Sweet Potato Sliders
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
I absolutely love making Sweet Potato Sliders for gatherings because they are a hit every time! The combination of sweet potatoes and savory toppings creates a flavor explosion that is both satisfying and nutritious. Plus, they're easy to whip up, making them perfect for last-minute snacks or impressive appetizers. With a hint of spices and the option to customize the toppings, these sliders always leave my guests asking for the recipe. I can’t wait for you to try them out at your next event!
When I first made Sweet Potato Sliders, I was amazed at how these little bites packed such a powerful punch of flavor. I experimented with different spices and toppings, ultimately finding that a sprinkle of smoked paprika and a dollop of guacamole elevated the dish to new heights. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and savory that keeps every bite interesting!
One thing I learned is to roast the sweet potatoes until they’re slightly caramelized. This brings out their natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor that transforms an ordinary slider into something extraordinary. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them for every occasion!
Why You'll Love These Sliders
- Deliciously sweet and savory combination
- Easily customizable with your favorite toppings
- Perfect for parties, game days, or healthy snacking
Mastering the Sweet Potato Prep
To achieve the best texture for your sliders, ensure that you cut the sweet potatoes into uniform cubes. This not only helps them roast evenly but also provides a consistent mash for your sliders. A good size is about 1-inch cubes. Larger pieces will take longer to cook, while smaller ones may burn before becoming tender.
Roasting the sweet potatoes at the right temperature is crucial. Preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) allows for caramelization, enhancing the natural sweetness of the potatoes. You want to look for a slight golden color on the edges of the cubes after about 25-30 minutes of roasting. If they appear too dry or lack color, consider leaving them in for an additional five minutes, checking frequently.
Slider Assembly Tips
When assembling the sliders, mash the roasted sweet potatoes just enough to hold together but leave some texture intact. This adds a delightful bite and prevents the filling from becoming too mushy. I recommend using a fork for this step, as it allows you to control the consistency better than a food processor would, which could create a smooth paste.
The toppings can drastically change the flavor profile of your sliders. Consider swapping out guacamole for hummus or a vegan aioli for a different twist. You can also add other veggies like roasted red peppers or arugula for a peppery crunch. The key is to balance the sweetness of the potatoes with savory or spicy toppings.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create delicious Sweet Potato Sliders:
Sweet Potato Sliders Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 slider buns
- Guacamole, for topping
- Sliced jalapenos, for topping
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Once you have your ingredients, you’re ready to make some amazing sliders!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Sweet Potato Sliders:
Prepare and Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet.
Assemble the Sliders
Once roasted, remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and mash them slightly with a fork. Spoon the mixture onto slider buns and add guacamole and sliced jalapenos on top. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
These sliders can be served warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, consider adding diced red onions or a drizzle of hot sauce on top of your sliders.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
These sliders can be made ahead of time for easy entertaining. You can roast the sweet potatoes a day prior and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes before assembling the sliders. This helps maintain their texture and flavor, ensuring they're as delicious as when freshly made.
If you have leftover assembled sliders, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, I recommend keeping the toppings separate until just before serving to prevent the buns from becoming soggy. The sweet potato mixture itself can be frozen as well; just cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your sweet potatoes come out too mushy during roasting, it could be due to overcrowding on the baking sheet. Make sure to spread them out in a single layer, giving each piece enough space for the hot air to circulate. If they do end up too soft, you can mash them slightly and mix in a bit of breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture when assembling the sliders.
Another common issue is the buns becoming soggy when topped with moist ingredients. To avoid this, you can lightly toast the buns before assembly. This creates a barrier that helps them retain their structure and enhances the flavor. A quick toast in a skillet over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes on each side works wonders.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the sweet potato mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before assembling the sliders.
→ Are these sliders gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free buns, these sliders can easily be made gluten-free.
→ What can I substitute for guacamole?
You can use hummus, tzatziki, or any other spread you prefer!
→ How can I add more protein to the sliders?
Consider adding black beans to the sweet potato mash or topping the sliders with grilled chicken or turkey.
Sweet Potato Sliders
I absolutely love making Sweet Potato Sliders for gatherings because they are a hit every time! The combination of sweet potatoes and savory toppings creates a flavor explosion that is both satisfying and nutritious. Plus, they're easy to whip up, making them perfect for last-minute snacks or impressive appetizers. With a hint of spices and the option to customize the toppings, these sliders always leave my guests asking for the recipe. I can’t wait for you to try them out at your next event!
What You'll Need
Sweet Potato Sliders Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 slider buns
- Guacamole, for topping
- Sliced jalapenos, for topping
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
Once roasted, remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and mash them slightly with a fork. Spoon the mixture onto slider buns and add guacamole and sliced jalapenos on top. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, consider adding diced red onions or a drizzle of hot sauce on top of your sliders.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 3g