Side Dishes
Wahlburgers' sweet potato tots recipe delivers that perfect balance of crispy cinnamon-sugar crust and cheesy, spiced interior that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. The secret lies in properly prepping the sweet potatoes—peeling, grating, and squeezing out excess moisture—so they bake up golden and never soggy.
This is the kind of side dish that transforms ordinary meals into something special, with just the right amount of warmth and crunch.
What sets these tots apart is the layering of flavors: a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar on the outside creates that addictive crunch, while a blend of cheddar cheese and spices infuses the center with rich, savory depth.
The baking process is straightforward but requires attention to timing—you want them golden brown on the outside while still tender inside. It’s a foolproof method that even beginners can master, and the results are worth every minute.
Once out of the oven, these tots are best served immediately with classic dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or even Wahlburgers’ signature spicy mayo. The contrast of the cool, creamy sauce against the warm, spiced tots makes every bite irresistible.
Whether you're serving them as a side for burgers or as a standalone snack, they’ll disappear faster than you can say "second helping."
Pro tip: For extra crispiness, broil the tots for the last couple of minutes—just keep an eye on them to avoid burning. The key to success is patience and precision, but the payoff is a dish that rivals the original, straight from Wahlburgers. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for wahlburgers sweet potato tots
Sweet potatoes, cheddar cheese, and cinnamon-sugar create Wahlburgers' iconic crispy-cheesy tots.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet Potatoes 🍠 | 2 lbs | Peeled, grated, moisture squeezed |
| Large Eggs 🥚 | 2 whole | Beaten for binding |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese 🧀 | 1 ½ cups | Sharp variety preferred |
| All-Purpose Flour 🌾 | ½ cup | For crispiness |
| Ground Cinnamon 🌿 | 2 tbsp | Freshly ground preferred |
| Granulated Sugar 🍚 | 2 tbsp | For cinnamon-sugar mix |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 tsp | Kosher or sea salt |
| Ground Nutmeg 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly grated for warmth |
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | ½ cup | Melted for binding |
| Vegetable Oil 🫒 | 2 tbsp | For greasing pan |
The sweet potatoes are the foundation—orange-fleshed varieties like Garnet work best. Most grocery stores carry them year-round, but Trader Joe's and Whole Foods often have the sweetest, firmest ones. Look for potatoes that feel heavy for their size and have smooth, unblemished skin. If you can't find fresh, frozen grated sweet potatoes work in a pinch (just thaw and squeeze out moisture). For the cheese, sharp cheddar melts best—avoid pre-shredded blends with anti-caking agents that make them clumpy.
No sharp cheddar? Monterey Jack or pepper jack works in a bind, though the flavor will be milder. The cinnamon-sugar mix is non-negotiable for that Wahlburgers crunch—use Diamond Crystal kosher salt if you're particular, but regular table salt works fine. For extra warmth, add a pinch of cayenne to the cinnamon-sugar. The flour is key for crispiness—King Arthur or Gold Medal brands work best. If you're gluten-free, swap for almond flour (but expect slightly less crunch). The nutmeg can be skipped if you're not a fan, but it adds that subtle depth that makes these tots special.
Freshly grated sweet potatoes keep for 3 days in the fridge, wrapped tightly. The cinnamon-sugar mix stays fresh for 2 weeks in an airtight container. Once mixed, the tots batter holds for 24 hours in the fridge—perfect for making ahead. For leftovers, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until crispy again. These reheat best in batches, not all at once, to maintain that perfect texture.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No-Fuss Mash-Up: I swear by the way these tots come together—just grate, mix, and bake. The shredded sweet potatoes and cheddar blend into a dough that’s almost foolproof, even when I forget to measure the flour exactly.
- Sweet & Salty Magic: That cinnamon-kissed sweet potato meets melty cheddar? It’s the kind of combo that makes you reach for seconds without thinking. The outside gets crispy while the inside stays tender—like a hug for your taste buds.
- Game for Any Gathering: Honestly, these work everywhere. Pack them for game day, toss them in a lunchbox, or serve them as a side for dinner. They’re the kind of snack that feels fancy but costs less than takeout.
Step-by-step instructions for cinnamon-sugar sweet potato tots
Here's the foolproof method for crispy, cheesy tots with that signature Wahlburgers cinnamon-sugar crunch.
Prepare and Mix the Sweet Potato Base
Start by peeling the 2 lbs sweet potatoes and grating them using the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated sweet potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out all excess moisture—this is critical for crispy tots. The mixture should be dry enough to hold its shape when pressed between your fingers.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained sweet potatoes with the 2 whole large eggs, 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 0.5 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg. Use a rubber spatula to mix everything together until just combined. Avoid overmixing—you want a thick, sticky batter that holds together when scooped.
Form and Chill the Tot Mixture
Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with one corner snipped off. Pipe or scoop the mixture into 1-inch balls, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You should have about 16-20 tots depending on size. For even cooking, space them about 1 inch apart on the sheet.
Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is essential—it firms up the tots so they hold their shape during frying and prevents them from spreading. If you're short on time, you can freeze them for 15 minutes, but chilling works better for texture.
Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully slide the chilled tots into the oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until they turn a deep golden brown color. The internal temperature should reach 165°F—use an instant-read thermometer to check.
