Sweet Potato Parmesan Tater Tots Recipe

If you’re looking for a snack or side dish that’s crunchy, flavorful, and downright addictive, you have to try this Sweet Potato Parmesan Tater Tots Recipe. Seriously, I absolutely love how these tots turn out crispy on the outside with a tender, cheesy sweet potato center. They’re perfect for cozy nights in or impressing guests without much fuss. Keep reading because I’m sharing everything you need to nail these tasty bites at home.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll notice this Sweet Potato Parmesan Tater Tots Recipe relies on just a handful of ingredients, which blend beautifully to keep things both simple and exciting. Using fresh herbs really transforms the flavor, so don’t skip those!

• Sweet Potatoes: Naturally sweet and creamy, these are the star of the show—pick medium-sized ones for even cooking.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty punch that pairs perfectly with the sweet potatoes.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential to enhance all the flavors without overpowering.
• Garlic: Freshly grated garlic brings a subtle kick; it melds so well without being too intense.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: The secret to that crunch you crave—regular breadcrumbs won’t do here!
• Chipotle or Chili Powder: Gives a gentle smoky heat; I sometimes skip chipotle for regular chili powder if I want it milder.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Used for brushing so the tots crisp up nicely in the oven.
• Salted Butter: Melting this with fresh herbs adds buttery herbaceous magic at the end.
• Fresh Thyme, Parsley, and Sage: These classics brighten the dish with fresh, aromatic notes.

Variations

I love personalizing this recipe depending on what’s in my kitchen or what mood I’m in. Feel free to experiment—you might uncover a new favorite combo that suits your taste buds perfectly.

• Spicy Kick: Once I added smoked paprika and cayenne instead of chipotle, and the smoky heat was just perfect without being overpowering.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan and swap butter for olive oil to keep it vegan and still flavorful.
• Herb Swap: Rosemary or cilantro works wonderfully if thyme or sage aren’t your favorites.
• Air Fryer Method: If you want to save oven time, I air fry these at 400°F for about 10 minutes, flipping midway for even crispiness.

How to Make Sweet Potato Parmesan Tater Tots Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Sweet Potatoes to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Prick the sweet potatoes all over with a fork and place them directly on the oven rack—this helps avoid sogginess. Bake for about 50-60 minutes until a fork slides in easily and the insides are tender. I’ve learned the skin peels away easily once the potatoes fully cool, so don’t rush the cooling step. It saves you time and frustration when shaping the tots.

Step 2: Mash and Mix Your Tater Tot Base

Once cooled, peel the skins off with your hands (it’s pretty satisfying!). Toss the sweet potatoes into a bowl and mash until smooth. Then stir in the parmesan cheese, freshly grated garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I usually taste a tiny bit here to get the seasoning right—this base is what makes your tots burst with flavor.

Step 3: Form and Coat the Tots

In a shallow bowl, mix the panko crumbs with the chili powder—this combo gives a subtle spicy crunch. Scoop about a tablespoon of sweet potato mixture, roll it into a rough cylinder, then roll it in the panko crumbs to coat evenly. Don’t stress about perfect shapes; these tots are rustic in the best way! Place each tot on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly brush or spray them with olive oil for that golden finish.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crisp

Bake the tots in your preheated oven for 15 minutes, then flip each one and bake for another 10-15 minutes. You want them to be crisp and golden on the outside but still tender inside. I like to keep an eye on the color because ovens can vary—turn them earlier if you see they’re browning too fast!

Step 5: Finish with Herb-Butter Drizzle

While the tots bake, melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat and toss in your fresh herbs—thyme, parsley, and sage are my favorites. Just cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Drizzle this herb-infused butter generously over the hot tots right when they come out of the oven. This step adds a rich, aromatic finish that takes these tots from tasty to unforgettable.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Parmesan Tater Tots Recipe

Garnishes

I like garnishing with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of green and freshness right before serving. A light dusting of flaky sea salt on top also elevates the flavor. Sometimes, I add a little squeeze of fresh lemon juice on the side—it surprisingly brightens the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

These tots are fantastic with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette or alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. I’ve also served them at game day with some spicy ketchup or aioli dips—my family absolutely goes crazy for those combos!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these tots in mini “tot towers” on individual plates with a drizzle of herbed butter and a small bowl of dipping sauce on the side. It makes the experience feel special and fun without extra cooking effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sweet Potato Parmesan Tater Tots store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend letting them cool fully before storing to keep the crispiness as much as possible. The flavor actually mellows and gets even better after a day!

Freezing

I’ve had good results freezing these tots individually on a tray, then transferring them to a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway so they regain their crisp.

Reheating

To reheat, avoid the microwave if you want to keep them crispy. Instead, pop the tots in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes. This warms them through and revives that crunchy crust I know you’ll crave.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I’m genuinely so happy to share this Sweet Potato Parmesan Tater Tots Recipe with you because it’s become a go-to in my kitchen. It’s comforting, flavorful, and feels both fancy and simple at the same time. I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as my family and I do! Once you try them, I bet they’ll become your favorite snack or side, too. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make the recipe your own—you’ve got this!

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