Sweet Potato and Carrot Tots Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Sweet Potato and Carrot Tots Recipe with you because it’s one of those hands-on snacks that feels homemade but is surprisingly simple. The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes paired with tender carrots gives these tots natural sweetness and vibrant color, not to mention a boost of nutrients you’ll feel good about sharing with your family. You’ll love how crispy they get on the outside while staying soft and flavorful inside.

This recipe shines for busy weeknights when you want a wholesome side dish or a fun finger food for little ones. My toddler absolutely goes nuts for these tots, especially dipped in ketchup or a tangy yogurt sauce. Plus, if you stick with the air fryer method, you get perfectly crisp bites with less oil—win-win for busy cooks who want flavor and ease!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sweet Potato and Carrot Tots Recipe comes together from simple, wholesome ingredients you probably have on hand. Each plays a key role in texture, flavor, or structure—so don’t skip the egg or breadcrumbs for best results!

• Sweet potato: Use medium-sized sweet potatoes for a vibrant flavor and smooth mash; steaming preserves more nutrients and color.
• Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and moisture; make sure they’re tender for easy blending with sweet potato.
• Egg: Acts as the glue to hold your tots together; don’t omit it unless you have a good substitute.
• Breadcrumbs: These add crunch and help soak up moisture; adding extra gives crispier tots so feel free to coat the outside.
• Garlic powder: For gentle savory notes without overpowering the natural sweetness.
• Paprika: Adds warmth and subtle smokiness that complements the veggies perfectly.
• Salt & freshly ground pepper: Balance and enhance the flavors while keeping everything bright.
• Parmesan cheese (optional): This adds a savory, cheesy depth that I personally love—feel free to skip or replace with a vegan option.

Variations

I love making this Sweet Potato and Carrot Tots Recipe my own by tweaking spices or adding mix-ins depending on mood and what’s in the fridge. Feel free to get creative here—there’s so much room for personalization!

• Veggie swap: Once, I swapped half the carrot for parsnip for an earthier taste and loved the change—it’s super forgiving.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked chipotle powder to add a subtle kick if you like things a little fiery.
• Gluten-free tweak: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts to keep tots crispy without gluten.
• Add nutritional boosters: I sometimes add ground flaxseeds or chia seeds for extra fiber and omega-3s; it barely changes the flavor but ups the health factor.

How to Make Sweet Potato and Carrot Tots Recipe

Step 1: Steam or Boil Your Sweet Potatoes and Carrots

Start by peeling and chopping your sweet potatoes and carrots into similarly sized chunks so they cook evenly. I’m a huge fan of steaming because it locks in nutrients and sweetness without adding water that can make your tots soggy. Steam or boil them just until fork-tender—about 15-20 minutes—and then drain any excess water. You want the veggies soft enough to mash easily, but not mushy.

Step 2: Mash and Mix Your Tots Batter

Once your veggies are cool enough to handle, mash them together in a large bowl. A fork or potato masher works fine, but I sometimes use a hand mixer for extra smoothness. Then add your egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until your mixture comes together as a sticky, but manageable dough. If it’s too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs; too dry, add a tiny splash of water or egg.

Step 3: Shape Your Sweet Potato and Carrot Tots

This is my favorite part! With your hands lightly coated in oil to prevent sticking, shape the mixture into bite-sized cylinders or little balls. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect—rustic tots always taste better. For extra crunch, roll them gently in additional breadcrumbs before cooking.

Step 4: Cook to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F if baking. Place the tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush or spray lightly with oil (I love avocado oil here), and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through so all sides get crispy and golden. Alternatively, pop them in your air fryer at 380°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket at the halfway mark. Both methods yield deliciously crisp results.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the tots cool very slightly before serving—they’ll firm up and be safer for little hands. My 2-year-old adores them with classic ketchup, but these also pair wonderfully with garlic aioli or herby yogurt dips.

How to Serve Sweet Potato and Carrot Tots Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of smoked paprika right before serving to add a fresh, colorful touch. Sometimes I’ll add a squeeze of lemon over the tots to brighten their flavor—it’s a little trick I discovered that really lifts the dish.

Side Dishes

This Sweet Potato and Carrot Tots Recipe pairs perfectly with anything from a crisp green salad to grilled chicken or a hearty soup. For casual meals, I love serving them alongside guacamole or hummus as a healthy finger food platter for friends and family.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to thread the tots onto skewers alternating with pieces of grilled veggies or cherry tomatoes—kind of like mini veggie kebabs that are great for parties and kids’ lunches. You can also serve them stacked in a little tower on a plate with dipping sauces arranged artistically around for an elegant twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover tots keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. I like to layer them between parchment paper to keep them from sticking together and losing their crispiness.

Freezing

To freeze, flash freeze the shaped tots on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They freeze beautifully and bake straight from frozen—you don’t even need to thaw! Cooking time will be a few minutes longer.

Reheating

Reheat leftover tots in the oven or air fryer to regain crispiness—microwaving makes them a bit soggy, which I’ve learned the hard way! A quick 10-minute air fry or bake at 375°F usually does the trick.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Sweet Potato and Carrot Tots Recipe turns out every time—it’s one of my go-to snacks when I want something nourishing yet fun to eat. You’ll find it’s forgiving, flexible, and a delight for both kids and adults. Give it a try and watch your family dive in happily, just like mine always does!

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