Sweet Potato Fritters with Turkey Bacon and Green Onions

Sweet Potato Fritters with Turkey Bacon and Green Onions are a delightful twist on traditional potato fritters. These fritters are not only easy to make but also offer a healthy alternative packed with flavor. Perfect for any occasion, whether as an appetizer or a light meal, these fritters stand out with their unique combination of ingredients. The sweetness of the potatoes complements the savory turkey bacon and fresh green onions, making them irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious Option: Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, providing a healthy boost to your meals.
• Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes from prep to plate, you can enjoy this dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Serving: Serve these fritters as a side dish, snack, or even in a brunch spread—perfect for any meal!
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to substitute or add your favorite ingredients, like different cheeses or spices.
• Kid-Friendly Taste: The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes makes these fritters a hit with both kids and adults.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious sweet potato fritters.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large bowl
• Skillet
• Grater or food processor
• Spatula
• Cheesecloth bag (or paper towels)

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A non-stick skillet ensures that your fritters cook evenly without sticking, providing a perfect golden-brown crust.
• Grater or food processor: Quickly shred your sweet potatoes for efficient preparation—saving time and effort.
• Spatula: Use a spatula to help shape your fritters and flip them easily for even cooking.

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 sub for 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 crumbles (optional)
• Oil of choice. I use avocado oil.

How to Make Sweet Potato Fritters with Turkey Bacon and Green Onions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

1. Peel and grate the sweet potatoes using a grater or food processor.
2. Rinse the shredded potatoes under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
3. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a cheesecloth bag or by patting them dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, crack the egg and whisk it together with finely chopped green onions.
2. Combine the shredded potatoes with the egg mixture.
3. Add salt, pepper, spices, flour, and turkey bacon crumbles. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Cook the Fritters

1. Heat a thin layer of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Using a spoon, scoop out rounds of the sweet potato mixture and place them in the skillet.
3. Press down gently with a spatula to shape them into fritters.
4. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside.

Step 4: Serve

Serve your delicious Sweet Potato Fritters hot with a dollop of sour cream on top or your favorite dipping sauce like homemade Chipotle sauce. Enjoy!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Fritters with Turkey Bacon and Green Onions

Sweet potato fritters with turkey bacon and green onions are not only tasty but also versatile. They can be served in numerous ways to complement your meal or snack time.

As an Appetizer

• Serve warm on a platter, allowing guests to enjoy them as finger food. Pair them with dipping sauces for added flavor.

With Dipping Sauces

• Try serving them with homemade chipotle sauce, sour cream, or guacamole. These sauces enhance the flavors and provide a creamy contrast to the crispy fritters.

On a Bed of Greens

• Place the fritters on a bed of mixed greens or arugula. This not only adds color but also a refreshing crunch that pairs well with the sweet potatoes.

As a Breakfast Item

• Enjoy these fritters as part of a hearty breakfast. Top them with a fried egg and avocado slices for a delicious start to your day.

In a Wrap

• Create a quick wrap by placing the fritters in a tortilla along with fresh veggies and your choice of sauce. This makes for a portable meal option that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

How to Perfect Sweet Potato Fritters with Turkey Bacon and Green Onions

To achieve the perfect sweet potato fritters, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your cooking game.

• Choose fresh ingredients: Using fresh sweet potatoes and green onions ensures vibrant flavors and optimal texture in your fritters.

• Properly drain moisture: Squeezing out excess moisture from the shredded sweet potatoes is crucial for crispy fritters. This helps prevent sogginess during cooking.

• Adjust seasoning: Don’t be afraid to add more spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Taste the mixture before frying to ensure it’s flavorful.

• Maintain oil temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the fritter mixture. This helps achieve that golden-brown crust while cooking evenly inside.

• Use even portions: Use an ice cream scoop or measuring cup to portion out the batter uniformly. This ensures all fritters cook at the same rate.

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

Serving sweet potato fritters alongside complementary side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Crispy Kale Chips: Lightly seasoned kale chips add crunch and are packed with nutrients, making them a healthy companion.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in olive oil and seasoned, these sprouts bring earthy flavors that balance well with sweet potato fritters.

3. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon dressing offers a light yet satisfying side.

4. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes create comfort food vibes that pair delightfully with these savory fritters.

5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw made from cabbage and carrots provides freshness and crunch, contrasting nicely with the soft texture of the fritters.

6. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, grilled corn adds sweetness and complements the taste of sweet potato, making it an excellent summer side dish.

7. Tomato Salsa: Fresh tomato salsa adds brightness and acidity, enhancing every bite of your sweet potato fritters.

8. Mixed Vegetable Stir-Fry: A colorful stir-fry featuring seasonal veggies adds vibrancy to your plate while being quick to prepare.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Sweet Potato Fritters with Turkey Bacon and Green Onions, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the rinsing step: Rinsing the shredded sweet potato helps remove excess starch, which can make your fritters soggy. Always rinse until the water runs clear.

• Not squeezing out moisture: If you don’t remove excess moisture from the shredded potatoes, your fritters may fall apart while cooking. Use a cheesecloth or paper towels to dry them well.

• Overcrowding the skillet: Adding too many fritters at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in uneven cooking. Fry in batches to ensure they cook evenly and become golden brown.

• Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoned fritters can be bland. Make sure to add enough salt, pepper, and spices to enhance the flavors of the dish.

• Cooking on high heat: Cooking fritters on high heat may burn the outside before they are cooked through inside. Keep your heat at medium for even cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover fritters in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sweet Potato Fritters with Turkey Bacon and Green Onions

• Allow fritters to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
• Frozen fritters can be kept for up to 2 months.

Reheating Sweet Potato Fritters with Turkey Bacon and Green Onions

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. This method may result in softer fritters.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes per side until crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Sweet Potato Fritters with Turkey Bacon and Green Onions:

Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?

You can definitely use regular bacon if you prefer. Just cook it until crispy before adding it to the mixture.

How can I make these fritters vegan?

To make Sweet Potato Fritters with Turkey Bacon and Green Onions vegan, replace the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water or unsweetened applesauce, and omit the turkey bacon.

What dipping sauces go well with these fritters?

These fritters pair wonderfully with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or any spicy sauce like sriracha or homemade Chipotle dipping sauce.

How do I prevent my sweet potato fritters from falling apart?

Ensure you remove excess moisture from the sweet potatoes and let your mixture rest briefly before frying. This helps bind them better.

Final Thoughts

Sweet Potato Fritters with Turkey Bacon and Green Onions are not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as part of your main course. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables or spices based on your tastes. Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen!