Sweet potato nuggets are a yummy and healthy snack! They are made from mashed sweet potatoes mixed with breadcrumbs and spices, then baked until crispy. So good!
These little bites are perfect for kids and adults alike. I love packing them in lunch boxes or enjoying them while watching a movie. They disappear fast—good luck saving some! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: They are the star of this recipe! Look for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes. You can also use butternut squash or pumpkin as a substitute if needed, though the flavor will change a bit.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its strong flavor. If you prefer a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheese-like flavor.
Green Onions: They add a fresh taste and color. If you don’t have them, finely chopped chives or red onions can also work well as substitutes.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a great crunch to the nuggets. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but the texture won’t be quite as crispy.
How Do I Make Sure My Sweet Potato Nuggets Are Crispy?
Getting your nuggets crispy is an important step! Here’s how:
- Ensure the sweet potatoes are well-drained after boiling or steaming. Any extra moisture can make the mixture too wet.
- Using panko breadcrumbs helps achieve a crunchy texture! Be generous with the coating on each nugget.
- Make sure to space your nuggets out on the baking sheet so they don’t steam. A little room for air to circulate goes a long way!
- Don’t skip the step of spraying them lightly with oil before baking. This helps them crisp up beautifully.
- Flipping them halfway through baking will allow both sides to get that nice golden brown color!
Sweet Potato Nuggets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 cups mashed)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup finely chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
- 1 large egg
- Cooking spray or oil for baking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to bake. You’ll spend around 30 minutes total making a delicious batch of Sweet Potato Nuggets!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is going to get your nuggets nice and crispy when they bake! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or you can lightly grease it with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into chunks. Place them in a pot and boil or steam until they are very tender, which should take about 10-15 minutes. You want them to be soft enough to mash easily.
3. Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Once they’re cooked, drain the sweet potatoes well and add them to a large bowl. Mash them until they’re smooth and free of lumps. You want a nice creamy consistency!
4. Add Flavor
While the sweet potatoes are still warm (this helps melt the cheese!), stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
5. Bind the Mixture
Add in 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs to the sweet potato mixture. This helps hold the nuggets together. If your mixture feels too wet or sticky, you can add a bit more breadcrumbs until it’s easier to work with.
6. Beat the Egg
In a small bowl, beat the egg and set it aside. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the nuggets for that perfect crunch.
7. Shape the Nuggets
Now it’s time to shape the nuggets! Using your hands or a small scoop, form nugget-sized rounds, about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Try to keep them even so they bake evenly!
8. Coat the Nuggets
Dip each nugget into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off. Then, coat them with additional panko breadcrumbs. This step is key for getting that lovely crunchy outer layer.
9. Bake the Nuggets
Place the coated nuggets on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush them with oil to help them crisp up in the oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they’re golden and crispy on both sides.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the nuggets are baked and crispy, remove them from the oven. You can garnish with extra chopped green onions if you like. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch dressing or BBQ sauce.
Enjoy these crispy, cheesy, and flavorful Sweet Potato Nuggets as a delicious snack or side!
Can I Use Different Cheeses in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is delicious, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can substitute regular breadcrumbs, though keep in mind that the texture might be less crispy. Alternatively, you can crush some crackers or even cornflakes for a crunchy coating.
Can I Prepare These Nuggets in Advance?
Yes, you can! Form the nuggets, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.