Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy sweet potatoes. These incredible Sweet Potato Patties are the perfect combination of crispy edges and a soft, savory interior. They are wonderfully simple to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile. Whether you need a quick lunch, a satisfying side dish for dinner, or a healthy appetizer, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
We’re taking simple ingredients and turning them into something truly special. The natural sweetness of the potato pairs beautifully with savory spices, creating a balanced and delicious bite every time. Plus, they are a fantastic way to use up leftover mashed sweet potatoes!
Why You’ll Absolutely Love These Sweet Potato Patties
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both delicious and straightforward, you’ve found it. These patties are a staple for a reason.
- Incredibly Flavorful: A perfect blend of savory spices complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- Amazing Texture: You get that satisfyingly crisp exterior with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center.
- Super Versatile: Serve them as a side, a main course with a fresh salad, or even as a unique veggie burger. They’re also a great alternative to traditional lentil patties.
- Easy to Customize: I’ll share ideas for different flavor variations so you can make them your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these savory Sweet Potato Patties lies in their simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show! You’ll need about two medium-sized sweet potatoes.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: This is the secret to an extra crispy coating.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
- Green Onions: Adds a mild, fresh onion flavor.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: For a deep, savory base.
- Smoked Paprika: Lends a subtle smoky flavor that works beautifully with sweet potato.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- Olive Oil: For pan-frying to golden perfection.
How to Make Sweet Potato Patties: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these patties is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.
1. Cook and Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and dicing your sweet potatoes. Place them in a pot of cold, salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes completely and let them steam dry for a few minutes—this is key to preventing soggy patties. Mash them until smooth and let them cool down slightly.
2. Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, half of the panko breadcrumbs, the beaten egg, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated. Don’t overmix!
3. Form and Chill the Patties
Place the remaining panko breadcrumbs on a plate. Take about 1/4 cup of the sweet potato mixture and form it into a patty about 1/2-inch thick. Gently coat both sides of the patty in the panko. Place the formed patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For the best results, chill the patties in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold their shape during cooking.
4. Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat a tablespoon or two of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the patties in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and beautifully crisp. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Patties
Want to ensure your patties are perfect? Here are a few expert tips.
- Don’t Skip the Chilling Step: Chilling the patties is crucial. It prevents them from falling apart in the pan and helps them get extra crispy.
- Ensure Potatoes are Dry: After boiling, make sure the sweet potatoes are well-drained and have a chance to steam dry. Excess moisture can make the mixture too wet.
- Baking Option: For a healthier alternative, you can bake these Sweet Potato Patties. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chilled patties on a lined baking sheet, spray them with a little oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Flavor Variations to Try
This recipe is a fantastic base for creativity. Feel free to mix things up with these variations!
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely diced jalapeño to the mixture.
- Herby: Mix in a tablespoon of fresh chopped cilantro, parsley, or chives.
- Cheesy: Add 1/4 cup of crumbled feta or shredded parmesan cheese to the sweet potato mixture. A cheesy patty is delicious with a cool dip like our creamy feta and olive dip.
What to Serve With Your Patties
These versatile patties pair well with so many things. Try serving them with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a zesty aioli, or alongside a fresh green salad. They make a fantastic side for main courses like garlic herb chicken or baked fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! For a healthier option, bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and flip them halfway through to ensure they get crispy on both sides.
Yes, this recipe is great for making ahead. You can prepare and shape the patties, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
You can freeze them either cooked or uncooked. To freeze uncooked patties, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Cook them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Cooked patties can be frozen the same way and reheated in the oven or a skillet.
For an egg-free version, you can use a ‘flax egg.’ Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken, and then use it in place of the egg. The texture might be slightly different, but it works well as a binder.
This usually happens for two reasons: the sweet potato mixture is too wet, or the patties weren’t chilled. Make sure you drain the boiled potatoes well and let them steam dry. Most importantly, don’t skip the 30-minute chilling step, as this helps them firm up and hold their shape during cooking.
The Best Sweet Potato Patties Recipe
Sweet Potato Patties (Crispy, Savory, and So Easy!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the peeled and diced sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well and allow to steam dry for a few minutes.
- In a large bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Let them cool slightly.
- Add 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs, the beaten egg, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix until just combined.
- Spread the remaining 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs on a plate. Form the sweet potato mixture into 8 patties, about 1/2-inch thick. Gently coat each patty in the panko.
- Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm.
Notes
Baking Instructions: To bake, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place patties on a lined baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Share Your Masterpiece!
I hope you love making and eating these crispy Sweet Potato Patties! If you try this recipe, I’d be thrilled to see it. Please leave a comment below or share a photo on Pinterest. Your feedback helps our community of home cooks grow!
