Sweet Potato Croquettes

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Updated on 08/7/21
Sweet Potato Croquettes

Daniela White Images / Getty Images
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Total: 40 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
858 Calories
39g Fat
109g Carbs
17g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 858
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 39g 50%
Saturated Fat 12g 58%
Cholesterol 83mg 28%
Sodium 1419mg 62%
Total Carbohydrate 109g 40%
Dietary Fiber 7g 24%
Total Sugars 28g
Protein 17g
Vitamin C 10mg 49%
Calcium 271mg 21%
Iron 6mg 33%
Potassium 479mg 10%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Sweet potato croquettes are a fun and tasty twist on a classic potato croquette. Deep-fried until crispy, these breaded dumplings are easy to make at home. The croquettes make an excellent snack, and they can be served as an appetizer or side dish to any meal.

Croquettes are a popular food throughout the world. They're made with a countless array of fillings that are most often savory, and mashed potatoes are a common binder. The chilled filling is traditionally shaped into small oblong rolls, though some people enjoy them as balls or flat disks; the size is usually about two bites per croquette. The croquettes are then dipped in egg and breadcrumbs and deep-fried to golden perfection. This croquette recipe combines mashed sweet potatoes with butter and brown sugar to create sweet-savory bites that everyone will enjoy.

While croquettes are not difficult to make, a few tips will certainly help. To prevent the croquettes from falling apart or exploding in the oil, ensure that the filling is chilled and stays that way while you shape and bread the croquettes. You'll also want to choose a good deep-frying oil (peanut oil is an excellent option) that can handle high heat and wait until it reaches the recipe's recommended temperature. A thermometer is useful, and working in batches will help maintain a good temperature.

Enjoy the sweet potato croquettes on their own or try them with different dipping sauces. Garlic aioli is a favorite for all styles of croquettes, and these could be really interesting with a Sriracha mayo or a creamy maple mustard sauce.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes, from 4 medium sweet potatoes

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed

  • 1 (15-ounce) package plain fine dry breadcrumbs

  • 1 large egg, slightly beaten

  • 1 tablespoon water

  • Oil, for deep-frying

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, butter, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Beat until smooth and well blended. Chill thoroughly.

  3. Shape the chilled mixture into croquettes.

  4. In a bowl, mix the slightly beaten egg with the water.

  5. Put the fine breadcrumbs in another bowl.

  6. Dip sweet potato croquettes into breadcrumbs, then into the beaten egg mixture, then in the breadcrumbs again.

  7. Fry in deep hot fat (about 370 F) until croquettes are golden brown, working in batches. Drain well on paper towels.

  8. Serve and enjoy.