Looking for a snack that’s both crispy and tasty? You’ve landed in the right spot! Today, I’ll share my go-to recipe for Crispy Sweet Potato Tots. They’re simple to whip up, delicious, and perfect for every occasion. Whether you’re munching alone or sharing with friends, these tots will hit the spot. Let’s dive into the world of crispy goodness and get cooking!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To make crispy sweet potato tots, gather these key ingredients:
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 large egg, lightly beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Optional: Chopped fresh herbs for garnish (e.g., parsley or chives)
Optional Ingredients for Variation
You can add fun twists to your sweet potato tots. Consider these options:
– Cheese: Mix in shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a cheesy bite.
– Spices: Add cayenne pepper for heat or cumin for a warm flavor.
– Greens: Fold in finely chopped spinach or kale for added nutrition.
Recommended Utensils and Tools
Using the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun. Here’s what you’ll need:
– A large pot for boiling sweet potatoes
– A mixing bowl for combining ingredients
– A potato masher or fork to mash the sweet potatoes
– A baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup
– A spatula for flipping the tots in the oven
For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Sweet Potatoes
To start, you need two medium sweet potatoes. Peel and cube them into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Next, boil the sweet potato cubes in a pot of salted water. Cook them for about 15 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Drain the cubes and let them cool slightly. You want them cool enough to handle.
Mixing the Ingredients
Now, grab a large mixing bowl. Mash the boiled sweet potatoes until they are smooth. This step is key for a good texture. Add 1/2 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to the bowl. Mix everything until well combined. The mixture should be thick but not too sticky. Then, stir in one large beaten egg and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This will bind the mixture together.
Shaping and Baking the Tots
With clean hands, form the mixture into small tot shapes. Each should be about the size of a walnut. Place them on a lined baking sheet, making sure to space them out. This allows for even baking. Now, bake them in your preheated oven at 425°F for 25 to 30 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure both sides get crispy. Once they are golden brown, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. If you like, you can garnish them with fresh herbs. Enjoy your crispy sweet potato tots!
For the full recipe, check the details above.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Maximum Crispiness
To get your sweet potato tots really crispy, follow these steps:
– Boil, then cool: Boil the sweet potatoes until soft, but cool them down before mashing. This helps remove excess moisture.
– Use cornstarch: Adding cornstarch helps absorb moisture and adds crunch. Don’t skip this step!
– Proper spacing: When placing tots on the baking sheet, make sure they have space. This allows air to circulate.
– Flip halfway: Flip the tots halfway through baking. This ensures both sides get crispy and brown.
Flavor Enhancements and Seasoning Suggestions
While the basic recipe is tasty, you can add more flavor:
– Cheese: Mix in shredded cheese like cheddar for a cheesy twist.
– Spice it up: Add cayenne pepper for heat or chili powder for a smoky flavor.
– Fresh herbs: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a fresh taste.
– Dipping sauce: Serve with your favorite sauce, like ranch or spicy mayo, for extra flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common pitfalls to make perfect tots:
– Overmixing: Don’t overmix the dough. This can make the tots tough.
– Too much moisture: Make sure the sweet potatoes are well-drained after boiling.
– Ignoring oven temp: Always preheat your oven. Baking them at the right temp is key for crispiness.
– Skipping the egg: The egg helps bind the ingredients. Missing it can lead to crumbly tots.
You can find the full recipe for these crispy sweet potato tots to help you make them just right!
Variations
Sweet Potato Tots with Cheese
You can add cheese to your sweet potato tots for a creamy twist. Simply mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, to the mashed sweet potatoes. This adds a rich flavor and gooey texture. Shape and bake as usual. The cheese creates a deliciously melty center that pairs well with the crispy outside.
Spicy Sweet Potato Tots
If you love heat, try adding some spice. Mix in 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the sweet potato mixture. You can also add minced jalapeños for an extra kick. This spicy version gives your tots a bold flavor that’s sure to impress. Serve them with sour cream or yogurt to cool down the heat.
Vegan Options
You can easily make these tots vegan. Replace the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Also, use a vegan cheese if you want a cheesy flavor. This way, everyone can enjoy crispy sweet potato tots, no matter their diet. Check the Full Recipe for all the needed steps.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Tots
To keep leftover sweet potato tots fresh, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep them in a single layer to avoid sogginess.
Best Reheating Methods
To reheat the tots, use an oven or an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tots on a baking sheet and warm them for about 10-12 minutes. If you use an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 5-7 minutes. This will help them regain their crispiness.
Freezing and Thawing Tips
You can freeze sweet potato tots before baking. Arrange the formed tots on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to cook, you can bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
Can I use purple sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can use purple sweet potatoes. They taste great and add fun color. The texture will be similar, but they have a slightly different flavor. They add a nice twist to your crispy sweet potato tots. If you like, try mixing purple and orange sweet potatoes for a colorful dish.
How do I make sweet potato tots gluten-free?
To make sweet potato tots gluten-free, simply use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour. You can find many good brands in stores. Cornstarch is already gluten-free, so keep that in your recipe. This swap works perfectly, and you won’t lose any taste.
Where can I buy pre-made sweet potato tots?
You can find pre-made sweet potato tots in most grocery stores. Check the frozen food aisle. Brands often sell them in bags, making it easy to grab and cook. Just read the label to ensure they match your needs.
How to serve crispy sweet potato tots?
You can serve crispy sweet potato tots in many fun ways. Here are a few ideas:
– Pair them with a dipping sauce like ranch or ketchup.
– Serve with a side of fresh veggies for a complete snack.
– Top them with cheese or herbs for extra flavor.
– Use them as a side dish with burgers or sandwiches.
For the full recipe, check out the Crispy Sweet Potato Tots section. Enjoy your cooking!
This blog post covered how to make sweet potato tots. You learned about the key ingredients and tools needed. We explored step-by-step instructions for prep, mixing, shaping, and baking. I shared tips for extra crispiness and flavor boosts, plus common mistakes to avoid. You saw fun variations like adding cheese or spice. Finally, I shared how to store, reheat, and freeze your tots. With this guide, you can make delicious sweet potato tots that everyone will love. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing your creations!
