Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I pulled my freshly baked sweet potato tots out of the oven, the irresistible aroma danced through my kitchen, promising something delightful. These Homemade Sweet Potato Tots are not just a colorful treat; they’re a heartwarming blend of sweet potatoes and red lentils, making them a nutrient-packed snack that even the pickiest eaters won’t refuse. With a wonderfully crisp exterior and a fluffy interior, they’re perfect for everyone—kids, toddlers, and the young at heart. Plus, whipping these up is a breeze, whether you choose the oven or the microwave! These vegan, gluten-free bites are not only delicious but also ideal for family meals or baby-led weaning. Have you ever experienced such a satisfying crunch with every bite? Let me show you how to create this fun and healthy twist on snack time! Why Are Sweet Potato Tots So Irresistible? Crispy Texture: These tots are baked to perfection with a golden-brown exterior, ensuring every bite delivers that satisfying crunch. Nutrient-Rich: Packed with sweet potatoes and red lentils, they’re loaded with vitamins and protein, making them a healthier snack option for the whole family. Versatile Options: Whether you prefer Cheesy Mashed Potato or crave a savory side like Garlic Parmesan Potato, these sweet potato tots can easily be adapted to your taste. Quick & Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip these up in no time—perfect for busy weeknights! Kid-Friendly: The fun shape and delicious flavor make these an instant hit with kids, and they’re a fantastic addition to your baby-led weaning strategy. Bake a batch today and gather around the table for a snack everyone will love! Sweet Potato Tots Ingredients For the Mixture • Cooked and mashed sweet potato – Adds natural sweetness and nutrients; use one 8-oz medium-sized sweet potato. • Red split lentils (½ cup, uncooked) – Provides protein and fiber; can substitute with canned lentils, adjusting cooking as necessary. • No salt-added vegetable broth (1 cup) – Used for cooking lentils; chicken broth can be swapped in for extra flavor. • Paprika, onion powder, garlic powder (½ tsp each) – Adds flavor and aroma; feel free to adjust spices according to your taste. For Binding and Texture • Panko bread crumbs (⅓ cup) – Binds the mixture and gives texture; replace with gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour if desired. • Olive oil (1-2 tsp) – For brushing the tots, enhancing that delightful crispiness. • Salt (½ tsp, optional) – Enhances flavor; consider omitting for baby-led weaning or to reduce sodium intake. Your homemade sweet potato tots are bound to be a hit, infusing your meals with both taste and nutrition! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Homemade Sweet Potato Tots Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get the perfect crisp for your homemade sweet potato tots. While the oven warms up, pierce your medium-sized sweet potato several times with a fork. Then, pop it in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until tender. If you’re short on time, you can microwave the sweet potato for 6-10 minutes until soft. Step 2: Mash the Sweet Potato Once your sweet potato is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Carefully peel off the skin and transfer the soft flesh to a medium bowl. Use a fork or a potato masher to mash it until smooth and creamy. This will create a delightful base for your sweet potato tots. Step 3: Cook the Lentils In the meantime, take a saucepan and add ½ cup of red split lentils along with 1 cup of no salt-added vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Once most of the liquid is absorbed, take it off the heat and let it rest, still covered, for 10 minutes to ensure they are fully tender. Step 4: Combine Ingredients In your bowl with the mashed sweet potato, add the cooked lentils, ½ teaspoon each of paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Then mix in ⅓ cup of panko bread crumbs. Use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly combine everything until a sticky mixture forms, ensuring that all flavors meld together beautifully. Step 5: Shape the Tots Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking, then take a portion of the mixture and shape it into tots, each about 2 inches long and 1 inch thick. Aim for about 18 tots in total. Place them on a parchment-lined baking tray, giving each tot some space for proper baking. Step 6: Bake to Crispy Perfection Lightly spray or brush the tops of your sweet potato tots with olive oil for that appetizing crunch. Bake them in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping. They’re ready when they’re golden brown and crispy, perfect for a satisfying snack or side. Step 7: Serve and Savor Once baked, allow your homemade sweet potato tots to cool for a couple of minutes before serving. Pair them with your favorite dips like hummus or ketchup, and watch as they become a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy their crunchy exterior and fluffy interior, perfect for everyone! Make Ahead Options These Homemade Sweet Potato Tots are perfect for meal prep lovers! You can prepare the sweet potato and cook the lentils up to 3 days in advance. Simply mash the sweet potatoes and mix them with the cooked lentils, spices, and bread crumbs, then shape them into tots. At this point, you can refrigerate the assembled tots in an airtight container before baking. To keep them fresh and maintain quality, ensure they’re well-sealed to avoid drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the sweet potato tots for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy—making snack time a breeze! How to Store and Freeze Sweet Potato Tots Fridge: Store cooked sweet potato tots in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure they are completely cooled to maintain their texture and prevent moisture. Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze sweet potato tots in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper, for up to 3 months. This will keep them from sticking together. Reheating (Oven): When ready to enjoy, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the frozen tots for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re heated through and crispy again. Reheating (Microwave): If you’re short on time, you can microwave the tots for about 1 minute. However, note that this method may result in a softer texture compared to oven reheating. Sweet Potato Tots Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative and personalize your sweet potato tots to suit your taste buds! Lentil Swap: Substitute red split lentils with green or brown lentils for a firmer texture that still packs a protein punch. Gluten-Free Options: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of panko for a crunchy, gluten-free alternative. Flavor Enhancer: Add sautéed onions or fresh herbs like parsley and thyme for an aromatic boost that elevates the flavor profile. Veggie Power: Incorporate shredded zucchini or finely grated carrots into the mixture for a nutritious twist that adds color and texture. Heat