11 February 2025

Sweet Potato Fritters

These Sweet Potato Fritters are a fun and healthy twist on mini pizzas, topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella. They make the perfect bite-sized treat for a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. The crispy exterior and soft, tender center of the sweet potato base perfectly compliment the toppings, which you can easily adjust to your taste.

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I’m Italian, so pizza is a staple of my cuisine, and when it’s homemade, it’s even better. In particular, little pizzas called “pizzette” take me back to my childhood, when my nonna would prepare a big batch of them as an afternoon snack. However, even though it’s very easy to make, I have to admit that sometimes I just don’t want to take the time to prepare the dough. Plus, flour can be hard to digest, so I thought of substituting it with another ingredient I love— sweet potato. This version is a fantastic option when you’re short on time but don’t want to sacrifice flavor or texture. I can assure you that once you serve these Sweet Potato Fritters, they won’t last long, and their small size will make them irresistible to everyone.

Sweet Potato Fritters have their origins in Caribbean and West African cuisines, where sweet potatoes are commonly used in snacks or side dishes. Additionally, in the US, especially in the South, these fritters are often made in a sweet version, mixing the vegetable with ingredients like cornmeal, sugar and cinnamon. Normally, these recipes involve frying, but for this recipe, I chose to bake them for a healthier alternative

Before storing the Sweet Potato Fritters in the fridge, let them cool completely after cooking to prevent condensation. Then, place them in an airtight container, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Alternatively, if you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze them for up to 2 months by placing the fritters in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Ingredients for sweet potato pizzas

Sweet potato: its naturally sweet and earthy taste complements savory ingredients like mozzarella. Additionally, grated sweet potato provides a soft texture to the fritters, which contrasts with the crispy exterior. This food is packed with vitamin A and C, along with fiber and antioxidants, making the fritters a healthier option compared to traditional fritters made with white potatoes. Finally, sweet potatoes reduce the need for excess flour or other binders, as they help the fritters maintain their shape while cooking.

Egg: it acts as a binding agent, ensuring the fritters don’t fall apart when baking. Eggs contribute to the tender and moist texture, helping create a soft interior with a crispy outer layer. Finally, they provide a rise to the Sweet Potato Fritters, resulting in a lighter, airier texture.

Parmesan: this cheese adds a savory, umami flavor that complements the sweet potatoes. Additionally, Parmesan’s salty taste enhances the overall profile of the Sweet Potato Fritters. Moreover, it helps bind the fritters together, maintaining their integrity.

Cornstarch: its key role is to promote a crispy exterior, creating a crunchy outer layer that makes the Sweet Potato Fritters more appealing and satisfying. Moreover, cornstarch absorbs excess moisture released from the potatoes, preventing the fritters from becoming soggy. Finally, it contributes to their light and airy texture.

Almond flour: it adds a slightly nutty flavor to the Sweet Potato Fritters, helping create a delicate crumb. Almond flour is naturally gluten-free, making it an ideal choice for those following a gluten-free diet. This alternative to wheat flour ensures the Sweet Potato Fritters remain light and fluffy.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

How to prepare healthy potato fritters

Peel and grate the sweet potato. Add it to a bowl with almond flour, cornstarch, shredded parmesan cheese, and eggs. Season with salt, black pepper, and rosemary.

Mix until you achieve a homogenous consistency. Using a tbsp, place some of the mixture on a lined baking sheet, forming small flat piles.

Brush a little oil on top and bake in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until golden brown (depends on your oven).

Once crispy, remove from the oven and spread some tomato sauce on top, along with some shredded mozzarella. Put them back in the oven for another 5 minutes or until the cheese melts.

My tips for crispy sweet potato pizzas

After grating the sweet potatoes, squeeze them in a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture and prevent the Sweet Potato Fritters from becoming soggy.

You can customize the flavor by adding spices like cumin, paprika, garlic powder, or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.

You can prepare the Sweet Potato Fritter mixture in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours before cooking. This will help the flavors meld together and make the fritters easier to form.

Did you try this recipe? Don’t forget to share it with me tagging @nutritiouslysofia on Instagram!