Sweet Potato Tots
Sweet Potato Tots are the ultimate cozy comfort food that combines the hearty sweetness of sweet potatoes with just a hint of seasoning to create a delightful treat. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these little nuggets pack a punch of flavor that makes them impossible to resist. It’s hard to believe something so delicious can be so easy to make!
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I first stumbled upon this recipe during a winter dinner party when I was looking for a side dish that would appeal to both adults and kids. I was blown away by how satisfying and fun sweet potato tater tots could be, and since then, they’ve become a staple in my kitchen. Whether served as a mischievous snack at a gathering or a charming side for a weeknight dinner, they warm the soul and make everyone smile. So, grab your apron and get ready to whip up some fantastic Sweet Potato Tots!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just about an hour with only 15 minutes of prep!
- Irresistible Flavor: The sweet, earthy flavor of sweet potatoes shines through with a hint of garlic and paprika.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These adorable tots are as fun to look at as they are to eat!
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for snacks, parties, or even breakfast; they’ll fit into any meal.
- Diet-Friendly Options: These can be made gluten-free with alternative flours.

Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lb peeled sweet potatoes: Choose firm, fresh sweet potatoes for optimal flavor and texture. The sweeter the potato, the tastier your tots will be!
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour: This helps bind the mixture together. If you’re going gluten-free, almond flour or chickpea flour can work here too.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds a lovely depth and a subtle smokiness to the flavor profile. Feel free to substitute smoked paprika for an extra kick.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: This enhances the overall taste. You could use fresh garlic if you have some on hand—just sauté it lightly first.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Provides a delightful herbaceous hint. Thyme or Italian seasoning can also make great alternatives.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and moisture to the tots. Avocado oil could be a nice substitute if you prefer.
- Salt to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors. Start small and adjust as needed!
- Flaky sea salt for garnish: A sprinkle on top before serving elevates these tots to a whole new level.
How to Make Sweet Potato Tots
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help the tots crisp up beautifully!
Boil the sweet potatoes: Fill a large pot with about 4 cups of water, adding a pinch of salt to the mix. Bring it to a rolling boil and carefully toss in your peeled sweet potatoes. Let them cook for 10 to 12 minutes until they are about two-thirds done; they should still be slightly firm.
Grate the sweet potatoes: Once they’re cooked, remove the sweet potatoes from the pot and allow them to cool slightly. Using a box grater or a food processor, grate the sweet potatoes into a large bowl. This gives your tots a fantastic texture!
Mix the ingredients: To the grated sweet potatoes, add 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. Mix everything until well combined. Let your inner chef shine—don’t be afraid to get your hands in there!
Shape the tots: Grab a tablespoon scoop or roll the mixture into small tater tot shapes using your hands. Place them neatly onto the lined baking sheet, giving them a bit of space to breathe.
Brush with olive oil: Lightly brush the tops of the tater tots with the remaining olive oil. This helps them get that lovely golden color and crispy texture as they bake.
Bake to perfection: Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let them bake for 15 minutes. Then, flip each tater tot using a spatula and bake them for another 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are beautifully browned!
Cool slightly before serving: Allow the tater tots to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps them firm up a bit more, giving you that perfect crunch!

Storing & Reheating
To keep your sweet potato tots fresh at room temperature, store them in an airtight container, where they will last for up to 2 days. If you want to extend their life, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container, where they can stay fresh for up to 3 months. Reheat your tots in the oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Just keep in mind that they may lose a bit of their original crispness, so giving them a quick oven refresh works wonders!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the sweet potatoes; if they become too soft, the mixture will be hard to form.
- If you prefer extra crispiness, consider adding a few tablespoons of rice flour to the mixture.
- Warm ingredients mix better, so let your sweet potatoes cool slightly before grating them.
- Keep a spatula handy for both shaping and flipping the tots for an even bake.
- Experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste—cumin and chili powder make for a spicy twist!
Sweet Potato Tots are not just a side dish—they’re a versatile treat that can brighten any meal! The combination of ease, flavor, and nostalgia makes them a real winner in the kitchen. Feel free to play around with ingredients and seasonings; you might just create a new family favorite. Enjoy every crispy bite, and don’t forget to share them with friends!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these Sweet Potato Tots in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and shape the tots ahead of time. Store them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you’re baking them directly from the freezer.
How can I ensure my Sweet Potato Tots are crispy?
A few tricks can enhance crispiness. Make sure to spread the tots out evenly on the baking sheet without overcrowding them, and don’t skip brushing them with olive oil! Baking at a high temperature is also key.
What dipping sauces pair well with Sweet Potato Tots?
These tasty tots go wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces! Try them with a spicy chipotle mayo, smooth avocado crema, or even a classic ketchup for a fun twist.
Can I use other types of potatoes?
While sweet potatoes give these tots their unique flavor, you can experiment with regular russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Just be mindful that the texture and sweetness will differ significantly! Adjust seasonings to your preference.
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📖 Recipe Card

Sweet Potato Tots
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sweet Potato Tots are a delightful blend of sweet potatoes and savory spices, offering a crispy texture and mouthwatering flavor. Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun snack, this homemade version is a healthier twist on a classic favorite!
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
Instructions
- Preheat your 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, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, carefully add the peeled sweet potatoes and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until they are about two-thirds cooked.
- Remove the sweet potatoes and let them cool slightly, then grate them into a large bowl.
Notes
For extra crispiness, ensure the sweet potatoes are very well dried after cooking.
You can add herbs and spices according to your taste preference for a variety of flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg





