Sweet Potato Balls Recipe

Mashed sweet potatoes: These provide the base for the balls, offering a sweet and creamy texture.

Bread crumbs: These add a crunchy exterior to the balls and help bind the mixture.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the flavor profile.

Olive oil: Used to brush the balls, helping them achieve a golden brown color while baking.

When forming the sweet potato balls, make sure your hands are slightly damp. This prevents the mixture from sticking to your hands and helps in achieving a smooth, uniform shape. Additionally, for an extra crispy exterior, you can roll the balls in additional bread crumbs before brushing them with olive oil.

• mashed sweet potatoes - Substitute with mashed butternut squash: Butternut squash has a similar texture and sweetness, making it a great alternative.

• mashed sweet potatoes - Substitute with mashed pumpkin: Pumpkin offers a comparable consistency and a slightly different but pleasant flavor.

• bread crumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes provide a similar crunch and can be used as a gluten-free option.

• bread crumbs - Substitute with panko bread crumbs: Panko bread crumbs are lighter and crispier, adding a different texture to the sweet potato balls.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with a bit of umami, enhancing the overall taste.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct substitute, offering a slightly different mineral content and flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit more heat and a different kind of spiciness.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used for a slightly different flavor and is also a healthy fat.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative.

• Allow the sweet potato balls to cool completely after baking. This prevents condensation and sogginess when stored.
• Place the cooled sweet potato balls in an airtight container. If stacking is necessary, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the sweet potato balls fresh and ready to reheat.
• For longer storage, arrange the cooled sweet potato balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they do not touch each other.
• Freeze the baking sheet for about 2 hours, or until the sweet potato balls are firm. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Transfer the frozen sweet potato balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. This ensures you have a tasty snack or side dish ready whenever you need it.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen sweet potato balls on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a microwave for a quicker option, though they may not be as crispy.
• Enjoy your sweet potato balls as a delightful snack or a side dish, knowing they have been stored and reheated to maintain their deliciousness.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the sweet potato balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Lightly brush them with a bit of olive oil to restore their crispiness.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the sweet potato balls on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the sweet potato balls in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are heated through and have a nice, crispy exterior.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Lightly spray the sweet potato balls with olive oil.
  3. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  4. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Oven: Used to bake the sweet potato balls at a consistent temperature of 375°F (190°C).

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the mashed sweet potatoes, bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper.

• Baking sheet: Used to place the formed sweet potato balls for baking.

• Brush: Used to apply olive oil to the sweet potato balls before baking.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the mashed sweet potatoes and bread crumbs accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt, black pepper, and olive oil accurately.

• Masher: Used to mash the sweet potatoes if they are not already mashed.

• Spatula: Used to mix the ingredients thoroughly in the mixing bowl.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mash the sweet potatoes ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use a food processor: Quickly combine bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper with the mashed sweet potatoes.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven before you begin mixing the ingredients.

Form balls with a scoop: Use a small ice cream scoop to form evenly sized sweet potato balls.

Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper on your baking sheet for easy cleanup.