As they fry, you'll notice the cheese begins to melt and create pockets inside the tots. This is exactly what you want—the cheesy, gooey core with crispy edges. Don't rush this step; undercooked tots will be dense and soggy. Once golden, transfer the cooked tots to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar and Serve
In a shallow bowl, mix together the 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. While the tots are still warm, roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. The warmth of the tots will help the sugar cling beautifully, creating that signature Wahlburgers crunch.
Serve immediately while the tots are crispy and the cinnamon-sugar coating is at its peak. These tots are best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer—each bite delivers that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and cheesy goodness. For extra indulgence, pair with a side of spicy mayo or your favorite dipping sauce.
Pro Tips For Making Wahlburgers Sweet Potato Tots
- USE COLD POTATOES: Peel and grate your sweet potatoes raw—no pre-cooking needed. I learned this the hard way after boiling them first and ending up with soggy, flavorless tots. The starch binds better when cold, and you’ll get that perfect crispy texture without the mess.
- SALT THE BATTER: Toss your shredded sweet potatoes with ½ teaspoon salt before mixing with eggs and flour. This cuts down on soggy centers and makes the tots taste more developed right out of the pan—no need to season after frying.
- DON’T OVERMIX THE BATTER: Stir the egg and flour mixture just until combined—lumpy is fine. Overworking it turns the tots dense and gummy. I used to blend it smooth, but now I leave it slightly uneven for better texture.
- FREEZE HALF THE BATCH: Shape the tots, then freeze half on a tray before frying. They’ll crisp up faster and more evenly later—no waiting for the pan to reheat. I skip this when I’m lazy, but the difference in consistency is noticeable.
Serving suggestions for leftovers
Classic Burger Pairings
These tots are designed to complement Wahlburgers' signature burgers perfectly. Serve them alongside a Double Cheeseburger or Spicy Chicken Sandwich for a complete meal experience. The sweet-spicy tots cut through the richness of the burgers, balancing flavors with every bite.
I always recommend pairing them with a side of crispy onion rings to round out the fryer experience. 🍔
Dipping Sauce Essentials
No Wahlburgers tots are complete without their dipping sauce! The spicy mayo is a must—mix ½ cup mayonnaise with 1 tbsp hot sauce and a pinch of smoked paprika for that signature kick. For a cooler option, try ranch dressing with a hint of garlic powder and lemon juice.
Kids love ketchup, but I always keep a small bowl of honey mustard on hand for extra sweetness. 🥄
Game Day Spread
Transform these tots into a crowd-pleasing game day appetizer by arranging them on a wooden serving board with your favorite dips in small bowls. Add pickles and pretzels for a classic sports bar vibe. For extra flair, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top of the tots before serving.
I like to serve them with mini sliders for a complete handheld meal that’s easy to eat while watching the game. ⚽
Breakfast or Brunch
Who says tots are just for dinner? Serve them with a fluffy buttermilk pancake stack and crispy bacon for a fun weekend brunch. The sweetness of the tots pairs beautifully with the savory breakfast flavors.
For a lighter option, try them with Greek yogurt and honey instead of traditional dips. Pro tip: Warm the tots in the oven for 5 minutes at 350°F to restore their crispiness before serving. 🍳
Kid-Friendly Customizations
Make tots even more appealing to kids by letting them customize their own! Set out small bowls of rainbow sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed potato chips for extra crunch. You can also offer white chocolate drizzle for a sweet twist.
I’ve found that letting kids assemble their own tots makes them more excited to eat them—plus, it’s a fun activity for family gatherings. 👧🧒
Meal Prep and Storage
While tots are best served fresh, you can prep ahead for convenience. Store cooked tots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until crispy again.
For longer storage, freeze tots on a tray before transferring to a bag—they’ll keep for up to 2 months. To serve, simply reheat in the oven or air fryer for 3-4 minutes until golden. 🧊
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I bake these tots instead of frying?
Yes! For baked tots, preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush the chilled tots with a little oil, then bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end. The texture will be slightly less crispy than fried, but still delicious.
Why are my tots falling apart?
This usually happens when the sweet potato mixture isn't dry enough or wasn't chilled properly. Always squeeze out excess moisture with a clean towel, and refrigerate the tots for at least 30 minutes before cooking. If they still crumble, try adding 1 extra tablespoon of flour to the batter for better binding.
What's the best way to make these gluten-free?
Replace the all-purpose flour with ½ cup almond flour or ½ cup gluten-free oat flour. You may need to add 1 extra egg to help bind the mixture. Keep all other ingredients the same, but expect slightly less crispiness. For extra flavor, add ½ tsp xanthan gum to improve texture.
How do I make these vegan?
Swap the eggs for 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water) and use vegan cheddar cheese. For binding, add 1 tbsp nutritional yeast and 1 tbsp arrowroot powder. The cinnamon-sugar coating stays the same, but you may need to roll the tots more gently to avoid crumbling.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Shape the tots and refrigerate them (uncooked) for up to 24 hours before frying. For cooked tots, store them in an airtight container for 3 days in the fridge. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until crispy again. Freeze cooked tots for up to 2 months—reheat in the oven or air fryer for 3-4 minutes.