Description

These Crispy Sweet Potato Bites with Herbed Parmesan Butter are a flavorful and irresistibly crunchy appetizer or snack. Roasted sweet potatoes are mashed and mixed with Parmesan and Asiago cheese, then coated in a spiced panko crust and baked to golden perfection. Finished with a fragrant herbed Parmesan butter drizzle, these bites offer a perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavors that are sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potato Bites

4 medium sweet potatoes
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup finely grated Asiago or Manchego cheese
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
2 cups panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less to taste)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing

Herbed Parmesan Butter

6 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted)
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Remaining 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: 1 small minced garlic clove

Instructions

Roast the potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prick the sweet potatoes all over with a fork, then place them directly on the oven rack. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until the potatoes are very tender. Remove and let cool until easy to handle.
Mash & season: Once cooled, slip off the skins of the sweet potatoes. Mash the flesh in a bowl until smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, the grated Asiago or Manchego cheese, and a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Place the bowl in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes to help the mixture firm up slightly.
Make the crumb coating: In a shallow bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
Shape & coat: Scoop 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of the mashed sweet potato mixture and roll it into a short cylinder shape. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture. Roll each piece in the seasoned panko mixture to coat evenly, and place back on the sheet. Gently square off the sides of each piece if desired. Lightly brush or mist the coated bites with extra-virgin olive oil.
Bake until crisp: Bake the coated bites for 15 minutes in the oven, then carefully flip them over. Bake for another 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crunchy on all sides.
Prepare the herbed Parmesan butter: While the bites bake, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped fresh thyme leaves and, if using, the minced garlic clove. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese with the chopped fresh sage and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if desired.
Finish & serve: Once the sweet potato bites are baked and crispy, drizzle them generously with the warm herbed butter. Sprinkle the Parmesan-sage mixture over the top. Serve the bites warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Optional Instant Pot shortcut for roasting potatoes: To speed up the potato cooking, prick sweet potatoes and place them in the Instant Pot with 1 1/2 cups of water. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then quick or natural release the steam. Drain and proceed with mashing and seasoning as directed above, then finish with the baking steps in the oven.

Notes

For a spicier kick, adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred heat level or add extra red pepper flakes.
If you don’t have Asiago or Manchego cheese, you can substitute with another firm, flavorful cheese such as aged cheddar or Gruyère.
Use fresh herbs for the butter to maximize flavor, but dried thyme and sage can be used in a pinch—use about 1 teaspoon dried each.
The Instant Pot method can save time, but the oven roasting method develops deeper sweetness and flavor in the sweet potatoes.
Make sure to freeze the mashed potato mixture briefly before shaping to help it hold together more easily when rolling and coating.
These bites can be prepared ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator; reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: sweet potato bites, crispy appetizer, Parmesan butter, panko crust, roasted sweet potatoes, herbed butter, party snacks