Easy Sweet Potato Tots for Toddlers

I’m always looking for easy toddler recipes that use just a few ingredients, especially ones I can make ahead and keep in the refrigerator or freezer.

These sweet potato tots are exactly that. They’re made with sweet potato, cheese, egg and breadcrumbs, and they’re an easy finger food for toddlers. They work as a snack, a side with dinner or something you can add to a toddler lunch.

I also love recipes like this because I can make a batch once and have something ready to grab throughout the week. Anything that saves me from figuring out another toddler meal at the last minute is a win.

Why I Love These Sweet Potato Tots

The biggest reason I love these is how simple they are. There are only four main ingredients, and you don’t need any special equipment.

The sweet potato makes the inside soft, while the breadcrumbs help the tots hold together and get a little more golden on the outside. I add shredded cheese because it gives them more flavor and also helps everything stick together.

They’re also easy for little hands to pick up, which makes them a great toddler finger food.

The 411

• Prep time: About 15 minutes

• Bake time: 20–25 minutes

• Oven temperature: 400°F

• Makes: About 18–20 tots

• Storage: Up to 4 days in the refrigerator or freeze for longer

• Best for: Toddler lunches, snacks, sides and finger foods

Ingredients

• 1 large sweet potato

• 1 egg

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• Optional: A small pinch of garlic powder

How to Make Sweet Potato Tots for Toddlers

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Peel and cut the sweet potato into chunks. Steam or boil until very soft and easily pierced with a fork.

3. Drain the sweet potato well and let it cool slightly.

4. Mash the sweet potato in a large bowl until mostly smooth.

5. Add the egg, shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs. Add a small pinch of garlic powder if you want a little extra flavor.

6. Mix everything together until well combined.

7. Scoop out small portions of the mixture and shape them into little tot shapes with your hands.

8. Place the sweet potato tots on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them about halfway through, until the outside is lightly golden and the tots hold together.

10. Let them cool before serving.

Can You Make Sweet Potato Tots Ahead of Time?

Yes. That’s one of my favorite things about recipes like this. I can make a batch when I have time and keep them in the refrigerator so I have an easy toddler snack or side ready to go.

To reheat them, I prefer using the oven, toaster oven or air fryer because it helps the outside crisp back up, but you can also microwave them when you need something quickly.

Can You Freeze Sweet Potato Tots?

Yes. Let the cooked tots cool completely before freezing them. I like to freeze them in a single layer first so they don’t stick together, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.

When you need a few, you can take out exactly what you want and reheat them. Just make sure the center is warmed through and then cooled to a safe temperature before serving them to your toddler.

Can I Make Sweet Potato Tots Without Breadcrumbs?

The breadcrumbs help absorb some of the moisture from the sweet potato and make the tots easier to shape. If you need an alternative, you can try using oat flour instead.

Because the amount of moisture in a sweet potato can vary, you can also add a little more breadcrumbs if your mixture feels too wet to shape.

What Cheese Works Best for Sweet Potato Tots?

I like shredded cheddar because it adds plenty of flavor and melts well. You could also use another shredded cheese your toddler likes.

If you’re serving these to a younger child, finely shredded cheese makes it especially easy to incorporate throughout the sweet potato mixture.

What Can I Serve With Sweet Potato Tots?

These are easy to serve as a snack on their own, but I also like them as a side with a toddler meal. You could pair them with eggs for breakfast, chicken or meatballs for lunch or dinner, or whatever protein and fruit your toddler already likes.

They’re also easy to add to a lunchbox because they can be made ahead of time.

Are Sweet Potato Tots Good for Toddlers?

Sweet potato tots can be an easy toddler finger food because they’re soft on the inside and easy for little hands to pick up. As with any toddler food, make sure they're prepared in an age-appropriate size and texture for your child and supervise while eating.

More Easy Toddler Recipes

If you’re looking for more easy toddler recipes, try my Easy Broccoli Cheese Tots, Banana Oatmeal Muffins for Toddlers, Easy Zucchini Muffins for Toddlers, Toddler Energy Balls and Easy Egg Bites.

I love having a handful of simple recipes like these in rotation because I can make them ahead of time and have easy options ready when I don’t want to figure out another snack or meal from scratch.

These sweet potato tots are simple, made with just four main ingredients and easy to make ahead. Make a batch for the refrigerator or freezer and you’ll have an easy toddler finger food ready for snacks, lunches or a quick side with dinner.