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Easy Baked Sweet Potato Tater Tots

Jar of our delicious vegan Sweet Potato Tater Tots

If you love sweet potato fries, you will LOVE these easy baked sweet potato tater tots. Or as I like to call them, Sweet Potater Tots. (Insert: laughing crying emoticons.) Plus, 7 ingredients – huzzah!

Big bowl of Easy Baked Sweet Potato Tater Tots and a jar of ketchup

So I’ve tried to make sweet potato tater tots before and it didn’t work out. They either weren’t flavorful enough or the texture was off. And I wasn’t about to fry them, so back to the drawing board I went. This time, success!

Bowl of mashed sweet potatoes and a food processor filled with finely ground breading

The secret here is the panko bread crumbs, which I seasoned namely with salt, sugar and cinnamon. It gives the tots a crispy outer crust with tons of flavor.

Baking sheet filled with a batch of our Sweet Potato Tater Tots recipeVegan Sweet Potato Tater Tots on a baking sheet

The next essential step is baking them until they’re golden brown and slightly crisp. The longer you bake, the crispier they’ll get. It’s magic.

Bowl of Easy Vegan Sweet Potato Tater Tots and a spice jar filled with ketchup

The result is kind of perfect. These tots are:

Crispy on the outside
Tender on the inside
Perfectly sweet
Subtly cinnamon-y
Like sweet potato fries crammed into a tot
& Kind of perfect

You could make these to serve alongside sandwiches or veggie burgers, breakfasty things, brunch, or on their own with other snacky appetizers like these vegan jalapeno poppers or cotija corn dip!

They’re perfectly poppable and sweet and I kind love them. Hope you will, too. Cheers!

Dipping a homemade Sweet Potato Tater Tot into a jar of ketchupClose up shot of Baked Sweet Potato Tater Tots revealing the crispy outsides and tender insides

Print
Overflowing bowl of Baked Sweet Potato Tater Tots with a jar of homemade ketchup in the background
4.67 from 9 votes

Easy Baked Sweet Potato Tater Tots

7-ingredient baked sweet potato tater tots tossed in a cinnamon panko coating that gives them a crisp outer crust. If you like sweet potato fries you will LOVE these tots!
Author: Minimalist Baker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 30 (tots)
Category: Appetizer, Dessert, Side, Snack
Cuisine: American, Gluten-Free, Vegan
Freezer Friendly 1 month
Does it keep? Best when fresh.

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

FOR THE TOTS

  • 2 large sweet potatoes (scrubbed + washed // organic if possible)
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 Tbsp sugar (I used organic cane sugar)

FOR THE COATING

  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs* (gluten-free for GF eaters)
  • 1 Tbsp vegan butter or coconut oil (melted)
  • 2 Tbsp sugar
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tsp cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Poke holes in the sweet potatoes with a fork and bake in a 400-degree F (204 C) oven for 45 minutes – 1 hour until softened, OR in the microwave for about 5-6 minutes. Let cool to touch.
  2. While sweet potatoes are cooking, prepare coating. Add all ingredients EXCEPT butter to a food processor and blend until incorporated. While mixing, stream in butter. Dip your finger in to give it a taste. If you prefer it more savory, add more salt. If you prefer it sweeter, add more sugar or cinnamon.

  3. Peel sweet potatoes and add to a mixing bowl. Add cinnamon and mash – you’re not looking for a puree, but rather a rough mash. If your sweet potatoes are already pretty sweet on their own, omit the sugar. Otherwise, add it in and mix.
  4. Set in fridge to chill and preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 C).
  5. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray. Scoop out scant 1 Tbsp amounts of sweet potato puree and form them into a “tot” shape – an oblong circle.
  6. Transfer to coating and use a spoon to gently toss to coat. Transfer to baking sheet and spritz the top with olive or canola oil to help them crisp up (optional).
  7. Bake for 20 minutes, then gently flip. Bake for 20 minutes more then serve immediately. If you want them firmer, just bake them an additional 10-15 minutes. The longer you cook them the crispier they’ll get!
  8. To freeze and bake later, form into tots, roll in coating, then transfer to baking sheet and freeze. Once thoroughly frozen, add to freezer-safe bag or container to store for later. When ready to bake, place on an oiled baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, flip, then bake for 25-30 minutes more or until they reach the desired doneness.
  9. You really don’t need dip for these, but if you want, ketchup or a spicy aioli of some kind would be lovely.

