These sweet potato cheddar balls are super soft and perfect as finger food for baby from 9 months, depending on your baby’s texture skills and comfort with pieces. They are made with just 2 main ingredients, plus a little panko or breadcrumbs for a crispy coating.
The sweet potato + cheddar combo is a winner: sweet potato brings a naturally mild, melt-in-the-mouth base, while cheddar adds flavor and helps bind the mixture.
Bonus: you can cook them in the air fryer or in the oven, whichever you prefer! You can even make them ahead, store them in the fridge, and reheat them in just a few minutes — perfect for busy weeks.
Ingredients
For about 15 balls:
Preparation
Start by cutting the sweet potato into slices, then steam it for 20 minutes, until it is very tender. Let it cool down a little afterward. This step is important: if the sweet potato is too hot, the mixture will be stickier and harder to shape.
Mash the sweet potato, then add the shredded cheddar. Mix until you get an even dough. Shape into balls, about 15, then roll them in the panko or breadcrumbs to coat them well.
For a nice golden finish, I put a little oil on my hands and roll each ball one last time between my palms. It also helps the coating stick well. You can add a very small drizzle of oil on top before cooking if you want them a little crispier.
Cooking
Air fryer
Place the balls on the air fryer rack. Cook for 15 minutes at 350°F / 180°C.
Oven
Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes at 350°F / 180°C.
At the end of cooking, let them cool well so baby does not burn their mouth. These balls can also be served cold with a little yogurt and lemon sauce.
Enjoy, baby!
Storage
These balls keep very well for 2 to 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container. They also freeze well: thaw them in the fridge, then reheat for a few minutes in the oven or air fryer so they become pleasant to eat again.
Why these sweet potato cheddar balls are great for baby
First, they have a great texture for gentle progress: soft inside, easy to mash with the gums, and you can adjust the size depending on your baby’s comfort. They are also very practical as finger food: they hold together well, so baby can practice eating independently, always under supervision of course.
Flavor-wise, sweet potato is naturally mild and sweet, while cheddar adds a more savory, cheesy note that often helps babies accept vegetables. Finally, this is a simple and quick recipe with very few ingredients, perfect for making ahead: prepare a batch, keep some in the fridge, and reheat in just a few minutes.
FAQ
From what age can baby eat these balls?
These balls are suitable from 9 months, to be adapted depending on your baby’s ability to handle pieces.
Can I bake them in the oven if I do not have an air fryer?
Yes! In the oven, bake for about 20 minutes at 350°F / 180°C on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In the air fryer, cook for 15 minutes at 350°F / 180°C.
What should I do if the mixture is too sticky?
Let the sweet potato cool down well before mixing it with the cheddar. If needed, lightly oil your hands and shape the balls without handling the mixture too much.
Panko or breadcrumbs: which works best?
Panko gives a crispier coating, but regular breadcrumbs work very well too. The important thing is to coat the balls evenly.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, no problem. Store them in the freezer, then thaw in the fridge and reheat for a few minutes in the oven or air fryer.
What can I serve with these balls for a complete meal?
You can serve them with soft cooked vegetables such as zucchini, carrot or broccoli, a protein, or a suitable starch such as pasta or soft rice, depending on the meal.
Is cheddar okay for baby?
Cheddar is a dairy product: it is okay if baby already tolerates milk proteins. Introduce it gradually if needed, and avoid adding salt since cheese already contains some.
More baby recipes for 9 month olds
More cheese baby recipes
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Baby and family broccoli soup recipe (Roasted hazelnuts and parmesan chips, from 10 months)
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