Name: Sweet Potato Tots
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
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

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Sweet potato tots are a delightful twist on the classic tater tot, offering a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. These little gems pack a flavorful punch, thanks to the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes paired with savory spices. As they bake up in the oven, they turn to golden perfection, beckoning you to grab one after another.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Sweet Potato Tots
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Sweet Potato Tots

I still remember the first time I decided to make sweet potato tots at home. It was a chilly evening, and the craving for something warm and comforting was overwhelming. After a bit of experimentation, I developed a recipe that not only satisfied my appetite but left everyone begging for more. Sweet potato tots combine ease, budget-friendliness, and deliciousness, making them a must-try for snack lovers and dinner parties alike. Trust me, you’ll want to share them with family and friends—or keep the whole batch for yourself (I won’t judge!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip these up in about an hour, making them a perfect option for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
Irresistible Flavor: The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with savory herbs, garlic, and paprika, resulting in a unique snack that leaves taste buds dancing.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Golden-brown and perfectly bite-sized, these tots are as pleasing to the eyes as they are to the palate.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as a snack, a side dish for dinner, or even for breakfast on a weekend brunch spread.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets—just switch to your favorite GF flour!

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 lb peeled sweet potatoes: Choose firm, fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture. They provide natural sweetness that makes these tots delightful.
3 tbsp all-purpose flour: This binds the ingredients together. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
1 tsp paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that enhances the overall flavor profile. Smoked paprika can be used for an extra kick.
1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses the tots with robust savory flavors. Fresh minced garlic can also work but may alter the texture slightly.
1 tsp dried oregano: This herb adds depth with its earthy tones. Feel free to experiment with other dried herbs like thyme or basil.
1 tbsp olive oil: A touch of fat is essential for achieving that perfect crispy texture while baking. You can substitute with another oil, like avocado oil.
Salt to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish. Adjust according to your preference.
Flaky sea salt for garnish: This is optional but a sprinkle on top adds a delightful crunch and extra burst of flavor.

How to Make Sweet Potato Tots

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature ensures your tots will have that mouthwatering golden crisp.

Boil the Sweet Potatoes: Fill a large pot with about 4 cups of water and add a pinch of salt for flavor. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the peeled sweet potatoes to the pot. Cook them for 10 to 12 minutes until they are about two-thirds cooked. You’ll want them tender enough to grate but not fully soft.

Grate the Sweet Potatoes: After boiling, remove the sweet potatoes and let them cool slightly. You can do this by setting them on a plate for a few moments. Once they’re cool enough to handle, use a box grater or a food processor to grate them into a large bowl. This step gives your tots that signature texture.

Combine Ingredients: Add the 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, a sprinkle of salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the grated sweet potatoes. Mix everything until it’s well combined, ensuring the flour coats the sweet potatoes evenly.

Shape the Tots: Using a tablespoon scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into small tater tot forms—about the size of a walnut. Arrange them on the lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching to allow for even cooking.

Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush each of the tater tots with olive oil. This step is crucial to achieving that golden-brown crust as they bake.

Bake Until Crispy: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. When the time is up, flip each tater tot using a spatula and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.

Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the tater tots to cool slightly before serving. This will help them set and maintain their shape. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce or just on their own—either way, they’re delicious!

Storing & Reheating

To store your sweet potato tots, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for a few hours or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat directly from the freezer in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. Remember, the texture might soften a tad after freezing, but a quick bake will refresh them perfectly.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your sweet potatoes are cooked but still firm; overcooking can lead to mushy tots.
For extra flavor, try mixing in different spices or fresh herbs to the potato mixture. Fresh chives or parsley can elevate the taste!
Keep the formed tots in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape better while cooking.
If they’re not crisping up, check your oven temperature; an oven thermometer can help ensure accuracy.
These tots can be made ahead of time and simply reheated, making them a great option for meal prep!

Sweet potato tots are not just a tasty alternative; they’re simple to make and perfect for all ages. You can whip them up for a midweek snack or serve them at a party that’ll leave everyone raving. Feel free to experiment with different spices or dipping sauces to make them your own. Enjoy these delightful bites of goodness, and happy cooking!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes instead?

Absolutely! While sweet potatoes give these tots a unique flavor and sweetness, regular potatoes would work too. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time accordingly since they may vary in tenderness.

Are these sweet potato tots vegan?

Yes, these are inherently vegan! Just ensure you use all-purpose flour without any animal products.

What dipping sauces pair well with sweet potato tots?

They pair beautifully with various sauces! Try them with ketchup, ranch dressing, or a garlic aioli. For something different, a spicy chipotle mayo adds a nice kick!

Can I freeze the uncooked sweet potato tots?

Yes! Form the tots and freeze them before baking. They can be cooked directly from the freezer; just extend the baking time by a few minutes to ensure they’re cooked through.

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Sweet Potato Tots

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 1x
Category: 105|Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Sweet Potato Tots are packed with flavor and easy to make! Perfect as a snack or a side dish, they combine the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with herbs and spices for a mouthwatering treat. Enjoy them baked to a perfect crisp!

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Preheat the 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, adding a pinch of salt and bringing it to a boil.
Once boiling, carefully add the peeled sweet potatoes and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until they are approximately two-thirds cooked.
Remove the sweet potatoes from the pot and let them cool slightly, then grate them into a large bowl.

Notes

Choose firm, fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor.
Brushing the tots with olive oil helps to achieve a crispy texture.
Feel free to adjust spices according to your preference.