Name: Crispy Sweet Potato Croquettes with Burrata Dip & Pistachio Crunch
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 tbsp butter; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 egg, lightly beaten; 1/2 cup flour; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; Oil for frying (vegetable or canola); ; 1 ball burrata cheese; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp lemon zest; Salt and pepper, to taste; ; 1/4 cup chopped pistachios; 1 tbsp honey; 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes

Jump to Recipe

Are you tired of the same old sweet potato recipes that leave you wanting more texture and excitement? Ever tried making something crispy and indulgent from sweet potatoes only to end up with a soggy disappointment?

You’re not alone! At Cooks Foody, we’ve perfected these Crispy Sweet Potato Croquettes with Burrata Dip & Pistachio Crunch that will transform how you think about this nutritious root vegetable.

These golden-brown croquettes deliver the perfect contrast of crispy exteriors and creamy, flavorful interiors, complemented by a luxurious burrata dip that melts in your mouth.

The pistachio crunch adds that final textural element that elevates this dish from good to unforgettable.

As Elizabeth from our Cooks Foody team discovered while experimenting in her Austin kitchen, the secret lies in properly draining the sweet potatoes and chilling the mixture before forming the croquettes. After countless tests and refinements, we’ve created a foolproof method that delivers consistently stunning results.

In this recipe guide, you’ll find everything from sweet potato selection tips and prep techniques to step-by-step instructions, flavor variations, and serving suggestions that will make these croquettes a star at your next gathering.

Why These Sweet Potato Croquettes Work

Uses budget-friendly sweet potatoes transformed into an elegant appetizer
Achieves the perfect crispy exterior while maintaining a moist, flavorful interior
Prep components ahead of time for stress-free entertaining
Versatile as an appetizer, side dish, or vegetarian main
Burrata dip creates a luxurious contrast to the crispy croquettes

Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes for Croquettes

Best Sweet Potato Varieties for Croquettes

Garnet and Jewel sweet potatoes work exceptionally well for croquettes due to their dense, less stringy texture and natural sweetness. Their bright orange flesh provides beautiful color and optimal moisture content for binding the croquettes together.

Buying Tips for Sweet Potatoes

Look for firm, unwrinkled sweet potatoes with no soft spots or sprouting. Medium-sized potatoes (about 8-10 oz each) are ideal for this recipe as they tend to have the best flavor concentration and texture. Avoid potatoes with cracks, as these may indicate inconsistent moisture levels.

Substitutions for Sweet Potato Croquettes

If sweet potatoes aren’t available, you can use regular potatoes, butternut squash, or even a combination of carrots and parsnips. Each alternative will create a slightly different flavor profile while still working with the binding method in this recipe.

Check out our comprehensive guide to sweet potatoes for more selection tips and cooking methods!

Sweet Potato Croquettes Ingredients & Prep

Crispy Sweet Potato Croquettes with Burrata Dip & Pistachio Crunch

Sweet Potato Base Preparation

For perfect croquettes, steam or bake your sweet potatoes instead of boiling them. This concentrates the flavor and prevents excess moisture that can make your croquettes fall apart. After cooking, let them cool completely before mashing to avoid a gummy texture.

Croquette Ingredients

2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, finely diced
2 tbsp fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage)
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
½ cup breadcrumbs, plus more for coating
Salt and pepper to taste

Burrata Dip & Pistachio Crunch Components

For the dip:

8 oz burrata cheese
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tbsp fresh herbs
Sea salt and cracked pepper

For the pistachio crunch:

½ cup pistachios, roughly chopped
2 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tbsp lemon zest
Pinch of flaky sea salt

Step-by-Step Sweet Potato Croquette Cooking Instructions

Pre-Cooking Sweet Potato Prep

Steam or bake sweet potatoes until very tender (about 20-25 minutes steaming, 45-60 minutes baking at 400°F).
Once cooled, mash sweet potatoes thoroughly, then spread them on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture for 15 minutes.
Transfer to a bowl and mix with garlic, shallot, herbs, paprika, Parmesan, egg, and internal breadcrumbs until well combined.
Refrigerate mixture for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) to firm up.

