Sweet Potato Cheese Balls (Super Easy Sweet Potato Croquettes)
A delightful harmony of sweet, soft steamed sweet potatoes and stretchy mozzarella cheese! Perfect as a snack for kids or an appetizer for adults.
Here’s a super simple recipe for sweet potato croquettes using steamed sweet potatoes. They are wonderfully moist and sweet when baked, offering a delightful contrast to the gooey cheese inside. Baking them makes them less oily and healthier than frying. You can whip these up with just steamed sweet potatoes, making them a fun cooking activity to do with children.
Ingredients- 2-3 medium steamed sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup (approx. 50g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (approx. 50g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (approx. 60g) panko breadcrumbs
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by thoroughly washing the sweet potatoes. Peel them and steam until fork-tender (about 20-30 minutes). Let the freshly steamed sweet potatoes cool slightly before handling.
Step 2
Once cooled, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth using a masher or a fork. The natural moisture from the sweet potatoes should be enough to form a dough, so avoid adding any water.
Step 3
Take a portion of the mashed sweet potato and roll it into a bite-sized ball (about 1.5 inches in diameter). Gently press your thumb into the center to create a cavity, then fill it generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. Pinch the edges together to seal the cheese inside securely, ensuring it doesn’t leak out.
Step 4
Gently roll the stuffed sweet potato balls again to smooth out the shape. A smooth exterior will help the coating adhere better.
Step 5
Place the all-purpose flour in a shallow dish and lightly coat each sweet potato cheese ball. This flour coating will help the egg wash stick evenly.
Step 6
In another dish, whisk the egg until well beaten. Dip each floured cheese ball into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess drip off.
Step 7
Finally, place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish. Roll each egg-washed cheese ball in the panko, pressing gently or sprinkling more breadcrumbs over it to ensure a thick, even coating. This step is key to achieving a crispy texture.
Step 8
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the breaded cheese balls on it, leaving some space between each one. Lightly spray or brush the tops with cooking oil for extra crispiness.
Step 9
Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for about 15 minutes. Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on them and adjust the baking time as needed. They are ready when golden brown.
Step 10
Once golden and perfectly baked, your sweet potato cheese balls are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm for the best experience, as the cheese will firm up as they cool. Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet potato and melted cheese!
