Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Puffs

Crispy on the outside and tender in the center these garlic Parmesan sweet potato puffs always win over guests at every gathering I serve them at They are a deeply flavorful finger food that works beautifully as an appetizer or a fun side dish and their golden color guarantees they stand out on any table

These puffs quickly became my party go to after a rainy weekend when I first tried merging sweet potatoes with Parmesan Not a crumb is ever left

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes: Provide a naturally sweet and creamy base Look for firm potatoes with smooth skin and no dark spots
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a punch of nutty flavor and helps crisp the exterior Choose a wedge and grate it yourself for the best melt and taste
• Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and helps the dough crisp as it bakes Use high quality real butter for fuller taste
• Egg: Binds everything together and gives the dough structure Large eggs at room temperature work best
• All purpose flour: Offers a tender structure to hold the balls together Choose unbleached flour if possible for best results
• Cornstarch: Adds extra crispness by lightening the dough
• Minced garlic: Infuses every bite with sharp savory depth Use fresh cloves for the strongest flavor
• Fine sea salt: Seasons the mixture evenly Pick a pure salt without added anti caking agents for better taste
• Black pepper: Provides a gentle kick Freshly ground is best
• Dried Italian herbs: Optional but elevate the savory notes Use a good blend or dried oregano if you do not have an Italian mix
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Adds color and a final touch of freshness
• Extra grated Parmesan for topping: Always welcome for cheese lovers

Instructions

Prep and Boil the Sweet Potatoes:

Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil Add peeled and cubed sweet potatoes and cook for about ten to twelve minutes until they are easily pierced with a fork Drain thoroughly and let cool just enough to handle

Mash the Sweet Potatoes:

Transfer the drained sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl Mash them until completely smooth and free of lumps Let the mash cool for another five minutes to prevent scrambling the egg in the next step

Mix in Cheese Aromatics and Wet Ingredients:

Add the grated Parmesan melted butter egg minced garlic salt pepper and optional Italian herbs to the mashed sweet potatoes Stir vigorously until everything is evenly mixed and the mixture turns creamy and fragrant

Incorporate Flour and Cornstarch:

Sprinkle the flour and cornstarch evenly over the mixture Gently fold them in until a soft slightly sticky dough forms Do not overwork the dough as this can make the puffs tough

Shape the Puffs:

Lightly flour your hands Portion out heaping tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls You should end up with around twenty four puffs Place them evenly spaced on a parchment lined baking sheet to avoid sticking

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Place the tray in a preheated oven at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred degrees Celsius Bake for about twenty five to thirty minutes Flip each puff halfway through to ensure an even golden crisp on all sides

Serve and Garnish:

Let the puffs cool for five minutes on the tray Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if you like Serve while still warm for the best texture

Save

My favorite part is how the fresh Parmesan melts into the hot puffs making tiny crispy edges My sister always requests these for our movie nights and they even converted the most skeptical sweet potato eater in our family

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator They keep well for up to three days Reheat on a baking tray at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit to recover the crispness Rather than using a microwave which can soften the exteriors always go for the oven or a toaster oven for reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

Make these gluten free by using a high quality gluten free flour blend instead of all purpose flour For a dairy free twist substitute the Parmesan with nutritional yeast though the texture will be a bit softer You can also try a dairy free shredded cheese though that will affect taste and browning

Serving Suggestions

Serve the puffs on their own with toothpicks as a bite sized starter They pair nicely with tangy marinara sauce spicy garlic aioli or even sour cream with a little chopped chive They also work as a colorful side alongside roasted chicken or your favorite veggie burgers for a family meal

Cultural and Seasonal Inspiration

Sweet potatoes have long been popular in the American South often baked or turned into casseroles Modern versions like these puffs update the classic by adding Italian flavors making them a versatile appetizer for any holiday or everyday meal Try them during winter when sweet potatoes are at their peak for the best flavor and price

Save

These sweet potato puffs are sure to become a favorite at your gatherings Try them fresh out of the oven for the very best taste and crunch

Recipe Guide

→ What gives these sweet potato puffs crispness?

Baking at high heat and flipping halfway ensures a golden, crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender.

→ Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a wheat-free version.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these?

Try marinara, garlic aioli, or a simple yogurt-based dip to complement their savory flavor.

→ How can I boost the flavor?

Extra Parmesan, chopped fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of Italian herbs can enhance taste and presentation.

→ Are these puffs suitable for meal prep?

Yes, prepare and shape the dough ahead of time, refrigerate, then bake just before serving for the best crispiness.