Crispy Cheesy Sweet Potato Bites
The ultimate comfort food, Crispy Cheesy Sweet Potato Bites are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Perfect as an appetizer or a side dish, they’re easy to make and will satisfy your cravings. Try them tonight!
Equipment
- Grater
- Instant Pot
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon
- Skillet
- Frying Pan
- Oven
- Peeler
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated asiago or manchego cheese
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 2 cups Panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- extra virgin olive oil, for brushing
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
- 1 pinch chili flakes (to taste)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 425° F. Prick the sweet potatoes all over with a fork. Bake directly on the rack until tender, 50-60 minutes. Allow to cool.
- 2. Once cool use your hands to peel away the sweet potatoe skins. It should just easily slip off. Place the potatoes in a bowl and mash well. Stir in the 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, the manchego, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Stick in the freezer to chill for a few minutes.
- 3. Combine the Panko, paprika, cayenne, onion powder, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 4. Scoop about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of the sweet potato out of the bowl, roll into a cylinder, and place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining sweet potato mix. The sweet potato mixture will be wet, don't stress, the shape does not need to be perfect.
- 5. Roll the sweet potato cylinders in the crumbs to coat. Place back onto the baking sheet. Lightly shape them into a square. Brush/mist each bite with olive oil. Bake for 15 minutes, flip, and bake for another 15 minutes or until golden and crisp.
- 6. Meanwhile, melt the butter, garlic, and thyme, in a small skillet over medium heat. Cook 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Drizzle the butter over the warm bites. Mix the parmesan with the sage and chili flakes, then sprinkle on top. Serve the bites warm or at room temp.
Notes
- Tip 1: You can make the bites up to 4 days ahead of time. To warm, place the tots on a baking sheet and warm in a 400° oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Tip 2: Bake the bites as directed through step 5. Allow to cool, then freeze on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, until frozen. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 4 months.
- Tip 3: You can drizzle the tots in herb butter before or after freezing, it doesn’t matter.