Sweet Potato Tots with Creamy Ketchup

You want something that feels like effort, but doesn’t actually require… you know… much effort. Enter: Sweet Potato Tots with Creamy Ketchup.

They’re crispy, golden little nuggets of joy, and they look impressive enough to make people think you know what you’re doing in the kitchen. Plus, they pair with a ketchup sauce so good, you’ll consider eating it with a spoon. No judgment here.

Why This Recipe is Awesome?

• It’s idiot-proof. Even if your cooking skills max out at boiling water, you can pull this off.
• It’s sweet, savory, and slightly addictive. You’ll “taste test” half the batch before they hit the table. Guaranteed.
• Baked, not fried. Which means you can eat more without feeling like you just deep-fried your arteries.
• That sauce tho. Creamy ketchup sounds weird until you try it. Then suddenly, it’s your new love language.

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Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Tots:

• 2 large sweet potatoes – peeled, because we’re fancy like that.
• 1 egg – holds everything together so you don’t end up with sweet potato mush.
• ½ cup breadcrumbs – for crunch. Use panko if you’re feeling extra crispy.
• ½ tsp garlic powder – flavor is non-negotiable.
• ½ tsp paprika – smoky vibes.
• Salt & pepper – you know the drill.

For the Creamy Ketchup:

• ½ cup ketchup – regular, not the “no sugar” sad version.
• 3 tbsp mayo – trust me, it’s the secret to the magic.
• 1 tsp lemon juice – a little tang to wake up the flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Yes, preheat. Don’t be that person who “waits for it to heat while baking.” Rookie move.
2. Cook the sweet potatoes. Boil or microwave until tender enough to mash. We’re talking fork-piercing level soft.
3. Mash ‘em up. No lumps allowed. We want smooth and dreamy here.
4. Mix in egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon… or your hands if you’re feeling primal.
5. Shape into tots. About the size of your thumb. Unless you have giant thumbs, then maybe… smaller.
6. Place tots on a lined baking sheet. Give them space; they’re introverts while baking.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, flip, then bake another 10–12 minutes. You’re looking for golden brown, crispy edges.
8. Mix ketchup, mayo, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Congratulations—you just made creamy ketchup.
9. Serve immediately. Because cold tots are just sad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the breadcrumbs. They’re the difference between crispy tots and sad, soggy blobs.
• Not flipping halfway. This is how you get one burnt side and one pale side—aka “Pinterest fail” material.
• Overcooking the sweet potatoes. Yes, they should be soft, but if they’re waterlogged, your tots will fall apart faster than my willpower at a dessert buffet.
• Crowding the pan. Give your tots personal space—this is cooking, not a subway at rush hour.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• No mayo? Try Greek yogurt for a tangier sauce. Or sour cream if you’re feeling zesty.
• Gluten-free? Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or gluten-free crumbs. Still crunchy, zero gluten guilt.
• Spice it up. Add chili flakes or cayenne to the mix if you like your snacks with a kick.
• Lazy mode. Use frozen pre-cut sweet potatoes. Will it taste exactly the same? No. Will it save you 15 minutes of peeling? Yes.

FAQs

Q: Can I fry these instead of baking?

A: Of course. Just know you’ll need to deal with splattering oil and a kitchen that smells like a fry shack.

Q: Can I use regular potatoes?

A: Technically yes, but then they’re just… tots. The sweet potato magic is gone.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?

A: Oven or air fryer. Microwaving makes them limp, and no one likes limp tots.

Q: Can I freeze these?

A: Yep. Shape, freeze on a tray, then toss into a bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add a few minutes to the cook time.

Q: Is creamy ketchup just fancy fry sauce?

A: Basically, yes. But we’re calling it creamy ketchup because it sounds more gourmet.

Q: What if I hate ketchup?

A: Then you probably stopped reading like… two sections ago. But ranch or chipotle mayo also works.

Related Recipe:

• Homemade Bean And Bacon Soup Recipe
• Cheese Bread Recipe
• Easy Roasted Asparagus Recipe – Perfect & Crispy

Final Thoughts

There you have it—crispy, golden Sweet Potato Tots with Creamy Ketchup that’ll make you look like a snack genius without actually requiring genius-level skills. Perfect for game nights, lazy weekends, or those “oops, I forgot to make dinner” emergencies.