sweet potato balls recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best sweet potato balls recipe

I’ve been making sweet potato balls for my family for years, and they’re always a hit. The dish originated in Latin America, where it’s known as ‘albóndigas de batata’. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering.

I love that it’s made with just a few ingredients, mostly sweet potatoes, onions, and spices. The result is a delicious and comforting ball of goodness that’s easy to eat with your hands or on a plate. My kids adore them, and I’ve even served them at potlucks and parties.

The best part is that they’re so versatile – you can serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a snack. I’ve tried making them with different seasonings and spices, but the classic combination of cumin and chili powder is still my favorite. It’s amazing how something so simple can be so delicious and satisfying.

I’ve experimented with different shapes and sizes, but the traditional ball shape is still my go-to. It’s easy to make ahead of time and freeze for later use. My family loves when I serve them as a fun twist on traditional mashed sweet potatoes.

They’re also great for using up leftover sweet potatoes – just mash them up and mix with some onions and spices to create these tasty little orbs. The process of making sweet potato balls is straightforward – simply boil the diced sweet potatoes until they’re tender, then mash with some onions, eggs, and spices. Form into balls and fry until crispy.

You can also bake them in the oven if you prefer a healthier option.

Crispy Sweet Potato Balls

Crispy Sweet Potato Balls

4.8 from 944 votes

These crispy sweet potato balls are a delightful snack or side dish. They are made with mashed sweet potatoes, seasoned with warm spices, and rolled into bite-sized balls before being baked to golden perfection.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 220 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Balls

2 large sweet potatoes (about 1 lb), peeled and cubed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Dipping Sauce (optional)

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water.
2Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
3Drain well in a colander and let cool for 5 minutes.
4Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a mixing bowl and mash them with a potato masher or fork until smooth.
5Add the flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
6Mix until a soft dough forms.
7If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
8Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
9In a small bowl, beat the egg.
10Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish.
11Using your hands, shape the sweet potato mixture into 1-inch balls.
12Dip each ball into the beaten egg, then roll in the panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
13Place the coated sweet potato balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
14Drizzle or brush the balls with olive oil.
15Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
16They should feel firm to the touch when done.
17While the balls bake, prepare the dipping sauce by mixing the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
18Adjust seasoning to taste.
19Serve the sweet potato balls warm with the dipping sauce on the side.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Potato masher or fork
Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Small bowl (for egg wash)
Shallow dish (for breadcrumbs)

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 220 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 55mg🧂Sodium: 350mg🌾Total Carbs: 32g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 7g

📝Notes

For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese and egg. Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and substitute the cheese with nutritional yeast. You can also air fry these balls at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes for an even crispier texture.

Watch Video Of How Crispy Sweet Potato Balls Works

Sweet potato balls are always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering.

They’re perfect for using up leftover sweet potatoes and can be made ahead of time for convenience.

You can serve them as an appetizer or side dish – just be sure to store leftovers properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Sweet Potato Balls

1. What are the key ingredients in sweet potato balls?

The main ingredients are sweet potatoes, onions, eggs, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Can I make sweet potato balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to shape into balls.

3. How do I store leftover sweet potato balls?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

4. Can I bake sweet potato balls instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a healthier option – simply place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes.

5. Are sweet potato balls gluten-free?

Nope! While they are naturally gluten-free because they don’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients like wheat flour or bread crumbs,
I use flour in my recipe to help hold the mixture together when forming into balls.

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