Welcome to your new favorite snack! These homemade sweet potato tater tots offer a delightful, healthier twist on a classic comfort food. Forget the frozen bags; this recipe brings vibrant flavor and satisfying crispiness right to your kitchen. Perfect as an appetizer, a fun snack, or a vibrant side dish, these tots will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll adore making these sweet potato tater tots because they are simply irresistible. This recipe is designed to be approachable and incredibly rewarding for home cooks of all skill levels.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps guide you from whole sweet potatoes to golden, crispy tots.
- Healthy-ish Indulgence: Enjoy a flavorful treat that incorporates wholesome sweet potatoes. According to Medical News Today, sweet potatoes are rich in essential nutrients like fiber, potassium, and vitamins, and offer potential health benefits such as improved digestion.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will eagerly reach for these savory, slightly sweet bites.
- Flavorful & Versatile: Customize with your favorite spices and enjoy with an array of dipping sauces.
- Naturally Gluten-Free Option: Easily adaptable for dietary preferences by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your own batch of delightful sweet potato tater tots:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 2 cups Panko bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons chipotle or regular chili powder
- Extra virgin olive oil, for brushing
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
Notes & Substitutions
Sweet potatoes vary in moisture, so adjust the binder as needed. Any variety of sweet potato works well here, just ensure they are cooked until very tender. For a dairy-free option, omit the parmesan cheese and add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. If you prefer a richer binding, you can add one whisked egg to the mashed sweet potato mixture. For different flavor profiles, swap chili powder for smoked paprika, cumin, or even a dash of cinnamon for a sweeter profile. You can also use gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs.
Equipment
You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools to make these crispy sweet potato tater tots:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Potato masher or fork
- Small skillet (for herb butter)
- Optional: Instant Pot for faster sweet potato cooking
How To Make Sweet Potato Tater Tots
Creating these homemade sweet potato tater tots is a rewarding culinary journey. Follow these steps for perfect results.
- First, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Prick each sweet potato all over with a fork. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake until they are very tender, typically 50-60 minutes. Alternatively, for a quicker method, combine the pricked potatoes with 1 1/2 cups of water in an Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then use the natural or quick release function to release the steam. Drain the potatoes well.
- Once cool enough to handle, use your hands to peel away the sweet potato skins; they should slip off easily. Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a medium-sized bowl and mash them thoroughly until smooth. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, grated garlic, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Mix everything well to combine.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the Panko bread crumbs and chipotle or regular chili powder. Stir these together until they are evenly mixed. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, preparing it for your sweet potato tater tots.
- Scoop about one tablespoon of the sweet potato mixture from the bowl. Gently roll it into a cylinder shape and place it onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining sweet potato mixture. Don’t worry if the mixture feels a bit wet; the shape doesn’t need to be absolutely perfect at this stage.
- Next, carefully roll each sweet potato cylinder in the Panko and chili powder mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Place the coated tots back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly brush or mist each tot with olive oil. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully flip each tot. Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sweet potato tater tots are beautifully golden brown and crisp.
- While the tots are baking, melt the salted butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh thyme, parsley, and sage leaves to the melted butter. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until the herbs become fragrant. Once the sweet potato tater tots are out of the oven, drizzle this flavorful herb butter generously over them. Serve the crispy tots warm, perhaps with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce, and an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs if you wish.
Pro Tips for Perfect Tots
Achieving perfectly crispy sweet potato tater tots is simple with a few helpful hints. Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet; give each tot space for even browning. For extra crispiness, ensure your oven is fully preheated. If your tots are falling apart, the mixture might be too wet; try adding an extra tablespoon of Panko or a little flour to the sweet potato mix before shaping. Pressing them firmly but gently helps them hold shape.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
These delicious sweet potato tater tots are incredibly versatile. Serve them alongside grilled chicken, a veggie burger, or as a fun appetizer with a creamy dip like sriracha mayo or a honey mustard sauce. They are also fantastic with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
To store leftovers, place cooled tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or until crisp again. Avoid the microwave, as it makes them soggy.
For variations, consider adding a quarter cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese to the sweet potato mixture for cheesy sweet potato tots. To make a spicy version, increase the chipotle powder to 3 teaspoons or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick in your sweet potato tater tots.
Nutrition Information
Enjoy these homemade sweet potato tater tots as a satisfying part of your meal. Below is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving, based on the ingredients used. Please remember this information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 555 kcal |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
| Total Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Cholesterol | 50mg |
| Sodium | 400mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 68g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7g |
| Total Sugars | 15g |
| Protein | 16g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these sweet potato tater tots ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the sweet potato mixture and shape the tots up to a day in advance. Store them uncooked on the baking sheet, covered, in the refrigerator, then bake when ready.
Can these be frozen?
Absolutely! Freeze the uncooked sweet potato tater tots on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What are the best dipping sauces to pair with them?
Beyond ketchup, try sriracha mayo, a creamy avocado ranch, tangy BBQ sauce, or a sweet and spicy chili dip with your crispy sweet potato tots.
Can I use an air fryer to cook these?
Yes, an air fryer works wonderfully! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. This is a great way to get perfectly cooked sweet potato tater tots.
How can I prevent them from sticking to the baking sheet?
Always use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. A light brush of olive oil on the tots also helps create a non-stick surface and promotes crispiness.
Conclusion
You’ve just unlocked the secret to creating truly exceptional sweet potato tater tots right in your own kitchen. This recipe transforms humble sweet potatoes into a crispy, flavorful delight that everyone will adore. With easy-to-follow steps and versatile serving suggestions, you’ll find joy and confidence in making these delightful bites. Don’t wait; gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking! Share your creations and inspire fellow home cooks with your delicious sweet potato tater tots.
Sweet Potato Tater Tots
Equipment
- Oven
- fork
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- Medium bowl
- Shallow Bowl
- Small Skillet
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Tots
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 2 cups Panko bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons chipotle or regular chili powder
- extra virgin olive oil for brushing
Herb Butter
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
Instructions
Sweet Potato Preparation (Oven Method)
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Prick the sweet potatoes all over with a fork and bake directly on the rack for 50-60 minutes until tender. Allow to cool completely.
Sweet Potato Preparation (Instant Pot – Alternative)
- (Optional Instant Pot Method) Preheat oven to 425°F (for later baking). Prick sweet potatoes, combine with 1 1/2 cups water in an Instant Pot bowl, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Release steam and drain potatoes.
Tater Tot Assembly
- Once sweet potatoes are cool (from either method), peel the skin and mash them well in a medium-size bowl. Stir in the parmesan cheese, grated garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate shallow bowl, combine the Panko bread crumbs and chili powder. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the sweet potato mixture, roll it into a cylinder, and coat thoroughly with the Panko mixture. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
Baking & Finishing
- Lightly brush each sweet potato tot with olive oil. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, then flip and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until golden and crisp.
- While the tots are baking, melt the salted butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh thyme, parsley, and sage, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Drizzle the herb butter over the warm tots and serve.
