Sweet Potato Tots
Sweet potato tots feel like a warm embrace on a chilly evening, with their golden exteriors hiding the soft, sweet goodness that only comes from perfectly cooked sweet potatoes. This delightful side dish is a playful twist on traditional tater tots, bringing a satisfying crunch paired with rich, comforting flavor. They make a perfect addition to any meal or a tasty snack for when cravings hit, proving that healthy can still be delicious. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to whip up, even for a weeknight dinner.
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I fondly remember the first time I made sweet potato tots; the aroma filled the kitchen as they baked, and the anticipation built as I waited for the first bite. They were an immediate hit with my family, who couldn’t believe something so simple could be so wonderfully crispy. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to indulge in a healthier side dish, these sweet potato tots are sure to please. I can hardly wait for you to try this recipe, and I bet it’ll soon become a staple in your home too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can whip these up in just about an hour, with only 15 minutes of preparation.
- Irresistible Flavor: Imagine a blend of sweet, savory flavors kissed by a hint of garlic and paprika.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These little morsels are as cute as they are delicious, making them an attractive addition to your table or party platter.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for snacking, serving as a side, or even breakfast for a twist on the traditional.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily made gluten-free by substituting the flour for an alternative like almond flour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lb peeled sweet potatoes: Opt for firm, fresh sweet potatoes as they yield the best flavor and texture for your tots.
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour: This helps bind your mixture while giving it a crunchy exterior. For gluten-free options, almond or oat flour works!
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness to each bite.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: For that aromatic depth that complements the sweetness of the potatoes.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: This herb introduces a mild, earthy flavor that rounds out the dish.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used in the mixture and for brushing, it keeps your tots crispy and enhances the flavor. Feel free to use avocado oil as a substitute.
- Salt to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors beautifully.
- Flaky sea salt for garnish: This adds a delightful crunch and burst of flavor on top just before serving.
How to Make Sweet Potato Tots
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure that your tots bake evenly without sticking.
Boil the Sweet Potatoes: Fill a large pot with about 4 cups of water, adding a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling nicely, carefully add the peeled sweet potatoes. Cook them for about 10 to 12 minutes until they are tender but not fully cooked; they should be about two-thirds done.
Grate the Sweet Potatoes: After boiling, remove the sweet potatoes from the water and let them cool slightly. Once they’re manageable, grate them into a large bowl—this will help create that fluffy potato texture.
Mix in the Seasonings and Flour: To the grated sweet potatoes, add 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix everything until fully combined; this gives the tots structure and flavor.
Shape the Tots: Using a tablespoon scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into small, uniform potato tots, placing them on the lined baking sheet. Be gentle; you want them to hold their shape!
Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the tops of your shaped sweet potato tots with the remaining olive oil. This small step is crucial as it helps achieve that golden crispiness on the outside.
Bake to Perfection: Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Using a spatula, carefully flip each tot and then bake for an additional 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they are golden brown and crispy around the edges.
Cool Before Serving: Finally, allow the sweet potato tots to cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. This little wait will ensure they hold their shape and are easier to enjoy.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover tater tots in an airtight container at room temperature for a day, or refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet for an hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag, where they’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to savor them again, simply reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, until they are nice and crispy. Just a heads up: the texture might change slightly, but a quick brush of olive oil before reheating should bring back their charm.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Keep sweet potatoes consistent in size for even cooking and cooking times.
- Make sure the grated sweet potatoes aren’t too watery; a good squeeze with a clean cloth can help remove excess moisture.
- Don’t hesitate to get creative with flavors: onions, cheese, or even spices can add delicious depth.
- If you find your mixture too wet, adding a little extra flour can help firm it up.
- These tots can be made ahead of time; simply freeze them before baking and pop them in the oven when the craving strikes.
Sweet potato tots offer a delightful twist on a beloved classic. They’re not just fun to eat but are a healthier alternative that’s easy to prepare. Try out this recipe and watch your family fall in love with these tasty bites! I encourage you to experiment with different seasonings and dips to make them your own. Enjoy every crisp, golden-brown bite.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use purple sweet potatoes instead?
Absolutely! Purple sweet potatoes will add a vibrant color and unique flavor to your tots. The baking time may be similar, but always check for tenderness before removing them from the oven.
Can I make these sweet potato tots ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and shape them into tots. Freeze them before baking, and when you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time for perfectly crisp tots.
How do I make these tots less soggy?
Ensure that your sweet potatoes are well-drained after boiling. Additionally, using a clean cloth to squeeze out any extra moisture before mixing can really help achieve that desired texture.
What sauces work well with sweet potato tots?
There are endless possibilities! Spicy ketchup, ranch dressing, or even a zesty avocado dip make excellent pairings. Get creative and see what flavors you love best!
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📖 Recipe Card
Sweet Potato Tots
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sweet Potato Tots are a delicious and healthy treat! With their crispy exterior and soft interior, they are perfect for a quick dinner or a snack. Made with fresh sweet potatoes, spices, and a simple prep, these tots will satisfy your cravings for comfort food!
Ingredients
- 2 lb peeled sweet potatoes
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 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 best flavor, choose firm, fresh sweet potatoes.
You can brush the tots with olive oil before baking for extra crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