It Up: Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for those who crave a little kick in every bite. Savory Additions: Mix in cooked garlic or a touch of nutritional yeast for added depth and a cheesy flavor without using dairy. Herb Blend: Experiment with a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, or Italian seasoning to create exciting flavor variations that delight the senses. Mini Tots: For tiny hands or little appetites, shape smaller tots that are perfect for dipping and munching—great for baby-led weaning! These variations make it easy to enjoy sweet potato tots in a way that fits your family’s preferences while bringing excitement to your meals. Looking for another delicious side? Be sure to check out these Cheesy Ranch Potatoes for a delightful complement to any dinner! What to Serve with Homemade Sweet Potato Tots Elevate your dining experience with delightful accompaniments that perfectly complement the flavorful crunch of your sweet potato tots. Creamy Hummus: A smooth dip that balances the crispness of the tots with its rich, creamy texture. The flavors will blend beautifully, making every bite enjoyable. Tangy Yogurt Dip: A refreshing yogurt dip enhances the sweetness of the sweet potato while adding a cooling effect, ideal for balancing the savory notes. Zesty Salsa: Bring a pop of flavor with a fresh salsa. Its bright acidity offers a perfect contrast to the sweetness of the tots, adding a fiesta of taste! Fresh Garden Salad: The crispness of a salad with crunchy vegetables, such as cucumbers and bell peppers, complements the soft interior of the sweet potato tots. Tossed with a light vinaigrette, it elevates the meal. Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside seasonal roasted veggies for a wholesome touch. Their earthiness contrasts beautifully with the sweet bite of the tots, creating a well-rounded plate. Sparkling Lemonade: A refreshing drink with a hint of citrus balances the flavors perfectly. This fizzy option adds a bit of celebration to your meal, refreshing your palate with each sip. Chili Con Queso: For a heartier meal, a warm bowl of chili con queso can add a cheesy, spicy kick. Dip your sweet potato tots into this gooey delight for a flavor explosion. Chocolate Avocado Mousse: Craving something sweet? This decadent dessert is creamy and rich, providing a luscious finish after the savory fun of sweet potato tots. These pairings add depth and variety, turning your tasty tots into a memorable feast that everyone will adore! Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Tots Uniform Size: Ensure all tots are shaped into similar sizes for even cooking and a consistent crispy texture. Proper Cooking: Fully cook your sweet potatoes and lentils to avoid a mushy mixture; undercooking will affect the binding and texture of your sweet potato tots. Oil Brush: Don’t skip the olive oil brushing! It’s essential for achieving that golden-brown color and crunchy exterior everyone loves. Spice It Up: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like cumin or Italian herbs for a unique twist on flavor that will elevate your sweet potato tots. Storage Savvy: If making ahead, let the tots cool completely before storage to avoid moisture build-up. They’ll stay fresher and crispier! Sweet Potato Tots Recipe FAQs What kind of sweet potatoes should I use for the best flavor? Absolutely! I recommend using medium-sized orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for their natural sweetness and creamy texture. Look for ones that are firm, smooth, and free of dark spots or blemishes. How long can I store leftover sweet potato tots in the fridge? You can store your cooked sweet potato tots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to let them cool completely before storing to maintain their crisp texture. Can I freeze sweet potato tots, and if so, how? Yes, you can freeze sweet potato tots! Allow them to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months! What if my sweet potato mixture is too wet? No worries! If you find your mixture is too wet to form into tots, simply add a bit more panko bread crumbs (start with 1 tablespoon at a time) until you achieve the right consistency. This extra binding will help them hold together during baking. Are sweet potato tots suitable for toddlers and babies? Very! These sweet potato tots are great for toddlers, especially if you make them small enough for little hands to grasp. Just be sure to supervise during eating and omit added salt for babies under 1 year to keep it healthy for little ones. Can I modify the recipe to make it gluten-free? Absolutely, you can make these sweet potato tots gluten-free! Simply use gluten-free panko bread crumbs or almond flour as a substitute in the recipe, and you’ll have a delicious snack everyone can enjoy. Deliciously Crunchy Sweet Potato Tots for Everyone! These Sweet Potato Tots are a nutrient-packed snack combining sweet potatoes and red lentils, perfect for all ages. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 50 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins Servings: 5 totsCourse: SnacksCuisine: Gluten-Free, VeganCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Mixture1 each Cooked and mashed sweet potato use an 8-oz medium-sized sweet potato0.5 cup Red split lentils (uncooked) provides protein and fiber; can substitute with canned lentils1 cup No salt-added vegetable broth for cooking lentils; chicken broth can be swapped0.5 tsp Paprika adds flavor0.5 tsp Onion powder adds flavor0.5 tsp Garlic powder adds flavorFor Binding and Texture0.33 cup Panko bread crumbs or gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour1-2 tsp Olive oil for brushing the tots0.5 tsp Salt optional Equipment OvenSaucepanmedium bowlBaking TrayParchment paper Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the sweet potato several times with a fork, then bake for 45-50 minutes until tender. Alternatively, microwave for 6-10 minutes until soft.Remove the baked sweet potato, let it cool, peel off the skin, and mash until smooth.In a saucepan, combine red split lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes. Let it rest covered for another 10 minutes.In the bowl with the mashed sweet potato, mix in the cooked lentils, spices, and panko bread crumbs until well combined.Wet your hands, take portions of the mixture, and shape them into tots. Aim for about 18 tots and place them on a lined baking tray.Lightly spray or brush the tops with olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with dips like hummus or ketchup. Nutrition Serving: 2totsCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 6gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 150mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 12000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure all tots are of uniform size for even cooking. Fully cook sweet potatoes and lentils to maintain texture. Olive oil brushing is essential for crispiness. You may experiment with spices for added flavor. Store completely cooled tots properly to maintain freshness. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!