Name: Homemade Sweet Potato Tots Recipe {Great for BLW!} Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato (about one 8-oz medium-sized sweet potato); 1/2 cup red split lentils (uncooked); 1 cup no salt-added vegetable broth (can also use chicken broth); 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs (can substitute gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour); 1-2 teaspoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 9 reviews

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I absolutely adore sharing this Homemade Sweet Potato Tots Recipe {Great for BLW!} Recipe with anyone who loves wholesome, comforting snacks that are both delicious and nutritious. These tots strike the perfect balance between naturally sweet, subtly spiced, and satisfyingly crispy, making them one of my go-to recipes whenever I want to wow my family or make something special for little ones learning to feed themselves. You truly can’t beat how comforting they feel while still being packed with goodness and super easy to whip up from scratch.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Sweet Potato Tots Recipe {Great for BLW!} Recipe

What really makes this recipe stand out for me is its perfect flavor profile — the natural sweetness of the sweet potato blends wonderfully with the gentle warmth of paprika, garlic, and onion powders, creating a subtle yet addictive combination. The slight crispiness on the outside contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy interior, making every bite utterly satisfying. I always find myself going back for seconds, and I know it’s a hit whether I serve it to adults or little ones just starting with baby-led weaning.

From my experience, the ease of preparation is a huge win here. You don’t need any complicated steps or fancy ingredients; just simple pantry staples and a few fresh items. Plus, the fact that it’s baked rather than fried makes me feel great about serving it any time of day. These tots are fantastic for family dinners, snack times, lunchboxes, or casual gatherings, and they hold up well if you want to make them ahead and reheat later. Honestly, I love sharing this recipe because it’s healthy, easy, and universally loved!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate is filled with about ten golden-brown, oval-shaped patties stacked closely together. Each patty has a crispy outer layer with some darker browned spots, showing a textured and slightly rough surface. The patties have a warm orange color mixed with hints of yellow and light brown, giving them a fresh fried look. In the background, the surface is white marble, with blurry green herbs and a metal bowl slightly out of focus, highlighting the plate of patties in the front. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Homemade Sweet Potato Tots Recipe {Great for BLW!} Recipe comes together with a short list of wholesome ingredients, each playing a key role in taste, texture, and color. Every element has a purpose, whether it’s the creamy mashed sweet potato, the hearty lentils for protein, or the subtle spices that bring everything to life.

1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato: The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and creamy texture.
1/2 cup red split lentils (uncooked): Adds protein and a slightly nutty bite while keeping the tots soft inside.

1 cup no salt-added vegetable broth: Used to cook the lentils perfectly and infuse mild flavor.
1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a gentle smoky warmth without being overpowering.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth and subtle savoriness.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a mild aromatic note to the mix.

1/3 cup panko bread crumbs: Creates that desirable crisp texture on the outside; gluten-free crumbs or almond flour work great as substitutes.
1-2 teaspoons olive oil: For brushing, helping the tots crisp up beautifully in the oven.
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional): Enhances overall flavor, but can be omitted especially for baby-led weaning purposes.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Using a fork, pierce the sweet potato several times then bake it directly on the oven rack for about 45-50 minutes until soft when pressed gently. Alternatively, microwave the pierced sweet potato for 6-10 minutes until tender. Once cooked, let it cool briefly before peeling and mashing it smooth in a medium-sized bowl.

Step 2: While the sweet potato is baking, rinse the red split lentils well, then add them to a saucepan with the vegetable broth. Bring this to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer until almost all the broth is absorbed, which takes roughly 15 minutes. Then turn off the heat, keep it covered, and let the lentils sit undisturbed for another 10 minutes to fully soften.

Step 3: Combine the cooked lentils with your mashed sweet potato. Stir in the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, panko bread crumbs, and salt if using. Mix everything thoroughly by hand or a spoon so that the ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture comes together softly but is moldable.

Step 4: Shape this mixture into about 18 small croquettes, each roughly 2 inches long and 1 inch thick. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, spacing them out so they bake evenly.

Step 5: Lightly brush or spray each tot with olive oil to encourage crisping. Bake at 400 degrees F for 15-20 minutes, carefully flipping halfway through so both sides become beautifully golden and slightly crispy. Keep an eye out for that perfect texture—the outside should be crisp but not hard, and the inside soft and tender.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 18 tots, perfect for serving a small family or snacking throughout the day. Prep time, including cooking and mashing the sweet potato and preparing the lentils, takes around 35 minutes; baking time is about 15-20 minutes. Overall, you’re looking at a total of approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes, considering the slow bake of the sweet potato—though the hands-on time is quite manageable. Allow for some cooling time after baking if serving to little ones.

