Easy Baked Sweet Potato Tots

Homemade Sweet Potato Tots

My family LOVES sweet potato, and I am very thankful for that. It’s such a nutritious (loaded with beta carotene and vitamin C), inexpensive, and versatile ingredient! You can add it to cookies, patties, green smoothies, vegetarian sweet potato lasagna, chicken quinoa casserole….basically anything and everything ;). If your child doesn’t like sweet potato, introduce them to these tots, a winning kid-friendly finger food. It’s also such an easy recipe that I encourage you to invite them into the kitchen with you! Have them dump all the ingredients into a large bowl, combine (you can put your hand over theirs and do it together!), and shape. They are going to feel so proud and excited to try what they just made ;).

Ingredients

Sweet potatoes – I recommend jewel or garnet but the recipe will work with any variety. Grated cheese – I love to use cheddar cheese but feel free to add whatever your family enjoys. Mozzarella, Colby Jack, Monterrey, Parmesan cheese….have fun experimenting! Egg – So many of you have been asking me for egg-free recipes so I left it out. But if there is no egg-allergy, I recommend adding as it will help make the tots crispier. I don’t recommend flax eggs for these.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Variations and Substitutions

Switch up the seasonings. This is the fun part! I’ve tried them with curry powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and smoked paprika, and they were all delish! Add fresh herbs, like parsley and rosemary. Gluten-free? Use almond flour or gluten-free bread crumbs. Dairy-free? Any dairy-free cheese will work!

Tips for Success

Plan ahead if possible. Roast a batch of sweet potatoes in advance so you can whip these up in no time! I’ve found that the tots are more flavorful when made using roasted potatoes. However, if you are pinched for time, by no means let this stop you. Put your microwave to work. Do NOT mash the sweet potatoes too much. You want a rough mash, not a puree. Wait for the sweet potatoes to cool to room temperature before combining with the other ingredients. If the mixture is too moist (the starch content varies depending on the type of sweet potato) when you form into tots, place in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes or so. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat to prevent the tots from sticking and to also make clean up a breeze.

Serving Suggestions

These are best served warm as is or with a dip. Here are some suggestions:

Yogurt Veggie loaded dips, such as: yogurt black bean dip beetroot dip sugar free pizza sauce beetroot pesto pumpkin seed spinach hummus Ketchup or Ranch – if your child loves these condiments and are hesitant about trying new foods, serving them alongside their beloved foods can help encourage them to try new/disliked foods.

Now what if I told you that you can make ANY bean or yogurt dip with whatever you have on hand RIGHT NOW? With my formulas, you can whip up endless balanced and delicious concoctions without relying on recipes!

Storage

Transfer to an airtight container and store in the Refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat these veggie tots in the toaster oven or in the air fryer. I don’t recommend microwaving as they will get chewy. Or enjoy cold! My kids love these in their lunch or as their school snack! Master List of Lunch Box Ideas