These Healthy Sweet Potato Patties strike the perfect balance between flavor, nutrition, and convenience, making them a standout addition to any home cook’s routine.
Packed with plant-based protein from quinoa and cheese, these patties also provide a healthy dose of dietary fiber and complex carbs from sweet potatoes.
Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Patties
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Baking Sheet
- 1 Parchment Paper Sheet or Silicone Baking Mat
- 1 Set Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 1 Potato Masher or Fork
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes approximately 240 grams or from 1½ to 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, cooked and peeled
- 1 cup cooked quinoa about 130 grams; make sure it’s fluffed and cooled
- ½ cup shredded cheese 50 grams; any melty variety like mozzarella or cheddar works well
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons almond flour approximately 15 grams; or substitute with your preferred flour
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, prepare a baking sheet by either lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the mashed sweet potatoes, cooked quinoa, shredded cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and almond flour. Stir everything thoroughly using a spoon or spatula until the mixture is uniformly combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
- Shape the Patties: Using clean hands, divide the mixture into eight equal portions. Roll each into a ball and gently flatten it into a round patty shape with your palms, aiming for even thickness across all patties.
- Bake the Patties: Place the patties on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping each patty halfway through baking to ensure both sides become lightly golden and crisp.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. These patties taste great with a dip of your choice, such as Greek yogurt, tahini sauce, hummus, or even a herbed sour cream.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To enjoy again, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for a quick bite. They’re even tasty cold!
- Customize It: Feel free to switch up the cheese or herbs to match your flavor preferences. Want extra texture? Add a handful of finely chopped spinach or shredded carrots.
- Make It Vegan: Omit the cheese or replace it with a dairy-free shredded alternative.
Almond flour adds a subtle nuttiness while keeping the recipe low in refined carbs and gluten-free.
The patties are baked—not fried—making them lower in saturated fat while still offering a satisfying crispy edge.
Ideal for busy weekdays, they come together quickly with minimal prep and are excellent for meal prep, storing well in both the fridge and freezer.
Whether served warm with a dip, tucked into wraps, or added to salads, these patties are versatile, filling, and family-friendly.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Mixing Bowl
Use a large mixing bowl to combine all the ingredients evenly. It’s essential for distributing seasonings and ensuring every patty is well-formed. A sturdy bowl is a must-have for mixing everything from batters to salads.
Baking Sheet
A flat, rimmed baking sheet ensures the patties cook evenly and crisp up nicely in the oven. Beyond patties, it’s useful for roasting vegetables, baking cookies, or reheating leftovers efficiently.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat
This prevents sticking and eliminates the need for excess oil. It promotes even browning and makes cleanup effortless—perfect for healthy baking and roasting.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Precision matters, especially with dry ingredients like almond flour and spices. A reliable set helps you follow any recipe with accuracy and is essential for both baking and cooking.
Potato Masher or Fork
To mash your sweet potatoes smoothly and evenly. This tool is also helpful for mashing beans or avocados when making dips or spreads.
Chef’s Secrets for Great Patties
The key to achieving the perfect texture in these sweet potato patties lies in balancing moisture and structure.
Make sure your mashed sweet potatoes are not overly watery—roasting rather than boiling helps preserve a thicker consistency.
Likewise, cooked quinoa should be fluffy and fully cooled before mixing; excess steam can add unwanted moisture to the patties.
For shaping, slightly damp hands will help prevent sticking, and pressing each ball into evenly thick patties ensures uniform baking.
Don’t skip the flipping step halfway through baking—it helps both sides get that subtle crispness without needing oil.
If you prefer an even crispier finish, you can lightly brush the tops with olive oil before baking.
Finally, if your mixture feels too soft to hold shape, just refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes before forming the patties.
Serving Ideas for Every Occasion
These patties are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways depending on your needs.
For a simple snack or appetizer, pair them with a creamy dip like tzatziki, avocado crema, or even a spicy yogurt sauce.
As a main meal, they work wonderfully in wraps or grain bowls alongside greens, chopped veggies, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
They also make excellent vegetarian burger alternatives—just serve on whole grain buns with lettuce, tomato, and a slice of cheese or avocado.
For kids, cut them into smaller rounds and serve with ketchup or ranch for dipping.
Their mild flavor and soft interior make them approachable for all ages while offering nutrient-dense fuel.
Best Practices for Storing Leftovers
These patties are ideal for meal prep, making them perfect for busy schedules.
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
If freezing, first lay the patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag to prevent sticking.
To reheat, you can bake them straight from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwaving is fine for convenience, though baking preserves a better texture.
For added crispiness, try reheating in a skillet with a tiny drizzle of oil over medium heat.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered
1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes can be used, but make sure to drain them well and mash thoroughly. They tend to be softer and moister, so you might need to add a bit more almond flour to balance the texture.
2. What cheese works best in this recipe?
A mild, melty cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack is ideal. For more flavor, consider using pepper jack or a smoked variety. Dairy-free cheese can also be substituted to make it vegan.
3. Can I pan-fry instead of baking?
Absolutely. You can lightly pan-fry the patties in a nonstick skillet with a small amount of oil over medium heat, about 3–4 minutes per side. This will give them a crispier edge, though the inside may be slightly softer.
4. Is almond flour necessary?
No—if you don’t have almond flour on hand, you can use oat flour, regular all-purpose flour, or even breadcrumbs. Almond flour adds a subtle nuttiness and keeps the patties gluten-free, but it’s not essential.
5. How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Make sure the mixture is well combined and not too wet. If the patties feel loose, refrigerating the mixture for 10–15 minutes before shaping can help. You can also add an extra tablespoon of flour if needed for binding.
