These sweet potato patties are an easy way to turn simple cooked sweet potatoes into something crisp, savory, and satisfying. The inside stays soft and creamy while the outside develops a lightly golden crust as the patties cook in a skillet. They make a handy side dish for dinner, a simple vegetarian lunch, or even a snack with your favorite dip.
The recipe works especially well with leftover mashed or roasted sweet potatoes, so there is no need to start from scratch every time. A little sautéed onion, egg, flour, and seasoning are enough to hold everything together before the patties are cooked until golden.
Sweet Potato Patties Recipe
| Recipe Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 8 patties |
| Course | Side Dish, Snack |
| Cooking Method | Stovetop |
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
- 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 to 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil, for cooking
Also Read: Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
How to Make Sweet Potato Patties
1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into small pieces. Cook them until completely tender. You can boil, steam, bake, or microwave them. Let them cool for a few minutes, then mash until mostly smooth. If you are using leftover mashed sweet potatoes, simply bring them to room temperature before continuing.
2. Cook the Onion
Melt the tablespoon of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden.
3. Make the Patty Mixture
Transfer the cooked onion to the mashed sweet potatoes. Add the beaten egg, flour, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should be soft but firm enough to hold its shape. If it feels unusually wet, add another tablespoon of flour.
4. Shape the Patties
Scoop out roughly 1/4 cup of the mixture for each patty. Shape it into a round and gently flatten it to about 1/2 inch thick. Lightly greasing your hands can make this step easier if the mixture sticks.
5. Pan-Fry Until Golden
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little butter or olive oil. Place the patties in the pan without overcrowding them. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on the first side, or until golden brown and crisp around the edges. Carefully flip and cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Serve Warm
Transfer the cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels if you want to absorb excess oil. Serve them warm with sour cream, Greek yogurt, guacamole, salsa, or a simple herb dip.
What You Can Do Better
The easiest way to improve these patties is to pay attention to the moisture in the sweet potatoes. Very wet mashed potatoes can make the mixture difficult to shape and may prevent the outside from becoming crisp. If your cooked sweet potatoes seem watery, let them cool uncovered for a few minutes before mashing.
You can also make the patties more flavorful without making the recipe complicated. Add a pinch of smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, or chopped fresh herbs. For a little heat, finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of chili flakes works well.
For evenly cooked patties, try to keep them roughly the same thickness. A thinner patty will brown more quickly, while a very thick one may remain soft in the center before the outside is properly browned.
Also Read: Garlic Potato Soup
Tips for Making Perfect Sweet Potato Patties
- Use fully cooked, soft sweet potatoes so they mash easily.
- Let the mashed sweet potatoes cool slightly before adding the egg.
- Do not make the patties too thick; about 1/2 inch works well.
- Cook over medium heat rather than high heat so the outside does not burn before the center is warm.
- Give the patties enough space in the skillet to flip them without breaking.
- If the mixture is sticky, lightly grease your hands before shaping.
- For a richer crust, cook the patties in butter; olive oil works well for a lighter option.
What to Serve with Sweet Potato Patties
These patties are flexible enough to go with breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Serve them alongside roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, baked fish, or a fresh salad. They also work nicely as a snack with yogurt dip, sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Can You Make Sweet Potato Patties Ahead?
Yes. You can shape the patties several hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook them. This is particularly useful when preparing a meal for guests.
Cooked patties can also be refrigerated in an airtight container for a few days. Reheat them in a skillet or air fryer so the exterior becomes warm and lightly crisp again.
Also Read: Chorizo Potato Stew Soup
Can You Freeze Sweet Potato Patties?
Sweet potato patties can be frozen either before or after cooking. For uncooked patties, arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag once frozen. Freezing them separately first helps prevent them from sticking together.
Cooked patties can be cooled completely, frozen in a single layer, and then stored in a freezer-safe container. Reheat them in a skillet, oven, or air fryer until heated through.
Are Sweet Potato Patties Healthy?
Sweet potatoes provide carbohydrates, fiber, and several vitamins and minerals, while the egg adds protein and helps bind the mixture. The final nutritional value will depend on the size of the sweet potatoes, the amount of cooking fat used, and the serving size. For that reason, the nutrition below should be treated as an estimate rather than a laboratory measurement.
Also Read: Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount Per Patty |
|---|---|
| Calories | 95 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Nutrition values are estimates and can vary depending on ingredient brands, sweet potato size, and the amount of butter or oil used for cooking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover mashed sweet potatoes?
Absolutely. Leftover unsweetened mashed sweet potatoes are ideal for this recipe. If they already contain a lot of butter, milk, or other liquid, you may need a little extra flour to make the mixture easier to shape.
Why are my sweet potato patties falling apart?
The mixture may contain too much moisture or may not have enough binding ingredients. Try adding another tablespoon of flour and chilling the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes before shaping. Also, avoid flipping the patties too early.
Can I make these without onion?
Yes. The onion adds savory flavor, but the patties will still work without it. You can replace it with a little garlic powder, chopped herbs, or another seasoning you enjoy.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes. Olive oil is a simple alternative for pan-frying the patties.
What is the best way to make them crispy?
Use moderately dry mashed sweet potatoes, avoid making the patties too thick, and cook them in a properly heated skillet. Give each patty enough room and allow the first side to develop a golden crust before turning it.