Croquette Forming Method

Using slightly wet hands, scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture and form into a cylinder or ball shape.
Roll each croquette in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Place formed croquettes on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for another 15 minutes before cooking.

Cooking Sweet Potato Croquettes

Heat 2 inches of neutral oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F.
Working in batches of 4-5 croquettes, fry until golden brown on all sides (about 2-3 minutes total).
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle immediately with a pinch of salt.

Assembling the Dish

Gently tear open the burrata onto a serving plate, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with lemon zest and herbs.
Arrange croquettes around the burrata.
Sprinkle pistachio crunch over both the croquettes and burrata dip.
Serve immediately while croquettes are still warm.

Pro Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Croquettes

Avoiding Soggy Croquettes

Thoroughly drain sweet potatoes after cooking and before mixing with other ingredients.
Don’t skip the refrigeration steps – chilling helps the mixture hold its shape.
Maintain oil temperature between 340-360°F for optimal crispiness.
Fry in small batches to prevent oil temperature from dropping too much.

Tool Recommendations

Food processor for uniform sweet potato mashing
Cookie scoop for consistent croquette sizing
Digital thermometer for precise oil temperature
Spider strainer for safely removing croquettes from hot oil

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Form and bread croquettes up to 24 hours in advance; store covered in refrigerator.
Cooked croquettes can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a 375°F oven until crisp (about 10 minutes).
The pistachio crunch can be made up to 1 week ahead and stored in an airtight container.

Looking for a sweet treat to follow these savory croquettes? Our Candy Cane Brownie Bombs are the perfect dessert complement!

Need more inspiration? Check out our beautiful collection of recipes on Pinterest for stunning food photography and creative cooking ideas!

Sweet Potato Croquette Flavor Variations

Spicy Sweet Potato Croquettes

Add 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or harissa to the sweet potato mixture, along with 1 teaspoon of cumin and a pinch of cayenne. Pair with a cooling yogurt dip instead of burrata for the perfect spicy-cool contrast.

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Croquettes

Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers. For extra binding power, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the mixture. These work beautifully with all the same flavorings as the original recipe.

Global Sweet Potato Croquette Inspirations

Cuisine	Flavor Additions	Dipping Sauce
Mediterranean	Feta, olives, oregano	Tzatziki
Asian	Ginger, scallions, sesame oil	Miso-mayo
Mexican	Corn, jalapeño, cilantro	Lime crema
Indian	Curry powder, peas, cilantro	Mint chutney

Pair these croquettes with our Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread for a complete meal!

Serving Sweet Potato Croquettes

These croquettes make a stunning appetizer for entertaining, but they can also shine as:

A sophisticated side dish alongside grilled fish or roasted chicken
The star of a vegetarian main course with a fresh green salad
Part of a tapas-style spread with olives, cheeses, and our Savory Cheddar Brunch Muffins

Beverage pairings:

Sparkling water with citrus for a refreshing contrast
Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Craft ciders that complement the sweet potato’s natural sweetness
Light-bodied lagers or wheat beers

Sweet Potato Croquette FAQs

Can I bake these croquettes instead of frying?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 425°F, place the formed croquettes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray or brush with oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. The texture won’t be quite as crispy as fried, but they’ll still be delicious.

My croquette mixture seems too wet. What can I do?
Add additional breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture holds its shape. You can also place the mixture in a fine-mesh sieve for 10 minutes to drain excess moisture.

Can I make these vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the egg with 2 tablespoons of flax meal mixed with 5 tablespoons of water (let sit for 5 minutes before using). Substitute the Parmesan with nutritional yeast, and replace the burrata dip with a cashew-based vegan cream.

How can I tell when my oil is the right temperature without a thermometer?
Drop a small piece of bread into the oil it should sizzle immediately and turn golden brown in about 60 seconds.

Conclusion

These Crispy Sweet Potato Croquettes with Burrata Dip & Pistachio Crunch represent what we at Cooks Foody love most about cooking – transforming simple ingredients into something spectacular through thoughtful technique and creative combinations.

Crispy Sweet Potato Croquettes with Burrata Dip & Pistachio Crunch