How to Serve This Homemade Sweet Potato Tots Recipe {Great for BLW!} Recipe

A woman’s hand is dipping a golden-brown, crispy croquette into a shiny silver bowl filled with white creamy sauce. The bowl sits centered on a round white plate with a gentle speckled pattern, all placed on a white marbled surface. In the top left corner, there is a glimpse of more croquettes in white paper liners, showing a warm, crunchy texture. In the top right corner, some fresh green cilantro leaves rest on the white marbled surface. The colors contrast nicely with the white background, showing a bright and clean setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these sweet potato tots fresh and warm, straight from the oven, paired with creamy dips like a mild yogurt-based dip or a tangy avocado puree that complements the sweet potato’s natural flavor beautifully. For family dinners, they go wonderfully alongside roasted veggies or a fresh salad, bringing a satisfying contrast of textures. If I’m serving them at a party or as finger food, I’ll arrange them neatly on a platter with colorful garnishes like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a pop of color.

Presentation-wise, I often plate a handful of these tots with small ramekins of ketchup, homemade hummus, or even a subtle tahini sauce. They hold up well as a warm snack and are always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. For beverages, I love pairing them with sparkling water infused with citrus or a light white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc. For kids, a fresh fruit smoothie or mild herbal tea works perfectly.

These tots are very versatile when it comes to occasions—they shine as a wholesome weekday snack, a nourishing toddler meal, or even a festive side dish at holiday dinners. Serving them hot or just warm preserves their crispiness best, but they’re still tasty at room temperature, making them easy to pack for lunches or picnics.

Variations

Over time, I’ve experimented with various tweaks to this Homemade Sweet Potato Tots Recipe {Great for BLW!} Recipe, and it’s fun to switch things up depending on my mood or dietary needs. For example, swapping out the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free crumbs or almond flour keeps the recipe accessible for those with gluten sensitivities, while still achieving a lovely crunch. For a vegan twist (if you are using chicken broth), simply use vegetable broth to keep it plant-based.

Flavor-wise, I sometimes add a pinch of ground cumin or cinnamon to the spice mix for a bit of an exotic twist that pairs beautifully with the sweet potato base. If you want to boost protein even more, adding finely grated cheese or nutritional yeast can bring richness and umami. For cooking methods, while I prefer baking for that perfectly crisp texture, these tots could be pan-fried lightly in olive oil for a quicker option, just keep an eye to avoid burning.

I also like making mini versions of these tots to serve as bite-sized snacks for toddler parties or to freeze and reheat individually. The flexibility in shaping and seasoning means you can truly make the recipe your own while still enjoying the comforting heart of the dish.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers that seal tightly to keep the tots fresh for up to 3-4 days. To preserve their texture, make sure the tots are completely cooled before storing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully, which makes it great for batch cooking. Lay the tots out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them uncovered until solid. Then transfer into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. These will keep well frozen for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy them, just reheat straight from the freezer—no thawing needed!

Reheating

To bring these tots back to life, the oven or air fryer is your best bet to restore crispness. Reheat at 375 degrees F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and the outsides regain their crunch. I recommend avoiding the microwave, as it tends to make them soft and less appealing. Once reheated properly, you’ll nearly forget they were ever leftovers!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This Homemade Sweet Potato Tots Recipe {Great for BLW!} Recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. None of the other ingredients contain animal products, so it’s an easy swap that keeps the recipe fully plant-based.

Is this recipe safe for baby-led weaning?

Yes, it’s perfect for BLW! The tots have a soft interior that’s easy for little hands to grasp and chew, and the seasoning is mild and baby-friendly. Just be sure to leave out the salt if you want to keep it extra gentle, and always supervise your baby while eating.

Can I use other types of lentils?

While red split lentils work best here due to their soft texture and quick cooking time, you could experiment with yellow lentils or even well-cooked green lentils. Just keep in mind that the texture and cooking time may vary, and you want the lentils to be fully soft for the best tots consistency.

How do I make these gluten-free?

You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by swapping the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free bread crumbs or finely ground almond flour. Both options help maintain the crispy outer layer without any gluten, perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Can I add other vegetables or flavors?

Definitely! I’ve added finely grated carrots or zucchini in the mix before to sneak in extra veggies. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture to keep the tots from becoming too wet. You can also try different herbs like fresh parsley or thyme to freshen up the flavor profile.

Conclusion

I hope you give this Homemade Sweet Potato Tots Recipe {Great for BLW!} Recipe a try soon because it truly is one of my all-time favorites that brings so much joy to snack time or mealtime alike. It’s simple, nourishing, and utterly satisfying—a recipe that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for little ones, family, or just treating yourself, these tots are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen as they are in mine!

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