Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
Sweet potato bites are the ultimate comfort food that can take you back to grandma’s kitchen, where every bite felt like a warm hug. These Crispy Sweet Potato Bites, with their golden-brown crust and creamy interior, are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. With a delicious combination of sweet potatoes, savory garlic, and melted Gruyère, they’re a flavor explosion that will leave everyone craving more.
Perfect for a quick snack or a stunning appetizer at your next gathering, this recipe comes together in no time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or festive occasions. What’s more, they are kid-friendly and adaptable, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters will find delight in every bite. Once you experience the crispy exterior giving way to the soft, buttery filling, you’ll understand why these bites are worth making!
Are You Ready to Bite Into Deliciousness?
Have you ever found yourself craving something crispy yet indulgent, that blends both sweet and savory in perfect harmony? Imagine biting into a warm, crunchy ball, only to discover a rich, gooey center that is bursting with flavor.
Even better, you can feel good about serving these delicious Crispy Sweet Potato Bites to your family and friends. Picture friends gathered around a table, drizzling honey over these golden morsels, their faces lighting up as they take the first bite. You know they’ll be begging for the recipe as soon as they get a taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Easy Prep: This recipe requires minimal preparation time, meaning you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones.
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Healthy Ingredients: Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, and when paired with fresh herbs, they offer a nutritious snack that satisfies cravings.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a weekend get-together, or simply a family dinner, these bites are guaranteed to impress your guests.
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Minimal Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are likely already in your pantry, making it easy to whip up a batch anytime the cravings strike.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 5 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
- 5 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cubed
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 4 oz. Parmesan, finely grated
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh sage leaves
- 5 large eggs
- 8 oz. Gruyère, shredded
- Neutral oil, for frying
- Honey, for drizzling
You can almost taste the buttery sweet potatoes combined with the nutty flavor of Gruyère and the crispiness of the panko crust. This combination is an orchestra of flavors that just begs to be savored!
Timing
The beauty of these Crispy Sweet Potato Bites lies in their quick preparation paired with that indulgent, home-cooked flavor. From start to finish, you can expect a time commitment of about 1 hour.
This means you can whip them up at a moment’s notice, satisfying any hunger pangs or unexpected guests. It’s that sweet juxtaposition of fast and indulgent that makes it a perfect recipe in our busy lives.
Step-by-Step
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Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
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In a 13 x 9 inch pan, combine the sweet potatoes, smashed garlic, and cubed butter; season generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
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Cover the pan with foil and bake until a knife easily pierces through the potatoes, about 35 minutes. Keep the oven on to maintain that perfect heat for frying.
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Transfer the baked potato mixture to a large bowl and stir until mostly pureed.
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Pat down the mixture into an even layer on a plate and refrigerate until cold, about 30 minutes. Clean the bowl while you wait to keep things organized.
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In a shallow bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, finely grated Parmesan, parsley, and sage. Don’t forget to season with salt for that extra punch of flavor!
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In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until blended and ready for dunking.
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Return the cooled potato mixture to the reserved bowl, add shredded Gruyère, and mix until fully combined.
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Scoop out portions with a tablespoon and roll them into balls, arranging on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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In a large pot, heat about 2 inches of neutral oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
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Dredge each ball first in the panko mixture, then in the egg, and finish with another coat of panko before placing them back on the baking sheet.
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Fry the balls in batches (about 4 at a time), turning occasionally until they are deep golden brown, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
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Transfer the crispy bites to a platter and finish them off with a generous drizzle of honey!
With that crispy, golden-brown coating and a gooey, cheesy center, you won’t be able to resist the temptation of diving right in!
Nutritional Information
You can indulge in these Crispy Sweet Potato Bites without guilt. Each serving has approximately 200 calories, giving you just the right amount of satisfaction without overdoing it.
Occasionally, it’s perfectly fine to treat yourself, especially when you’re creating dishes bursting with flavor and using wholesome, nutritious ingredients.
Healthier Alternatives
Looking to make this recipe a bit lighter? You can opt for low-sugar alternatives like maple syrup drizzled before serving instead of honey. Additionally, consider using dairy-free cheese substitutes to cater to dietary preferences.
Another alternative is to bake these bites instead of frying them. Simply place them on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray or olive oil and bake at 475°F (245°C) until golden brown. You’ll still achieve a deliciously crispy outside without all the frying fuss!
Serving Suggestions
Thinking of how to serve these bites? They’re fantastic on their own, but elevate the experience by pairing them with a scoop of creamy ice cream for dessert.
These sweet potato bites also shine during holidays or festive gatherings, serving as an astonishing appetizer or side dish at your Thanksgiving table or any family celebration.
Common Mistakes
Even the best recipes can go awry! Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
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Overbaking: Keep a close eye on your sweet potatoes to ensure they don’t dry out while baking.
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Texture Issues: Ensure your potato mixture is well-combined but not overly mushy. You want them to hold their shape when fried.
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Messes: Bread your bites in batches to minimize chaos when frying, and always check the oil’s temperature before frying to avoid soggy results.
Storing Tips
These delicious Crispy Sweet Potato Bites can easily be stored. When they’re fully cooled, transfer them into an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Thinking about meal prep? You can freeze portions of the un-fried bites. Just place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, and transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, fry straight from frozen!
Tempted to Bake It ASAP?
If you haven’t already planned a baking session for these Crispy Sweet Potato Bites, what’s stopping you? Once you taste that perfect combination of crispiness and gooeyness, you’ll be hooked. Don’t wait for a special occasion; treat yourself! Grab those sweet potatoes and indulge in the crispy, creamy deliciousness today!
FAQs
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Can I bake the sweet potato bites instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them for a healthier version! Just place them on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown. -
How do I know when the oil is ready for frying?
Use a thermometer; it should reach 350°F (175°C) before frying bites. You can also drop a piece of bread in – if it sizzles, the oil is ready! -
Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the mixture, form the balls, and refrigerate until you’re ready to fry. -
What can I substitute for Gruyère cheese?
You can use any melty cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, for a different flavor profile. -
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Feel free to experiment! Thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can elevate the flavor further.
Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these Crispy Sweet Potato Bites with a golden-brown crust and creamy interior, perfect for snacks or appetizers.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 5 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
- 5 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cubed
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 4 oz. Parmesan, finely grated
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh sage leaves
- 5 large eggs
- 8 oz. Gruyère, shredded
- Neutral oil, for frying
- Honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Combine sweet potatoes, garlic, and butter in a 13 x 9 inch pan; season with salt and pepper.
- Cover the pan with foil and bake for about 35 minutes until the potatoes can be pierced easily.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir until mostly pureed.
- Pat down into an even layer on a plate and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Combine panko, Parmesan, parsley, and sage in a shallow bowl; season with salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs until blended.
- Add shredded Gruyère to the cooled potato mixture and mix until combined.
- Scoop portions and roll into balls, placing on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Heat oil in a pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Dredge each ball in the panko mixture, then the egg, and then back in panko.
- Fry in batches until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Transfer to a platter and drizzle with honey before serving.
Notes
For healthier alternatives, consider baking instead of frying and using low-sugar options like maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
