Sweet Potato Nuggets are little bites of joy! Made from nutritious sweet potatoes, they’re delicious and easy to eat. Perfect for dipping or snacking!
Kids love them (and so do adults!). I often pair these nuggets with a tasty dip—it’s hard to eat just one! Give them a try; you might find yourself sneaking a few! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: They are the star of this dish! For a twist, try using butternut squash or carrots if sweet potatoes aren’t on hand. They bring similar sweetness and texture for the nuggets.
Cheddar Cheese: I recommend sharp cheddar for a great flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste or vegan cheese shreds.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These are perfect for extra crunch! If you want a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free panko or crushed rice cereal as an alternative.
Seasonings: The garlic and onion powder add depth. Feel free to swap for fresh garlic or onion if you like a more robust flavor, or add a little cayenne for heat!
How Do I Get the Nuggets Extra Crispy?
Achieving crispy nuggets is both about coating and baking. Here are a few tips:
- Ensure that the nuggets are well-coated in panko—this is key to their crunch!
- Lightly spray or oil them before baking. This helps them crisp up in the oven.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around them, leading to even baking and crispness.
- Flipping them halfway through baking helps them brown evenly on both sides.
Sweet Potato Nuggets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potato Nuggets:
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp dried Italian herbs (or mixed dried oregano, basil, thyme)
- Cooking oil spray or about 2-3 tbsp for frying
For the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 40 minutes of prep and cooking time. This includes roughly 20 minutes for boiling the sweet potatoes, 15 minutes for shaping and coating the nuggets, and about 25 minutes of baking time. A little patience goes a long way for this tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly so the nuggets don’t stick.
2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into chunks. Place them in a pot and boil or steam for about 15-20 minutes until they are very tender. You want them soft enough to mash easily.
3. Mash the Sweet Potatoes:
Once cooked, drain the sweet potatoes and place them in a large bowl. Mash them until smooth—make sure there are no lumps, as this will help your nuggets hold together.
4. Mix in Other Ingredients:
To the mashed sweet potatoes, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until you have a soft dough-like mixture.
5. Shape the Nuggets:
Using your hands, scoop out spoonfuls (about 1-2 tablespoons) of the mixture and shape them into small nugget shapes. Place shaped nuggets onto a parchment-lined plate or tray.
6. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Next, prepare your breading station. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour (seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper), one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with dried Italian herbs.
7. Coat the Nuggets:
Take a nugget and coat it first in flour, making sure it’s covered. Then, dip it into the egg, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat it generously with panko breadcrumbs. Place the coated nugget back on the baking sheet. Repeat with the rest of the mixture.
8. Prepare for Baking:
Once all the nuggets are coated, lightly spray them with cooking spray or drizzle a little oil over the top. This helps them get crispy in the oven.
9. Bake the Nuggets:
Bake the nuggets in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even browning. They’re ready when they are golden brown and crispy!
10. Make the Dipping Sauce:
For the dipping sauce, mix the mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, and smoked paprika in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the heat to your liking by adding more sriracha if desired.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the crispy sweet potato nuggets warm with the spicy mayo dip or your choice of dipping sauce. Enjoy your yummy creation!
Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious, crispy Sweet Potato Nuggets! 😊
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with mozzarella, pepper jack, or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. Each cheese will bring a different flavor profile but will still work well in the nuggets.
How Can I Make These Nuggets Gluten-Free?
No problem! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Your nuggets will turn out just as delicious!
Can I Make the Nuggets Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! You can shape the nuggets and keep them in the fridge for a day before baking. To freeze, place uncooked nuggets on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Should I Serve With the Sweet Potato Nuggets?
These nuggets pair well with a variety of dips like ketchup, ranch, or BBQ sauce. For a full meal, serve them alongside salads, roasted veggies, or even wraps!