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    MJ & Hungryman » Baby/Kid-Friendly Recipes

    Easy Baked Sweet Potato Tots

    By Min On September 30, 2022

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

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    tots plated on a white plate with toddler's hand dipping one into green hummus.

    These oven-baked sweet potato tots are a healthy snack or side dish for babies, kids, and adults! Made with just 4 ingredients, they are easy to make and fun to eat.

    tots plated on a white plate with toddler's hand dipping one into green hummus.

    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 ;).

    Is your toddler becoming picky?

    Arm yourself with these strategies that will transform your mealtimes!
    YES, PLEASE!
    Jump to:
    • Homemade Sweet Potato Tots
    • Ingredients
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Variations and Substitutions
    • Tips for Success
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Veggie-Loaded Finger Foods
    • Baked Sweet Potato Tots

    Ingredients

    All the ingredients laid out on a white background.
    • 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

    A four image collage showing step by step cooking process.
    1. Roast (my preferred method as the flavor really intensifies in the oven) or microwave the potatoes (refer to FAQ). I don't recommend steaming as the potatoes tend to get softer/wetter.
    2. In a large bowl, roughly mash the cooked sweet potatoes and combine with the rest of the ingredients.
    3. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of the mixture and form into tot shapes. Place tots onto a lined baking sheet in single layer.
    4. Bake until golden on the outside.

    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!

    cover page for veggie centered delights ecookbook

    What do you have in your fridge or pantry? Using my basic formulas, you will be able to whip up something amazing out of ingredients you may have never thought to combine!

    Find out more!

    Storage

    Sweet potato tots with hardboiled eggs, peaches, tomatoes.

    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 snack box!

    Master List of Lunch Box Ideas

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make these tots on the stove?

    You bet! Heat oil in a cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tots and cook until golden, about 1-2 minutes on each side.

    How can I cook the sweet potato in the microwave?

    First wash thoroughly, pat dry, and pierce the sweet potato all over with a fork. Wrap the potatoes in a slightly damp paper towel and place on a microwave-safe plate. You don't want to microwave more than 2 potatoes at a time.

    Microwave for 5 minutes or so, turning halfway through. If cooking 2 large sweet potatoes, you'll need to double the cooking time.

    How can I make these sweet potato tots really crispy on the outside?

    Since I developed this recipe with babies in mind, if you follow it exactly, the exterior of the tots will be just slightly crispy.

    If you're looking for that super crunchy exterior, after shaping the tots, roll in additional bread crumbs (preferably panko bread crumbs). Also brush or spray each tot with olive oil.

    More Veggie-Loaded Finger Foods

    • The Best Veggie Nuggets (with 4 veggies)
    • Easy Savory Vegetable Muffins
    • Easy Savory French Toast
    • Easy English Muffin Pizza (with vegetables)

    Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!

    tots plated on a white plate with toddler's hand dipping one into green hummus.

    Baked Sweet Potato Tots

    These oven-baked sweet potato tots are made with just 4 ingredients and are a healthy snack or side dish for the entire family!
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 50 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour
    Servings: 18 tots
    Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman

    Equipment

    • Sheet Pan
    • Parchment Paper

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 1 ½ - 2 medium sweet potatoes)
    • ½ cup (50g) breadcrumbs or almond flour
    • ¼ cup (30g) shredded cheddar cheese
    • 1 egg, beaten (optional) , see note
    • 1 teaspoon curry powder, or any seasoning(s) of choice

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease or Line a baking sheet for easy clean up.
    • Wash the potatoes well and pat dry. Poke holes all around each potato using a fork. Rub with oil and place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Roast until tender, about 40-45 minutes. You can also microwave for 5-10 minutes. Allow the potatoes to come to room temperature.
    • Peel and add the sweet potatoes a large bowl. Mash with a potato masher or fork. You will need 2 cups or around 360g. Do not over mash! You want a rough mash not a puree.
    • Add the rest of the ingredients and combine.
    • Spoon 1 tablespoon of mixture into your hands and shape into tots. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden.

    Notes

    • Plan ahead if possible and roast a batch of sweet potatoes in advance.
    • Egg are not necessary but if it fits your dietary needs and preferences, I recommend adding as it will help make the tots crispier. 
    • If the mixture is too moist when you form into tots, place in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes or so.
    • For a super crunchy exterior, after shaping the tots, roll in additional bread crumbs (preferably panko bread crumbs). Also brush or spray each tot with olive oil.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 32kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.001g
    Course Snack
    Cuisine American
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Tag me @KidFriendly.Meals today!

    More Baby/Kid-Friendly Recipes

    • Fluffy Vegetable Rice
    • How to Freeze Yogurt
    • Creamy Chicken Orzo
    • Custard Yogurt Toast (Sweet and Savory)

    Share or Save It for Later!

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    About Min

    Thank you so much for stopping by! I am Min, a Registered Dietitian, a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom to our two miracle babies! Currently, I’m having a ton of fun feeding their tummies and sharing our baby led weaning journey! Follow me on Instagram if interested in seeing daily menu as well as tips and tricks.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ann says

      February 09, 2023 at 3:09 am

      would it work if i leave the cheese out?

      Reply
      • Min says

        February 09, 2023 at 6:56 am

        Yes! It's added for more flavor!

        Reply
    2. Luci says

      February 04, 2023 at 11:25 am

      Fantastic recipe!!! Just made these yesterday and this morning. Yesterday, I used panko style breadcrumbs and bc sweet potatoes were sitting all day long after roasting, they didn’t taste good so I gave another try this morning and they were a hit! I used almond flour instead and everything bagel for seasoning. Thank you for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Min says

        February 04, 2023 at 6:51 pm

        Ooh! Love the addition of everything bagel seasoning!!

        Reply
    3. Pia says

      January 05, 2023 at 12:54 pm

      5 stars
      Very flavorful and fantastic texture! Love!

      Reply
      • Min says

        January 05, 2023 at 12:55 pm

        I'm so glad you enjoyed these tots!!

        Reply
    4. Grace Yeo says

      January 04, 2023 at 10:20 am

      5 stars
      made this for my toddler today and we both enjoyed it. so easy to whip up! thanks min.

      Reply
      • Min says

        January 04, 2023 at 12:12 pm

        Yay!! So happy to hear! You're welcome 🙂

        Reply
    5. Jenny says

      December 02, 2022 at 7:05 pm

      Love these! I had some leftover roasted sweet potato so these came together super fast! The curry was a nice touch and I might try using cinnamon next time with a dipping sauce to go along with them. We all enjoyed these (including my 10 month old). Another great freezer-friendly recipe.

      Reply
      • Min says

        December 02, 2022 at 7:36 pm

        Yay!!! This def is a great way to repurpose leftovers ;). Thank you so much for taking the time to share!

        Reply
    6. Jen says

      October 22, 2022 at 9:13 pm

      Hi! How many degrees do we bake the tater tot’s at once combined together?

      Reply
      • Min says

        October 24, 2022 at 7:46 pm

        Hi the instructions are in the recipe card found at the bottom of this post

        Reply
    7. Gal says

      October 17, 2022 at 2:50 pm

      These are ridiculously tasty! I'm ready to gobble down the whole pan. Hope my little one will love them as much as I did. Thanks so much, Min!

      Reply
      • Min says

        October 17, 2022 at 9:24 pm

        Haha perhaps I should've added a note to double the recipe ;). I hope these will be a hit with your little one as well!!

        Reply

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    HI!

    I am MJ, a registered dietitian and a mom of 2. I truly hope you’ll enjoy all the recipes and tips that I share on what and how to feed your child!

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