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Crispy Sweet Potato Bites with Herbed Parmesan Butter Recipe

Crispy Sweet Potato Bites with Herbed Parmesan Butter Recipe

5.2 from 8 reviews

Crispy Sweet Potato Bites with Herbed Parmesan Butter are bite-sized, golden, and crunchy treats made from tender mashed sweet potatoes, coated in a flavorful panko and spice mixture, then baked to perfection. Finished with a luscious herbed Parmesan butter, these savory bites make a perfect appetizer or snack with a delightful balance of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potato Mixture

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Asiago or Manchego cheese
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Crumb Coating

  • 2 cups panko bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing

Herbed Parmesan Butter

  • 6 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: 1 small minced garlic clove

Instructions

  1. Roast the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prick each sweet potato all over with a fork and place them directly on the oven rack. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork. Allow to cool until they are easy to handle.
  2. Mash and Season: Carefully slip off the sweet potato skins and transfer the flesh to a bowl. Mash it until smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, the Asiago or Manchego cheese, and season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Place the bowl in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes to let the mixture firm up slightly, which makes shaping easier.
  3. Prepare the Crumb Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
  4. Shape and Coat Bites: Using a spoon, scoop 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of the mashed sweet potato mixture and roll it into a short cylinder shape. Place each shaped bite on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Then roll each piece in the panko crumb mixture until fully coated. Return the coated bites to the baking sheet, gently pressing to square off the sides if desired. Lightly brush or mist each bite with extra-virgin olive oil to help them crisp up.
  5. Bake Until Crisp: Bake the bites in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then flip each one over and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until they turn golden and crunchy all over.
  6. Make Herbed Parmesan Butter: While the bites bake, melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped fresh thyme and, if desired, a small minced garlic clove. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and the herbs release their aroma. Remove from heat.
  7. Combine Parmesan and Sage: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese with the chopped fresh sage and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat (optional).
  8. Finish and Serve: Once the sweet potato bites are baked to a crisp, drizzle them generously with the warm herbed butter mixture. Sprinkle the Parmesan and sage mixture over the bites. Serve them warm or at room temperature as an appetizer or snack.
  9. Instant Pot Alternative for Potatoes: If using an Instant Pot, prick the sweet potatoes and add them to the pot with 1 1/2 cups of water. Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes, then quick or natural release the steam. Drain excess water and proceed from the “Mash and Season” step in the oven method above.

Notes

  • Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit entirely for a milder taste.
  • Butter can be salted or unsalted depending on your preference; adjust added salt accordingly.
  • For a garlic flavor in the herbed butter, add one small minced garlic clove while melting the butter; omit if preferred.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor in the butter; dried herbs will not provide the same aromatic quality.
  • To make these bites gluten-free, substitute gluten-free panko bread crumbs.
  • To ensure crispiness, do not overcrowd the baking tray and allow space between each bite.
  • These bites can be prepared ahead of time and reheated in the oven to retain their crisp texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato bites, crispy appetizer, Parmesan sweet potatoes, herbed butter, baked snack, vegetarian appetizer, finger food