sweet potatoes are stickier and more challenging to work with. Pop them in the fridge for a bit if you’re in a hurry.
- Even Coating is Key: Make sure each tot is well-coated in the breadcrumb mixture. This coating is what gives them their incredible crunch and protects the soft interior.
- Use Parchment Paper: Non-stick parchment paper is essential. It prevents sticking and ensures your tots lift off the baking sheet easily, maintaining their shape and crispiness.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give your tots space! Arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet with enough room between each one. Crowding can steam the tots instead of baking them, preventing them from getting crispy. You might need two baking sheets.
- Olive Oil Spray: The light spray of olive oil is crucial for browning and crisping the coating. Don’t skip this step!
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens can vary. Keep an eye on your tots during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. They should be golden brown and feel firm to the touch when ready.
Creative Serving Suggestions & Dip Pairings
While ketchup with a dash of hot sauce is a classic choice, these versatile baked sweet potato tots can be paired with a variety of dips and served in creative ways:
- Creamy Garlic Aioli: A rich, homemade garlic aioli complements the sweetness of the potatoes beautifully.
- Spicy Chipotle Mayo: For those who love a smoky kick, mix mayonnaise with a bit of adobo sauce from canned chipotles.
- Honey Mustard: The tang and sweetness of honey mustard make an excellent pairing, especially popular with kids.
- Cool Ranch Dip: A homemade or store-bought ranch dip provides a refreshing contrast.
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or burgers for a healthier alternative to traditional fries.
- Breakfast Hash Alternative: Chop them up and serve with scrambled eggs and avocado for a fun breakfast twist.
- Appetizer Platter: Arrange them on a platter with various dips for an impressive party appetizer.
Flavor Variations to Customize Your Tots
Feel free to experiment with the spices and coatings to create your unique sweet potato tots:
- Herby Delight: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the sweet potato mixture for an aromatic twist.
- Cheesy Goodness: Mix a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb coating for a savory, cheesy crust.
- Smoky Paprika: Incorporate smoked paprika into the tot mixture or coating for a deeper, more savory flavor.
- Spicier Kick: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili powder for extra heat.
- Garlic & Onion Powder: For a more savory profile, add a half teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder to the sweet potato mixture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and Panko crumbs to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
These baked sweet potato tots are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be prepared in advance or stored for later enjoyment:
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the sweet potato mixture and even form the tots a day in advance. Store the uncoated tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before baking, roll them in the breadcrumb mixture, spray with oil, and bake as directed.
- Storage: Leftover tots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, spread the tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and re-crisped. An air fryer also works wonders for reheating, making them extra crispy!
Conclusion: A New Family Favorite!
These baked sweet potato tots are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. They offer a healthier, equally delicious, and incredibly versatile alternative to traditional fried versions. Whether you’re aiming for a healthy snack for the kids, a crowd-pleasing appetizer for guests, or a flavorful side for your weeknight dinner, these tots are sure to impress. With their delightful crispiness, natural sweetness, and customizable flavors, they are destined to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Give this recipe a try, and get ready to enjoy a guilt-free treat that everyone will love!