Sweet Potato Turnovers
Sweet potato turnovers feature creamy mashed sweet potatoes wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough, deep-fried to golden perfection, and dusted with powdered sugar for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil sweet potatoes until soft.
- Peel and mash the sweet potatoes.
- Add butter, sugar, nutmeg, and ginger to the mashed sweet potatoes.
- Mix well until smooth.
- Unroll the refrigerated crescent rolls into squares.
- Place some sweet potato filling on each square.
- Fold the edges of the squares together to seal the filling.
- Bring vegetable oil to a boil over medium heat.
- Carefully drop the filled turnovers into the hot oil, one at a time.
- Deep fry until golden brown and crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove turnovers from oil and drain on paper towels.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother filling, consider using a food processor to mix the sweet potato with the butter, sugar, nutmeg, and ginger. If you don't have nutmeg, cinnamon can be a great substitute. Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture; use a thermometer if possible. For a lighter alternative, you can bake the turnovers instead of frying them.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sweet potato turnovers warm, dusted with powdered sugar for a delightful finish. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a light salad or a bowl of Creamed Celery With Pecans for a contrasting flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Potato Turnovers contains roughly 199 calories, with 3g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute regular potatoes, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture will differ. Sweet potatoes provide a natural sweetness that complements the spices well. Experimenting with mashed butternut squash can also yield delicious results.
How can I make these turnovers in advance?
You can prepare the sweet potato filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble the turnovers just before frying to maintain their freshness. If you want, you can also freeze the un-fried turnovers for later use; just add a few extra minutes to the frying time when cooking from frozen.
What oil is best for frying these turnovers?
Vegetable oil is a great choice due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. Alternatively, you can use canola or peanut oil for a slightly different taste. Avoid using olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and can impart a strong flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).