Crispy Cheesy Sweet Potato Bites are a delicious, bite-sized snack that combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with gooey, melted cheese and a crispy golden crust. These savory bites are perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a healthier alternative to traditional potato snacks. They’re easy to make, customizable, and packed with flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the Outside, Soft on the Inside: A perfect contrast in textures.
- Cheesy and Irresistible: Melted cheese adds richness and gooeyness.
- Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for parties, game nights, or as a side dish.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Sweet potatoes are loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Easy to Customize: Try different cheeses, spices, or add-ins for new flavors.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Sweet potatoes (peeled and grated)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan)
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil or melted butter
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Grate and Drain the Sweet Potatoes:
- Grate the sweet potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean towel.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- Combine in a Bowl:
- In a large bowl, mix the grated sweet potatoes, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Form the Bites:
- Scoop out small portions of the mixture and shape them into bite-sized rounds or tots.
Step 3: Bake or Air Fry
Oven Method:
- Place on Baking Sheet:
- Arrange the bites on the lined baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil or melted butter.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat Air Fryer:
- Set to 375°F (190°C).
- Air Fry:
- Arrange the bites in a single layer and air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Step 4: Serve
- Let the sweet potato bites cool slightly before serving.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sour cream, ranch, or spicy aioli.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes for heat.
- Vegan Option: Use a flax egg and dairy-free cheese.
- Extra Crispy: Coat the bites with extra panko breadcrumbs before baking.
- Herb Flavor: Mix in fresh chopped parsley or green onions.
- Cheese Variety: Try gouda, feta, or parmesan for different flavors.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked bites on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
FAQs
Can I make these without eggs?
Yes! Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) as a binder.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
Try sour cream, ranch, garlic aioli, or honey mustard.
Can I use regular potatoes instead?
Yes! Substitute sweet potatoes with russet or Yukon Gold potatoes.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Coating them with extra breadcrumbs and brushing with oil helps crisp them up.
Are these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make them gluten-free.
Can I fry them instead of baking?
Yes! Shallow-fry in oil over medium heat until crispy and golden.
How do I prevent them from falling apart?
Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the sweet potatoes and use enough binder (egg or flax egg).
Can I add protein to the recipe?
Yes! Mix in cooked bacon bits, shredded chicken, or crumbled sausage.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is optional, but it helps create a smoother texture.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Conclusion
Crispy Cheesy Sweet Potato Bites are the perfect combination of crunchy, cheesy, and savory flavors. Whether you bake or air fry them, they’re easy to make and great for snacking, parties, or as a side dish. Try different variations, pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, and enjoy a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional potato snacks!
Print
Crispy Cheesy Sweet Potato Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 20 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Description
These crispy, cheesy sweet potato bites are packed with flavor and have the perfect balance of sweetness and savory goodness. They are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with melted cheese. Great for dipping in your favorite sauce!
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing or spraying)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture:
- Place the grated sweet potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture.
- In a bowl, mix the grated sweet potatoes with cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and green onions. Stir until well combined.
3. Shape the Bites:
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and form it into a small ball or patty.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
4. Bake Until Crispy:
- Lightly brush or spray the tops with olive oil for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
- Let the bites cool slightly, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce like garlic aioli, sour cream, or spicy mayo.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack or gouda for a different cheese flavor.