Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Tots (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 2 cups of sweet potato flesh, cooked and mashed (you'll need roughly 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes)
02 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or almond flour for binding
03 - 1/4 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
04 - 1 beaten egg (you can skip this if needed, but it helps with crispiness)
05 - 1 teaspoon curry powder, or whatever spices you're in the mood for

# Instructions:

01 - Start by heating your oven to 400°F. Grab a baking sheet and either grease it lightly or lay down some parchment paper to prevent sticking.
02 - Give your sweet potatoes a good rinse and dry them off. Use a fork to poke several holes around each potato, then rub a bit of oil over the skin. Pop them on your baking sheet and roast for about 40 to 45 minutes until they're soft and tender. Short on time? Microwave them for 5 to 10 minutes instead. Let them cool down to room temperature before moving on.
03 - Once cooled, peel the sweet potatoes and toss the flesh into a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or fork to mash them up—aim for a chunky texture, not a smooth puree. You should end up with about 2 cups. Toss in the breadcrumbs, cheese, egg, and your chosen seasonings, then mix everything together until well combined.
04 - Scoop up about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a small tot shape. Arrange each one on your lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
05 - Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Flip each tot over halfway through cooking so both sides get nice and golden. They're done when they look crispy and have a beautiful color.

# Notes:

01 - If you've got time, roast your sweet potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge—it'll make assembly a breeze later.
02 - The egg isn't mandatory, but adding it really does give you a crispier finished product if that's your preference.
03 - If your mixture feels too wet or sticky when shaping, pop the bowl in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm things up.
04 - Want extra crunch? Roll your shaped tots in additional panko breadcrumbs and give them a light spray or brush of olive oil before baking.