Notes

*Instead of panko, you could potentially sub something like almond or pecan meal, but I didn’t try it myself so I can’t vouch for it! I would assume it would be delicious, though.
*If you wanted to get a savory/sweet flavor combo going, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the sweet potatoes and/or the coating.
*Recipe makes ~30 tots.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with vegan butter.

Nutrition Per Serving (1 of 30 tots)

  • Calories: 27.9
  • Fat: 0.4g
  • Saturated fat: 0.1g
  • Sodium: 35.3mg
  • Potassium: 35mg
  • Carbohydrates: 5.7g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Sugar: 2.1g
  • Protein: 0.4g
  • Vitamin A: 1450IU
  • Calcium: 10mg
  • Iron: 0.2mg
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58 Comments 7 ingredients or less, Appetizer, Dairy-Free, Dinner, Egg-Free, Fall, Gluten Free, Holiday, Lunch, Nut-Free, Sides, Snacks, Soy-Free, Sweet (dessert), Vegan, Winter

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All commentsI made thisQuestions
  1. Avatar for LoriLori says

    February 19, 2019 at 6:55 pm

    Will a nut butter work in place of the coconut oil?

    Reply
    • Avatar for Support @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      February 20, 2019 at 3:01 pm

      I’m not sure as we haven’t tried it, but if you experiment with the recipe, report back on how it goes. Good luck!

      Reply
  2. Avatar for Anna NichollsAnna Nicholls says

    January 25, 2019 at 10:19 am

    I’m interested in trying your recipe BUT… I prefer eating my sweet potatoes savory NOT sweet. I have some ideas on what I can do savory-wise, but wanted to get your take as well. Thanks?

    Reply
  3. Avatar for floflo says

    December 8, 2017 at 8:14 am

    Can you offer a savory tater tot option? I love your recipes!!!

    Reply
  4. Avatar for LaValLaVal says

    October 23, 2017 at 11:37 am

    Hi my oven is broken. Do you think these will hold up in the deep fryer or pan fried?

    Reply
    • Avatar for Support @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      October 23, 2017 at 7:10 pm

      Hi LaVal! We haven’t tried it so we can’t say for sure, if you do let us know how it turns out!

      Reply
  5. Avatar for LizLiz says

    January 26, 2017 at 6:51 pm

    I know you mentioned freezing these BEFORE baking but can you also freeze these after baking and then reheating it in the oven? Just wondering because my baby is just starting solids and would only eat 2 or 3 at a time. :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for Support @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      January 26, 2017 at 6:54 pm

      Hi! I have not tried freezing them after baking but if you do, let me know how it goes! The only thing I see that might change, is that they won’t be as crispy when frozen than defrosted. Good luck!

      Reply
  6. Avatar for BeccaBecca says

    November 20, 2016 at 7:06 am

    Would these work with regular potatoes too?

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      November 21, 2016 at 12:09 pm

      I think so, yes! Just don’t add the sweetener and make them more savory.

      Reply
  7. Avatar for YogiTwinsYogiTwins says

    September 29, 2016 at 3:58 pm

    These were great for my kids after school snack (and mine:-)). They don’t typically like sweet potatoes but these were a hit! We dipped the tots into maple syrup instead of ketchup and it was a perfect pairing! Next time I’ll add a little more butter to the batter just to give the outside a crispier crust. Other than that – they are de-lish as is!

    Reply
  8. Avatar for BeckyBecky says

    August 1, 2016 at 4:53 pm

    Fantastic sweet potato tater tots!!! Just made them and my family LOVED them!!! So crispy!! Thanks for a great recipe!!

    Reply
  9. Avatar for MelMel says

    March 10, 2016 at 10:51 am

    Yum. I need to work on my tot shapes, but our sweet potato balls were scrumptious! They were toddler approved too – which never happens the first time he’s offered something. Can’t wait to make them again.

    Reply
  10. Avatar for Karla TytusKarla Tytus says

    August 29, 2015 at 3:56 pm

    I’m looking forward to try this but I’m gluten free. Is there a substitute for panko and cornmeal ( I can eat corn, I just prefer to not buy it since I never use it)? Thanks!

