If you’ve ever wondered how to turn leftover mashed sweet potatoes into a meal that’s both exciting and satisfying, sweet potato patties are the answer. These golden-brown patties are packed with flavor, lightly spiced, and have a texture that’s crispy on the outside yet soft and creamy on the inside. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious side dish, sweet potato patties transform ordinary ingredients into something truly special.
Why We Love This Sweet Potato Patties Recipe
Sweet potato patties are more than just a way to use leftovers—they’re a delightful combination of taste, texture, and simplicity. The natural sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with earthy herbs and a hint of curry, creating a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. They cook quickly in the oven, making them convenient for busy days, and the herb-infused mayo adds a fresh, creamy contrast that elevates each bite. This recipe is not only comforting but also versatile, allowing you to serve it as a snack, side dish, or even a light main course. Every patty is golden, crispy, and bursting with flavor, ensuring that everyone at the table will be reaching for seconds.
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Patties
To create these irresistible patties, you’ll need simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Each component plays a key role in building flavor and texture: the mashed sweet potatoes provide a creamy base, the egg and flour help bind the patties, and the herbs and spices add depth and warmth.
Sweet Potato Patties:
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp curry powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ cup wheat flour
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
Herb Mayo Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp mixed herbs
How to Make Sweet Potato Patties
Making sweet potato patties is simple and straightforward. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the patties bake evenly without sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, sea salt, black pepper, curry powder, mashed sweet potatoes, flour, and dried thyme. Mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a slightly sticky but manageable dough.
Next, use a 4-tablespoon scoop or a ¼ cup measure to portion out six mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten the tops gently with a spatula to form even patties. Brush each patty with melted butter, which will help them brown beautifully in the oven.
Bake the patties for 15 minutes on one side. Then carefully flip each one, brush again with butter, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the patties are golden brown and set in the center. While the patties bake, prepare the dipping sauce by mixing mayonnaise and mixed herbs in a small bowl. This simple sauce adds a refreshing, creamy layer to your patties and complements their natural sweetness perfectly.
Once the patties are done, serve them immediately with the herb mayo and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Each bite should offer a satisfying combination of crispiness, softness, and flavor.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Patties
Sweet potato patties are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve them as an appetizer at your next dinner party or as a satisfying side dish alongside grilled vegetables or a fresh salad. They also pair well with a simple dipping sauce, like the herb mayo included in this recipe, which adds a creamy texture and a burst of herbal flavor. For a casual meal, place them in a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and a light spread of mayo. You can even enjoy them as a snack on their own, warm from the oven. Garnish with finely chopped herbs for an extra touch of freshness and color. The presentation is simple yet inviting, making them perfect for any occasion.
Expert Tips for Sweet Potato Patties
To make your sweet potato patties even better, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, make sure your mashed sweet potatoes are not overly watery, as this can make the patties fall apart. If needed, drain excess moisture before mixing. Second, brushing with melted butter ensures a golden, crisp exterior. Don’t skip this step—it really makes a difference.
Experiment with spices to suit your taste. Curry powder adds warmth, but you can also try smoked paprika or garlic powder for a different twist. Using a scoop or measuring cup helps create evenly sized patties that cook uniformly. If you want extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the patties with oil before baking or finish them in a hot skillet for a few minutes. Finally, always serve them immediately for the best texture and flavor, though they can be reheated if necessary.
How to Store Sweet Potato Patties
If you have leftovers, sweet potato patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes or until warmed through. This helps maintain their crispiness while keeping the interior soft. You can also freeze them individually on a baking sheet for 2–3 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven for best results.
Variation of Sweet Potato Patties
There are plenty of ways to make sweet potato patties your own. Add finely chopped onions, garlic, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. For a cheesy variation, mix in a small amount of shredded cheese into the patty mixture before baking. You can also make them spicier by incorporating a pinch of cayenne or chili powder. For a lighter option, substitute half of the mayonnaise in the dipping sauce with Greek yogurt. Sweet potato patties are versatile, allowing you to experiment with flavors to match your preferences while still keeping the recipe simple and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sweet Potato Patties
Can I make sweet potato patties without eggs?
Yes, you can use a flax egg or chia egg as a substitute for binding the patties. This works well for a vegan-friendly version.
Can I bake these patties instead of frying?
Absolutely. Baking is the preferred method in this recipe, providing a crisp outside and soft inside without extra oil.
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
You can, though the flavor will be different. Sweet potatoes offer natural sweetness and a creamy texture that regular potatoes do not.
How long do sweet potato patties last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, they last up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Can I make these patties ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the mixture and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. They also freeze well for future use.
Sweet Potato Patties
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Medium bowl
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ cup wheat flour
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon mixed herbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, sea salt, black pepper, curry powder, mashed sweet potatoes, flour, and dried thyme until fully combined.
- Using a ¼ cup measure, portion out six mounds onto the prepared baking sheet and flatten gently with a spatula.
- Brush each patty with melted butter and bake for 15 minutes. Flip each patty, brush again with butter, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.
- While baking, prepare the dipping sauce by mixing mayonnaise and mixed herbs in a small bowl.
- Serve the patties immediately with herb mayo and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!