Sweet Potato Fritters with Turkey Bacon and Green Onions

Sweet Potato Fritters with Turkey Bacon and Green Onions are a delightful twist on your standard fritter. They’re not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, making them a fantastic choice for any meal. These fritters can easily be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light main course. With the addition of turkey bacon and green onions, they offer a unique flavor that you won’t want to miss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious Choice: Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals, making these fritters a healthy option.
• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly and requires minimal cooking skills.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these fritters as an appetizer, side dish, or even breakfast!
• Flavorful Twist: The combination of turkey bacon and green onions elevates the taste profile.
• Great for Meal Prep: These fritters can be made ahead of time and reheated for convenient meals.

Tools and Preparation

To make Sweet Potato Fritters with Turkey Bacon and Green Onions, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grater or Food Processor
• Mixing Bowls
• Skillet
• Spatula
• Cheesecloth or Paper Towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Grater or Food Processor: Quickly shreds sweet potatoes to save time on prep.
• Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
• Skillet: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly cooked fritters.
• Spatula: Helps shape the fritters and flip them without breaking.

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 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.

Step 2: Remove Excess Moisture

1. Squeeze out the moisture from the shredded potatoes using a cheesecloth bag or pat dry with paper towels.

Step 3: Mix Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, crack the egg and whisk it together with finely chopped green onions.
2. Combine this mixture with the shredded sweet potatoes.
3. Add salt, pepper, onion powder, oregano, flour, and optional turkey bacon crumbles. Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Cook Fritters

1. In a large skillet, heat a thin layer of oil over medium heat.
2. Using a spoon, add rounds of the sweet potato mixture to the skillet.
3. Press each round into a pancake/fritter shape using a spatula.

Step 5: Final Cooking Steps

1. Cook each fritter in the skillet for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside.
2. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce like homemade chipotle dipping sauce.

Enjoy making these delicious Sweet Potato Fritters with Turkey Bacon and Green Onions! They’re perfect for any occasion!

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

Sweet potato fritters with turkey bacon and green onions are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve them in various ways to enhance your meal experience.

As an Appetizer

• Serve them warm with a side of dipping sauce, such as homemade chipotle or sour cream, for a tasty starter.

In a Salad

• Chop up the fritters and toss them in a green salad for added texture and flavor. They pair well with mixed greens and vinaigrette.

For Breakfast

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

In Tacos

• Use the fritters as a filling in soft corn tortillas. Add some fresh salsa and avocado slices for a flavorful twist.

With Yogurt Sauce

• Prepare a yogurt-based sauce with herbs and spices, then drizzle it over the fritters for a refreshing contrast.

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

To get the most out of your sweet potato fritters, consider these helpful tips that will make your cooking experience easier and more enjoyable.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh sweet potatoes and green onions to maximize flavor.
• Squeeze Out Moisture: Ensure you squeeze out excess moisture from the shredded sweet potatoes to achieve crispy fritters.
• Adjust Spices: Feel free to customize spice levels according to your taste preferences; adding more garlic or onion powder can enhance flavors.
• Preheat Your Skillet: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the fritter mixture; this helps create a nice golden crust.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry fritters in batches. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy results.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try using different cheeses like feta or cheddar for varied flavors in your fritters.

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

Pairing side dishes with your sweet potato fritters can elevate the overall meal. Here are some excellent options that complement their flavor beautifully.

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad of mixed greens dressed in vinaigrette adds freshness.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring out sweetness while adding texture.
3. Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa pilaf provides protein and balances the dish nicely.
4. Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw offers crunch and contrasts well with the crispy fritters.
5. Avocado Toast: A slice of avocado toast pairs perfectly, creating a satisfying meal.
6. Fruit Salsa: A refreshing fruit salsa adds sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the fritters.
7. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts bring additional crunch and earthiness.
8. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic offer comfort alongside the fritters.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sweet potato fritters can be tricky if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when making Sweet Potato Fritters with Turkey Bacon and Green Onions.

• Skipping the rinsing step: Rinsing the shredded sweet potatoes helps remove excess starch, which can lead to soggy fritters. Always rinse until the water runs clear.
• Not squeezing out moisture: Leaving moisture in the potatoes can make it hard for the fritters to hold together. Use a cheesecloth or paper towels to squeeze out as much water as possible.
• Overcrowding the pan: If you add too many fritters at once, they won’t cook evenly. Cook them in batches to ensure they get that beautiful golden brown color.
• Ignoring seasoning: Sweet potatoes have a natural sweetness, but they need seasoning to balance that flavor. Don’t forget to add salt, pepper, and spices for better taste.
• Using low-quality oil: The type of oil you use can affect the cooking process and flavor. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, like avocado oil, for frying.
• Not monitoring cooking time: Cooking times can vary based on your stove and skillet. Keep an eye on them; you want a golden brown outside and cooked inside.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Sweet Potato Fritters with Turkey Bacon and Green Onions

• Place cooled fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Sweet Potato Fritters with Turkey Bacon and Green Onions

• Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place fritters on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 30-60 seconds or until warmed through. This may soften them slightly.
• Stovetop: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Reheat fritters for about 3-4 minutes per side until crispy again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Sweet Potato Fritters with Turkey Bacon and Green Onions.

Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?

Yes, you can substitute regular bacon if you prefer. Just cook it until crispy before adding it to the mixture.

What can I serve with sweet potato fritters?

These fritters pair well with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a homemade dipping sauce like chipotle mayo.

Can I make sweet potato fritters vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the turkey bacon altogether or replace it with other ingredients like black beans or additional vegetables.

How do I prevent my fritters from falling apart?

Make sure you squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the sweet potatoes and don’t skip adding flour, which helps bind everything together.

Final Thoughts

These Sweet Potato Fritters with Turkey Bacon and Green Onions are not only delicious but also versatile. They make an excellent appetizer or side dish. Feel free to customize them by adding different herbs or spices according to your taste preferences!