This Viral Sweet Potato Hack Was Good… Until I Upgraded It!

Ingredients

• 2 lb Sweet Potatoes (peeled and cut into 1‑inch cubes)
• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (softened)
• 1 unit Large Egg (room temperature)
• 2 tbsp Cornstarch (for binding the mash)
• 1 tsp Salt (kosher or table salt)
• 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 0.5 tsp Paprika (optional, adds color)
• 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder (optional)
• 10 unit Baby Cheese (Mozzarella Pearls) (bite‑size, room temperature)
• 0.5 cup All-Purpose Flour (for dredging)
• 2 unit Eggs (for coating) (beaten)
• 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (Japanese style, extra‑crisp)
• 2 cup Vegetable Oil (high smoke‑point oil for deep frying)

Instructions

1. Prep Sweet Potatoes

   Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into uniform 1‑inch cubes.

   Time: PT10M

2. Boil Until Tender

   Place the cubes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook until a fork slides in easily.

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: 100°C

3. Mash the Sweet Potatoes

   Drain the potatoes, return to the pot, and mash with butter, the egg, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until smooth and cohesive.

   Time: PT5M

4. Form Cheese‑Stuffed Balls

   Take a spoonful of mash, flatten, place a baby cheese piece in the center, and roll gently to encase the cheese, forming a ball about 1‑inch in diameter.

   Time: PT10M

5. Set Up Breading Station

   Arrange three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.

   Time: PT5M

6. Bread the Balls

   Roll each stuffed ball in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with panko. Place on a plate and refrigerate for 5 minutes to set the coating.

   Time: PT5M

7. Heat Oil

   Fill the frying pan with vegetable oil to a depth of about 1‑inch and heat to 180°C (350°F). Use a thermometer to check the temperature.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 180°C

8. Fry the Balls

   Carefully lower the breaded balls into the hot oil. Fry for 3‑4 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 180°C

9. Drain and Serve

   Remove the fried balls with tongs, place on paper towels to drain excess oil, and serve hot. Optionally sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

280

Protein

10g

Carbohydrates

30g

Fat

12g

Fiber

4g