    Reply
  11. Avatar for Yolanda B.Yolanda B. says

    August 1, 2015 at 3:41 pm

    These are amazing! I just made them and they are so delicious. My son loved them too. Thanks for sharing this!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for Erin FergusErin Fergus says

    September 5, 2014 at 10:11 pm

    I just made these tonight and coated them with almonds ground in a food processor based on your suggestion of using almond meal as a substitution. They taste like a divine finger food version of sweet potato casserole! Looking forward to trying with Panko to taste the difference :)

    Reply
  13. Avatar for KimKim says

    August 2, 2014 at 9:35 pm

    I have never been one to enjoy a sweet potato with other sweet ingredients so I was apprehensive about adding cinnamon and sugar but I followed the recipe as its written and must admit that the combo of sweet (sugar and cinnamon) and savoury (salt and chili powder) was divine! Thank you, this recipe is as my daughter says a “make again”

    Reply
  14. Avatar for bahan ajarbahan ajar says

    July 22, 2014 at 11:04 pm

    Woah this blog is fantastic i love studying your articles. Keep up the great paintings! You understand, a lot of persons are searching round for this information, you could aid them greatly.

    Reply
  15. Avatar for KourtneyKourtney says

    July 10, 2014 at 11:58 am

    OMG! These were sooo delicious and went perfectly with my baked broccoli burger :)

    Any suggestions when it comes to sweet potato fries? Mine always end up mushy :/

    Reply
  16. Avatar for Mary Beth CappsMary Beth Capps says

    June 26, 2014 at 2:26 pm

    I don’t have vegan butter or coconut oil, can I use traditional butter?

    Reply
  17. Avatar for Avra-Sha FaohlaAvra-Sha Faohla says

    June 25, 2014 at 5:52 pm

    Simple and delicious! I didn’t have bread crumbs so I crumbled up some bread and put it in the oven at 300 F for six minutes. It worked great! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      June 26, 2014 at 12:20 pm

      Lovely! Glad you enjoyed them!!

      Reply
  18. Avatar for BillyBilly says

    June 24, 2014 at 11:47 pm

    Um, I seriously want all of these and I don’t really even like sweet potatoes.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      June 26, 2014 at 12:25 pm

      come ova and I make dem for you.

      Reply
  19. Avatar for kathrynkathryn says

    June 24, 2014 at 9:04 pm

    made these for dinner tonight and they could not have been easier or more delicious. and my bf was super impressed i made them totally from scratch. thanks for the great recipe!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      June 26, 2014 at 12:27 pm

      yay! Glad you both enjoyed them – officially boyfriend approved!!

      Reply
  20. Avatar for Katie @ Produce on ParadeKatie @ Produce on Parade says

    June 23, 2014 at 2:07 pm

    These are adorable! What a great idea! You’re so stinkin’ creative :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      June 23, 2014 at 4:24 pm

      thanks Katie!! xo

      Reply
  21. Avatar for nourished rootsnourished roots says

    June 23, 2014 at 10:41 am

    These look so tasty. I am pinning for later. I can’t wait to try them.

    Reply
  22. Avatar for Ali | Gimme Some OvenAli | Gimme Some Oven says

    June 23, 2014 at 7:45 am

    Oooh, fun fun fun. Love that you added cinnamon in there!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      June 23, 2014 at 4:26 pm

      You gotta ;D

      Reply
  23. Avatar for EmilyEmily says

    June 23, 2014 at 6:14 am

    mm, these are so tasty.
    Love the look of your blog!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for Debra @ Worth CookingDebra @ Worth Cooking says

    June 22, 2014 at 8:41 pm

    Love this idea! I am always on the look out for new ways to serve sweet potatoes as they are a family favorite. This is the first time I have seen this.

    Reply
  25. Avatar for RebeccaRebecca says

    June 22, 2014 at 3:55 pm

    It looks so yummie, I pinned it and will make it :D
    thanks, rebecca

    Reply
  26. Avatar for CalliopeCalliope says

    June 22, 2014 at 3:06 pm

    Dammit! I already started making cauliflower tots for dinner. Guess these will have to wait, for now. They look amazing!

    Reply
  27. Avatar for LizLiz says

    June 22, 2014 at 2:26 am

    I just decided sweet potato was my new favorite thing to eat! It’s so yummy and wonderful and I’m so excited at the timing of this post! Thank you for your incredible work on this blog. I check it daily and am always looking for new recipes to try out.

    Reply
  28. Avatar for Millie l Add A LittleMillie l Add A Little says

    June 22, 2014 at 1:54 am

    Yum!! I love sweet potatoes (kind of obsessed…) and these look so good for a snack, although I would probably en up eating them all haha!

