Cheesy Sweet Potato Tots

Oh wow, I just made something incredible! These cheesy sweet potato tots are so good. I mean, like really, really good.

So here’s what happened – I wanted regular tots. But then I thought, why not make them better? Sweet potatoes and cheese together? Yes, please!

They’re crispy on the outside and soft inside. The cheese makes them extra yummy. And honestly, they’re way healthier than regular tots too.

You guys, you have to try these! Let me tell you exactly how I make them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Cheesy: These tots are crispy on the outside with a gooey, cheesy interior that makes every bite irresistible.
• Healthy Twist on Classic Tots: With sweet potatoes as the base, you’re getting a nutritious side dish that’s packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• Quick and Easy to Make: You can make these tots in just under an hour, making them a great option for a weeknight snack or side dish.
• Family-Friendly: These sweet potato tots are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
• Customizable: You can adjust the spices and add-ins to suit your personal taste, making this recipe super versatile.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have the following kitchen tools on hand to make this recipe a breeze:

• Large Pot: To boil the sweet potatoes until tender.
• Colander: To drain the cooked sweet potatoes.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the mashed sweet potatoes with the other ingredients.
• Potato Masher or Fork: To mash the sweet potatoes into a smooth, lump-free mixture.
• Baking Sheet: To bake the tots evenly in the oven.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
• Spoon or Small Scoop: To shape the sweet potato mixture into tots.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these cheesy sweet potato tots (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Sweet Potatoes (2 large): The star ingredient! Sweet potatoes bring a naturally sweet flavor that complements the savory ingredients and helps form the base of the tots.
• Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, grated): This cheese brings a salty, nutty flavor to the tots and helps them crisp up in the oven.
• All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): Flour helps bind the sweet potato mixture together and ensures your tots hold their shape when baking.
• Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds savory depth to the flavor profile.
• Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness of the potatoes and enhances the overall flavor.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Seasoning to enhance the flavors and bring out the best in the sweet potatoes.
• Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat to the tots, balancing the flavors.
• Egg (1 large, beaten): The egg helps bind the ingredients together and provides structure to the tots.
• Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, finely chopped): A fresh, herby flavor that brightens up the dish and adds color.

Variations for Cheesy Sweet Potato Tots

While the base recipe is fantastic, you can mix things up by adding your own twist with these variations:

• Add More Cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda for a different flavor profile. Try a combination of cheeses for extra cheesy goodness.
• Spicy Sweet Potato Tots: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or finely chopped jalapeños into the mix.
• Herb-Infused Tots: In addition to parsley, try adding thyme, rosemary, or basil for an herbaceous note.
• Sweet and Savory Combo: For an added dimension of flavor, stir in a tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup for a slightly sweet contrast to the savory elements.
• Add Bacon or Ham: For a savory twist, add cooked and crumbled bacon or small pieces of ham to the sweet potato mixture.
• Vegan Version: Swap the egg for a flax egg or other egg replacer and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to keep the recipe plant-based.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Start by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes. Place the cubes into a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. Once cooked, drain the sweet potatoes in a colander and let them cool slightly.

2. Mash the Sweet Potatoes

Once the sweet potatoes have cooled enough to handle, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or fork to mash them until smooth and lump-free. The mashed sweet potatoes should be soft, creamy, and easy to work with.

3. Add the Seasonings and Cheese

To the mashed sweet potatoes, add the grated parmesan cheese, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley. Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be thick but slightly sticky.

4. Add the Egg

Next, add the beaten egg to the sweet potato mixture. The egg will help bind everything together and give the tots their structure. Mix until fully incorporated.

5. Shape the Tots

Now it’s time to shape the sweet potato mixture into tots. Using a spoon or small scoop, take about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball, then gently press it into a small log shape to resemble a traditional tot. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

6. Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the tots from sticking. Place each formed sweet potato tot onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about an inch apart.

7. Bake the Tots

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the oven is preheated, bake the sweet potato tots for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the baking time to ensure they cook evenly and get golden and crispy on all sides. The tots should be golden brown and crispy when done.

8. Serve and Enjoy!

Once baked, remove the cheesy sweet potato tots from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them hot as an appetizer, side dish, or snack. They pair wonderfully with a dipping sauce like ranch, ketchup, or a spicy aioli.

How to Serve Cheesy Sweet Potato Tots

These cheesy sweet potato tots are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• With Dipping Sauces: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, sriracha mayo, or ketchup for a classic combination.
• As a Snack: These tots are the perfect snack for movie nights, game days, or casual gatherings.
• As a Side Dish: Pair them with burgers, chicken, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
• In Tacos: Add them to tacos along with a fresh slaw, avocado, and a drizzle of hot sauce for a creative twist.
• As a Breakfast Side: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast for a fun and flavorful breakfast.

Storing Cheesy Sweet Potato Tots

If you have any leftover tots (though they’re likely to disappear quickly!), you can store them:

• In the Fridge: Store leftover tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
• Freezing: To freeze the tots, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 2-3 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Nutrition Table

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per serving of Cheesy Sweet Potato Tots (based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	180 kcal
Protein	4 g
Carbohydrates	35 g
Dietary Fiber	5 g
Sugars	7 g
Fat	3 g
Saturated Fat	1 g
Cholesterol	40 mg
Sodium	430 mg
Potassium	400 mg
Vitamin A	180% DV
Vitamin C	25% DV
Calcium	15% DV
Iron	6% DV

Conclusion

Cheesy Sweet Potato Tots are a fun and delicious way to enjoy the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes while still indulging in the crispy, cheesy goodness we all crave. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, these tots will quickly become a favorite in your home. Best of all, they’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!