Sweet Potato Fritters with Bacon and Green Onions

Sweet Potato Fritters with Bacon and Green Onions are a delightful twist on traditional fritters. These tasty bites combine the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with savory bacon and the freshness of green onions. Perfect for appetizers or a light meal, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Easy to prepare, these fritters can be made in just 20 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes, bacon, and green onions creates a unique taste that everyone will love.
• Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up these fritters in no time.
• Versatile Dish: Serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course for a light meal.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Sweet potatoes provide essential vitamins and minerals while being lower in calories than regular potatoes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Snack: Perfect for parties or gatherings, these fritters are sure to be a hit.

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Tools and Preparation

To make Sweet Potato Fritters with Bacon and Green Onions, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Cheesecloth bag or paper towels
• Spoon
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Provides ample cooking space for even frying of fritters.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
• Cheesecloth bag: Helps efficiently squeeze out moisture from shredded sweet potatoes for crispier fritters.

Ingredients

For the Fritters

• 1 large sweet potato (peeled and shredded)
• 1 large egg (whisked)
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (grated or shredded mozzarella cheese)
• 1/4 cup flour (can substitute almond flour)
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (or garlic powder)
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 2 tablespoons green onions (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons cooked turkey bacon (chopped, optional)
• Oil of choice (I use avocado oil)

How to Make Sweet Potato Fritters with Bacon and Green Onions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

• Peel and grate the sweet potatoes using a food processor or box grater.
• Rinse the shredded sweet potatoes under cold water until it runs clear. This step reduces starch content.

Step 2: Remove Excess Moisture

• Squeeze out moisture from the rinsed shredded sweet potato using a cheesecloth bag or pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

• In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and chopped green onions.
• Add the squeezed sweet potato, salt, pepper, spices, flour, and optional turkey bacon. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Heat Oil in Skillet

• In a large skillet over medium heat, add a thin layer of oil.

Step 5: Form Fritters

• Using a spoon, scoop out rounds of the mixture into the skillet. Flatten each round into a fritter shape using a spatula.

Step 6: Cook Fritters

• Cook each fritter over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 7: Serve

• Serve warm with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce; I recommend pairing it with homemade Chipotle dipping sauce.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Fritters with Bacon and Green Onions

Sweet potato fritters with bacon and green onions are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them in various ways, making them perfect for any meal or occasion.

As an Appetizer

• Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.
• Pair with homemade chipotle dipping sauce for a spicy kick.

In a Salad

• Toss the fritters on top of a fresh salad for added flavor and texture.
• Combine with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.

For Brunch

• Serve alongside scrambled eggs and avocado slices for a hearty brunch plate.
• Add fresh fruit on the side for a sweet touch.

As a Main Course

• Create a meal by serving fritters with grilled chicken or fish.
• Accompany with roasted vegetables for a well-rounded dish.

How to Perfect Sweet Potato Fritters with Bacon and Green Onions

To make your sweet potato fritters even more delightful, consider these helpful tips to enhance their flavor and texture.

• Choose the right sweet potatoes – Opt for firm and smooth sweet potatoes to ensure the best texture in your fritters.
• Drain excess moisture – After shredding, ensure you squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This will help achieve crispy fritters.
• Adjust seasoning – Taste the mixture before frying. Feel free to add more salt or spices according to your preference.
• Use hot oil – Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the fritter mixture. This helps create a nice golden crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet – Fry in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying, which affects crispiness.
• Keep warm before serving – If making multiple batches, keep cooked fritters warm in an oven set at low heat while you finish frying the rest.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato Fritters with Bacon and Green Onions

Pairing side dishes with sweet potato fritters can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement their flavors beautifully.

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – These provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft fritters.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes add comfort and richness to your meal.
3. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds freshness and crunch, balancing the savory taste of the fritters.
4. Grilled Asparagus – Lightly seasoned asparagus offers a nutritious counterpart that complements the dish’s flavors.
5. Quinoa Salad – A refreshing quinoa salad loaded with veggies makes for a healthy and filling side option.
6. Cucumber Salad – A cool cucumber salad drizzled with vinegar adds brightness and helps cut through richness.
7. Corn on the Cob – Fresh corn adds sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your meal.
8. Baked Beans – Hearty baked beans offer sweetness and depth, pairing wonderfully with the savory elements of fritters.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making sweet potato fritters, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for.

• Not draining the sweet potatoes properly: If you skip rinsing and squeezing the shredded sweet potatoes, the excess moisture can lead to soggy fritters. Always ensure they are well-drained for crispy results.
• Using too much flour: Adding excess flour can make your fritters heavy and dense. Use just enough to bind the ingredients without overpowering the sweet potato flavor.
• Cooking at too high a temperature: If your skillet is too hot, the outside may burn before the inside cooks through. Keep the heat at medium for even cooking and golden-brown fritters.
• Overcrowding the skillet: Placing too many fritters in the pan at once can lower the heat and result in uneven cooking. Fry them in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
• Skipping seasoning: Sweet potato fritters benefit from seasoning, so don’t forget salt, pepper, and spices. Proper seasoning enhances flavor and makes your fritters irresistible.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover sweet potato fritters in an airtight container.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Sweet Potato Fritters with Bacon and Green Onions

• Place cooled fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
• After they freeze solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Sweet Potato Fritters with Bacon and Green Onions

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the fritters on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds but be aware this may make them less crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add fritters and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about sweet potato fritters with bacon and green onions.

How do I make my Sweet Potato Fritters with Bacon and Green Onions crispier?

To achieve crispiness, ensure you drain excess moisture thoroughly from the shredded sweet potatoes. Cooking them at medium heat also helps develop that nice golden crust.

Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?

Yes, you can substitute regular bacon if you prefer its flavor. Just remember that it might alter the nutritional values slightly.

What dipping sauces pair well with Sweet Potato Fritters with Bacon and Green Onions?

These fritters go wonderfully with sour cream, yogurt-based sauces, or even homemade chipotle sauce for some extra kick!

Can I make Sweet Potato Fritters vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce as a binding agent. Ensure that you use plant-based cheese as well if desired.

Final Thoughts

Sweet potato fritters with bacon and green onions offer a delightful twist on traditional recipes. Their versatility makes them perfect as an appetizer or main dish. Feel free to customize by adding different herbs or spices according to your taste preferences!