Sweet Potato Tots Crispy and Flavorful Snack Idea

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Are you ready to enjoy a snack that’s both tasty and healthy? Sweet potato tots are a fun twist on a classic favorite. You get the crunch and flavor, but with added nutrition. In this post, I’ll share a simple recipe, cooking tips, and ways to customize your tots. Let’s dive into making this crispy, flavorful snack that everyone will love!

Ingredients

Full Recipe Overview

Sweet potato tots are a fun snack. They are crispy, tasty, and easy to make. You can enjoy them any time. These tots use sweet potatoes, flour, spices, and breadcrumbs for crunch.

List of Ingredients

– Sweet potatoes

– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, if you like a spicy kick)

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for a crispy coating)

– Oil for frying (recommend canola or vegetable oil)

Using sweet potatoes gives a sweet and nutty flavor. The spices add warmth and depth. Breadcrumbs on the outside make them crunchy. You can also use grated cheese for a richer taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation and Cooking

First, we need to cook the sweet potatoes. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cubed sweet potatoes once the water is bubbling. Cook them for about 15 to 20 minutes. You want them to be soft enough to mash. After cooking, drain the water and let the sweet potatoes cool for a bit.

Mashing Sweet Potatoes

Next, it’s time to mash. Transfer the sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or a potato masher to mash them until smooth. The texture should be creamy without lumps. This step is key for the best sweet potato tots.

Shaping and Frying Tots

Now, we shape our tots. Add flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to the mashed sweet potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well until combined.

Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to about 350°F (175°C). Shape the sweet potato mixture into small balls, about the size of a tablespoon. Roll each tot in breadcrumbs to coat them fully. This adds that nice crunch.

Carefully place the tots in the hot oil in batches. Fry them for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them, and let them drain on a paper towel. Keep frying the remaining tots until you finish all of them.

Serve your crispy sweet potato tots warm with your favorite dips. Try garlic aioli or spicy ketchup for extra flavor. Enjoy this tasty snack!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Texture

To get that perfect crunch, choose the right sweet potatoes. Look for firm ones, as they mash well. Boil them until tender but not mushy. This step is key for great texture. After mashing, let the mixture sit for a bit. This helps it firm up. When shaping the tots, use your hands. Make them about one inch wide for even cooking.

Cooking Variations (baking vs. frying)

You can cook sweet potato tots in two ways: frying or baking. Frying gives a crispy outer layer. Use hot oil at 350°F for best results. Fry in small batches to avoid sogginess. Baking is a healthier option. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the tots on a lined baking sheet. Brush them lightly with oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.

Serving Suggestions

Serve sweet potato tots hot for the best taste. Pair them with dips like ranch or spicy ketchup. You can also add toppings for a fun twist. Try cheese or fresh herbs for extra flavor. For a complete meal, serve them alongside grilled chicken or a salad. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors!

Nutritional Information

Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are packed with good stuff. They are high in vitamins A and C, which help your immune system. These vitamins are great for your skin too. Sweet potatoes also have fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you full longer. They contain antioxidants that may protect against some diseases. Overall, they make a healthy choice!

Nutritional Breakdown per Serving

In each serving of sweet potato tots, you enjoy a balance of nutrients. Here’s a quick look at what you get:

– Calories: About 200

– Protein: 3g

– Carbohydrates: 30g

– Fiber: 4g

– Fat: 8g

This breakdown shows that sweet potato tots offer energy and help keep you satisfied.

Comparison to Traditional Tots

Sweet potato tots stand out when you compare them to regular potato tots. Traditional tots are often high in carbs and low in nutrients. Sweet potato tots bring more vitamins and fiber. They also have less fat when baked instead of fried. This makes sweet potato tots a better option for a snack or side dish. You can enjoy them guilt-free!

For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].

Variations

Flavor Enhancements (spicy, cheesy, etc.)

You can change the flavor of sweet potato tots easily. For a spicy kick, add more cayenne pepper. If you want a cheesy taste, mix in extra Parmesan or even cheddar cheese. You can also try herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh twist. Just remember, the more you experiment, the more fun you’ll have!

Alternative Cooking Methods (air fryer, baked)

Sweet potato tots are great in different cooking methods. In an air fryer, they get crispy with less oil. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through. If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes. Just make sure to flip them halfway for even browning.

Ingredient Substitutions for Dietary Needs

You can make sweet potato tots fit different diets. For gluten-free options, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. If you want a vegan version, skip the cheese and use a flax egg instead of regular egg. You can also substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers for a crunchy coating. With these swaps, everyone can enjoy this tasty treat!

FAQs

How to make sweet potato tots from scratch?

To make sweet potato tots from scratch, you need just a few steps. Start by boiling sweet potatoes until they are soft. Drain them and let them cool. Then, mash the sweet potatoes in a bowl. Mix in flour, cheese, and spices. Shape the mixture into small balls or tots. Finally, fry them in hot oil until golden brown. For the full recipe, refer to the previous section.

Can sweet potato tots be made in advance?

Yes, you can make sweet potato tots in advance. Prepare the mixture and shape the tots ahead of time. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen, store them in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, fry or bake them straight from the freezer. This saves time and gives you a quick snack option.

Where to buy sweet potato tots if I don’t want to make them?

You can find sweet potato tots in many grocery stores. Look in the frozen food aisle. Brands like Alexia or Ore-Ida often have them. You may also find them at health food stores or specialty markets. Check online for local delivery options to save time.

Sweet potato tots are fun to make and eat. We covered the ingredients, from sweet potatoes to spices. You learned step-by-step instructions for mashing and frying. Tips for perfect texture and cooking options help you succeed. Nutritional info shows their health benefits, too.

Try adding flavors or cooking methods that fit your taste. These tots can be a great snack or side dish. Now, grab your ingredients and get cooking!

Sweet Potato Tots

Indulge in the goodness of homemade sweet potato tots with this delightful recipe! Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these tots are flavored with garlic, onion, and a hint of smoked paprika. Easy to make and ideal for snacks or parties, serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces. Click through to explore this tasty recipe and bring a burst of flavor to your table!

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Ingredients

  

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, if you like a spicy kick)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for a crispy coating)

Oil for frying (recommend canola or vegetable oil)

Instructions

 

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until tender. Once cooked, drain the sweet potatoes and allow them to cool slightly.

Transfer the cooled sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl and mash them with a fork or potato masher until smooth and creamy.

To the mashed sweet potatoes, add the flour, optional Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together until thoroughly combined.

Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to a temperature of 350°F (175°C), ensuring there's enough oil for frying.

Shape the sweet potato mixture into small balls or tots using your hands, aiming for about the size of a tablespoon for each tot.

Roll each shaped tot in breadcrumbs, making sure they are fully coated for a delightful crunch.

Carefully place the tots in the hot oil in batches, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for 3-4 minutes, or until the tots are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the tots from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Continue frying the remaining tots in batches until all are cooked.

Serve the sweet potato tots warm with your choice of dipping sauces, such as garlic aioli or spicy ketchup, for an added burst of flavor!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the tots on a vibrant platter and sprinkle with extra paprika for color, pairing with small bowls of dip for an inviting and appealing look!

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