Sweet Potato Tots
Sweet potato tots—a delightful snack that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the satisfying crunch you crave from traditional tater tots. They’re not just a unique twist; they’re an explosion of flavor and texture in every bite. If you’ve ever craved something more than just a plain potato side, you’re going to fall in love with these little gems. They’re crispy on the outside and soft inside, bringing together wholesome ingredients for a fun, family-friendly dish.
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I first made these sweet potato tots for a game night, and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than the pizza! The joy of sharing food that everyone loves is pure magic—especially when it’s something so simple and homemade. Whether you serve them as a side dish to accompany your dinner or as a quick snack while binge-watching your favorite show, these tots are sure to impress. Plus, they’re easy on the wallet and can be whipped up in no time. So, are you ready to give these a try?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can have these tots ready for baking in no time!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of paprika, garlic powder, and oregano makes each bite a flavorful experience.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Their vibrant orange color and fun shape make them a hit at any gathering.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect as a snack, side dish, or even breakfast alongside eggs.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Gluten-free adaptations just by swapping out the flour, plus they’re naturally nutritious!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lb peeled sweet potatoes: Choose firm, fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture. You can also use frozen if you’re in a hurry!
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour: This helps bind everything together. For gluten-free, substitute with almond flour or gluten-free flour mix.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds a lovely smoky flavor. Feel free to use smoked paprika for an extra kick!
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Provides that comforting aroma and savory element. Fresh garlic can work too, just adjust the amount.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: This herb adds depth. If you have Italian seasoning, it works great as a substitution.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For binding and a bit of richness. Coconut oil can also be a great substitute.
- Salt to taste: Enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. Season according to your preference.
- Flaky sea salt for garnish: A little sprinkle at the end takes these tots to another level, adding a delightful crunch.
How to Make Sweet Potato Tots
Preheat oven: Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
Boil sweet potatoes: Fill a large pot with about 4 cups of water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the peeled sweet potatoes and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes until they’re tender yet firm, roughly two-thirds cooked.
Grate the sweet potatoes: After boiling, remove the sweet potatoes and let them cool slightly. Grate them into a large bowl using a box grater or food processor. You’re looking for a texture that’s soft, yet still holds shape.
Mix ingredients: Add 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, a sprinkle of salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the grated sweet potatoes. Mix everything well until combined.
Shape the tots: Use a tablespoon scoop or your hands to form the mixture into small tater tot shapes. Place them onto the lined baking sheet, giving some space between each for even cooking.
Brush with oil: Lightly brush the tops of the tater tots with the remaining olive oil. This step is key for achieving that golden-brown crust that is so irresistible!
Bake until golden: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Flip each tater tot using a spatula, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until they are crisp and golden brown.
Cool slightly: Once baked, allow the sweet potato tots to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps them hold together better and makes for a more delightful eating experience!
Storing & Reheating
To maintain their crispness, store sweet potato tots at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them in a container for up to 5 days. You can freeze them for up to 3 months; just make sure they’re in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy again. Keep in mind that freezing may alter the texture slightly, but a quick reheating will refresh their taste wonderfully!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overboiling the sweet potatoes; ensure they’re just tender enough for grating but not mushy. This will help them hold their shape.
- Shape the tots as uniformly as possible for even cooking—they should be roughly the same size to ensure they bake evenly.
- If you find the mixture too wet, add a touch more flour to help bind. If too dry, a little more olive oil can help.
- Feel free to experiment with spices! A dash of cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning can add a fun twist.
- Consider doubling the recipe! They freeze well, and you’ll thank yourself later for having them on hand for quick snacks.
- To keep them extra crispy, try cooking them in an air fryer for a shorter time at the same temperature!
These sweet potato tots are more than just a side— they’re a celebration of flavor, health, and fun in a tiny package. Don’t hesitate to give them a try! The blend of spices and that crispy texture will charm your taste buds while the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes makes them a guilt-free treat for everyone. Enjoy being in the kitchen, savor the process, and most importantly, dig into the deliciousness!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these sweet potato tots in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just shape the tots before baking when you’re ready to serve them.
Can I use other vegetables for this recipe?
Yes, instead of sweet potatoes, you can experiment with regular potatoes, butternut squash, or even zucchini. Just balance out the moisture content with the flour.
How do I know when the sweet potato tots are done?
Look for a nice golden brown color on the outside. They should feel crispy to the touch. If they still seem a bit soft, let them bake a little longer, checking every few minutes.
What dipping sauces go well with sweet potato tots?
These tots are delicious on their own, but pair them with a spicy mayo, honey mustard, or even a creamy avocado dip for an extra layer of flavor.
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📖 Recipe Card
Sweet Potato Tots
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sweet Potato Tots are a delicious and easy snack that features the irresistible flavor of sweet potatoes. Perfect for a quick dinner or a healthy treat, this recipe highlights tender sweet potatoes combined with herbs and spices, making it a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 lb peeled sweet potatoes choose firm, fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor.
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp olive oil plus additional for brushing.
- salt to taste
- flaky sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Fill a large pot with about 4 cups of water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, carefully add the peeled sweet potatoes and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until they are about two-thirds cooked.
- Remove the sweet potatoes and let them cool slightly, then grate them into a large bowl.
Notes
For extra flavor, feel free to add other spices like cumin or chili powder.
Make sure to use firm sweet potatoes for the best texture in your tots.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tot
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