    Reply
  29. Avatar for CakePantsCakePants says

    June 21, 2014 at 3:08 pm

    Yum!! I love sweet potato fries (and basically anything coated with panko bread crumbs), so I’m sure this will be a new favorite of mine. Thanks for sharing the recipe!

    Reply
  30. Avatar for LeahLeah says

    June 21, 2014 at 3:03 pm

    These look delicious! I love sweet potatoes – so I will have to give these a try. Tater tots were a staple in my house growing up but they were definitely not homemade. ;)

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      June 23, 2014 at 4:35 pm

      Mine too! Tater tots in general – especially from Sonic. Ha! Glad I have a homemade version in my arsenal now :D

      Reply
  31. Avatar for Emily @ Life on FoodEmily @ Life on Food says

    June 21, 2014 at 2:32 pm

    These look fantastic. Sweet potato fries is one of my most favorite things. I love that you sneaked in a little sugar and cinnamon.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      June 23, 2014 at 4:35 pm

      Yes! It really enhances the goodness that sweet potatoes already have going on. Hope you enjoy these, Emily!

      Reply
  32. Avatar for Leigha @ The Yooper GirlLeigha @ The Yooper Girl says

    June 21, 2014 at 1:05 pm

    Ooooh, YUM! I’ve never been a fan of real tater tots, but sweet potater tots? YES. They almost look like mini doughnut holes :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      June 23, 2014 at 4:36 pm

      haha, yes!!

      Reply
  33. Avatar for EllaElla says

    June 21, 2014 at 12:04 pm

    yes PLEASE! Sweet taters are my favorite things, always. And I haven’t had a tater tot in years! Thanks for sharing :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      June 23, 2014 at 4:48 pm

      years? too long! :D

      Reply
  34. Avatar for AudreyAudrey says

    June 21, 2014 at 11:58 am

    OMG I almost died when I saw this post. These look so epic. ;)
    P.S: I was wondering if you have a certain brand of panko you like to use? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      June 23, 2014 at 4:48 pm

      Not sure what the brand is, sorry! I used them all up!

      Reply
  35. Avatar for jessejesse says

    June 21, 2014 at 10:13 am

    These look stunning! I wibder if they would freeze well? That way I could have a healthier tot for my girls! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      June 23, 2014 at 4:49 pm

      I believe I added freezing instructions in the recipe box :D

      Reply
  36. Avatar for Candace @ The Wheatless KitchenCandace @ The Wheatless Kitchen says

    June 21, 2014 at 9:59 am

    These look INSANE! I can’t wait to make them! So many of my favorite things all at once :)

    Reply
  37. Avatar for Meredith @ Unexpectedly MagnificentMeredith @ Unexpectedly Magnificent says

    June 21, 2014 at 9:28 am

    I just used sweet potato tater tots last night! I once tried to make them myself and they were too mushy. I love the idea of using panko to crisp them up! :)

    Reply
  38. Avatar for ConnieConnie says

    June 21, 2014 at 9:06 am

    Great recipe! Definitely going to give this a try.

    Connie

    Reply
  39. Avatar for Medha @ Whisk & ShoutMedha @ Whisk & Shout says

    June 21, 2014 at 8:33 am

    OMG. I read cinnamon + panko and I was SOLD! Delicious and gorgeous pictures too :)

    Reply
  40. Avatar for Maryea {happy healthy mama}Maryea {happy healthy mama} says

    June 21, 2014 at 6:47 am

    Who doesn’t love a tater tot?! Haven’t had one in years, but this post is bringing me back! I love that you used sweet potatoes.

    Reply
  41. Avatar for AlaAla says

    June 21, 2014 at 6:12 am

    “It’s magic!” Please tell this magic to appear straight on my dinner plate! I love easy bake versions of almost any food, but I tasted tater tots for the first time in years recently and have been craving them ever since–though sweet potatoes are such a brilliant idea. I love it, Dana!

    Reply
  42. Avatar for Librarian LavenderLibrarian Lavender says

    June 21, 2014 at 6:12 am

    This looks so, so good! I’m definitely going to try the recipe! It will be something entirely new for me and I can’t wait to find out how it tastes.

    Reply
  43. Avatar for Averie @ Averie CooksAverie @ Averie Cooks says

    June 21, 2014 at 5:13 am

    Coconut oil, cinnamon, and sweet potatoes are dreamy! And I love the Panko action! My Monday recipe is a Panko recipe and I want to make your tots next – I still have tons of Panko on hand! They look incredible! Pinned :)

    Reply

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